Skin and other parts of birds with their feather or down; feathers, parts of feather, down and articles thereof (other than goods of heading no. 0505 and worked quills and scapes)

HS code 6701 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Skin and other parts of birds with their feather or down; feathers, parts of feather, down and articles thereof (other than goods of heading no. 0505 and worked quills and scapes). Heading 6701 encompasses "Skin and other parts of birds with their feather or down; feathers, parts of feather, down and articles thereof (other than goods of heading no. 0505 and worked quills and scapes)." This classification covers prepared feathers and down, meaning they have undergone processes such as cleaning, disinfecting, sorting, dyeing, curling, or being made into articles. The scope includes whole bird skins with feathers (often for taxidermy or display), individual decorative feathers, feather boas, feather dusters, feather trims for clothing, and other finished articles primarily composed of feathers or down. It's crucial to distinguish this heading from 0505, which covers raw, unworked feathers and down typically used for stuffing. The "prepared" aspect is the defining characteristic here. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to potential CITES regulations concerning endangered bird species, as well as sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for animal products. The trade in prepared feathers serves diverse industries, including fashion (haute couture, accessories), crafts, theatrical costumes, and home decor. This heading is a key component of Chapter 67, which broadly covers prepared feathers, artificial flowers, and articles of human hair, highlighting the transformation of natural materials into decorative or functional items.

Prepared ostrich feathers for decoration, feather boas, feather dusters, decorative peacock feathers, down-filled ornamental cushions, feather trims for clothing, cleaned and dyed turkey feathers, feather masks, feather earrings, feather headpieces, prepared bird skins with feathers (for display), feather fans, natural goose feathers for crafts, artificial bird wings (made of feathers), feather hackles for fishing flies (prepared), feather pads for hats, cleaned duck down (for non-bedding articles), feather flowers (primarily feather material), feather pens (decorative), feather stoles, feather collars.

A common misclassification involves confusing prepared feathers under 6701 with raw feathers and down under 0505. The critical distinction is that 6701 items are 'prepared' (cleaned, dyed, sorted, made into articles), while 0505 covers raw, unworked materials, typically for stuffing. Another error is classifying taxidermied birds or parts under 6701 when they are clearly collectors' items of zoological interest, which should fall under 9705. While feathers are involved, the primary character of the article dictates the classification. Additionally, if feathers are used to create flower-like forms, confusion with 6702 (artificial flowers) can arise; the primary material (feather vs. textile/plastic) determines the correct heading.

China is a dominant exporter of processed feathers and feather articles, alongside South Africa (especially for ostrich feathers) and India (for craft items). Major importers include EU countries (particularly Spain, France, Italy for fashion), the USA (for crafts and decoration), and Japan. Trade in these goods is heavily influenced by CITES regulations for endangered species, requiring strict permits and documentation. Sanitary certificates may also be necessary for animal products. Tariff rates can vary based on the degree of processing and specific bilateral trade agreements, with preferential treatment often available for certain origins.

HS code 6701 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 67 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (67) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.