HS Code for Filter cloth

Filter cloth is classified under HS code 5911.40, which falls within Chapter 59 of the Harmonized System, covering impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated textile fabrics and textile articles for technical uses. The classification is specifically governed by Note 7 to Chapter 59, which defines the scope of products intended for industrial or technical applications. Subheading 5911.40 is dedicated to straining cloth of a kind used in oil presses and similar industrial machinery. This classification is unique because it includes cloth made from any textile material, including human hair, provided it is designed for the specific technical purpose of filtration or straining under pressure. The determination of this code relies on General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings. The material must exhibit specific technical characteristics, such as high tensile strength, resistance to chemical degradation, and a specific porosity required for industrial separation processes. Unlike standard apparel or household textiles, these fabrics are engineered to withstand the mechanical stresses of industrial oil extraction or chemical filtration systems.

Products Included

• Straining cloth for oil presses
• Industrial filter fabrics made of synthetic fibers
• Filter cloth made of human hair for technical use
• Heavy textile fabrics for pressure filters
• Bolting cloth for industrial sifting

Common Misclassification

Filter cloth is frequently misclassified under 5911.10, which covers narrow textile fabrics, or 5911.90, which is a residual category for other technical textile products. Another common error is using 6307.90 for finished textile articles; however, if the cloth is specifically for technical filtration in machinery, 5911.40 takes precedence. Additionally, if the cloth is not yet cut to shape or specifically prepared for a machine, some importers mistakenly use general fabric codes in Chapters 54 or 55.

FAQ

What is the HS code for filter cloth?

The HS code for filter cloth used in oil presses or similar technical applications is 5911.40.

Does the material of the cloth change the HS code?

No, for subheading 5911.40, the technical use as straining cloth is the primary factor, and it explicitly includes various materials, including human hair and synthetic polymers.