HS Code for Felt carpet tiles

Felt carpet tiles are classified under HS code 5704.10 based on their material composition and physical dimensions. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified according to the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 5704 specifically covers carpets and other textile floor coverings of felt, which are not tufted or flocked. The subheading 5704.10 is a restrictive category reserved for tiles that have a maximum surface area of 0.3 square meters (typically 54.7 cm x 54.7 cm or smaller). The classification requires that the felt forms the exposed surface of the floor covering. These products are often manufactured via needle-punching, where textile fibers are mechanically interlocked. The presence of a backing, such as bitumen, rubber, or plastic, does not exclude the product from this heading, provided the essential character of the floor covering is the felt textile. This classification ensures that modular flooring units are distinguished from bulk rolls or larger rugs, which carry different trade implications and duty rates.

Products Included

• Needle-punched felt floor tiles
• Modular felt carpet squares (under 0.3m2)
• Adhesive-backed felt tiles for flooring
• Non-tufted felt acoustic floor tiles

Common Misclassification

Felt carpet tiles are frequently confused with HS code 5704.90. The distinction is purely based on size; if a tile exceeds 0.3 square meters, it must be classified under 5704.90. Additionally, they are often misclassified under 5703.31 or 5703.39, which are reserved for tufted carpets. If the carpet has yarns inserted into a pre-existing backing (tufting), it cannot be classified as felt under 5704. Finally, industrial felt not intended for floor covering falls under 5602.

FAQ

What is the HS code for felt carpet tiles?

The HS code for felt carpet tiles with a surface area not exceeding 0.3 square meters is 5704.10.

Does the backing material change the HS code?

Generally, no. As long as the top surface is felt and it is intended as a floor covering, the use of bitumen or PVC backing is standard for 5704.10.