HS Code for Needle felt

Needle felt is classified under HS code 5602.10. This classification falls under Chapter 56, which deals with wadding, felt, and nonwovens, as well as special yarns and twine. Heading 5602 specifically covers felt, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated. Subheading 5602.10 is designated for needleloom felt and stitch-bonded fiber fabrics. Needle felt is produced through a mechanical process where barbed needles punch through a web of fibers, interlocking them to create a dense, non-woven fabric. This distinguishes it from traditional felt produced through moisture, heat, and pressure (often called wet felt). The classification is determined by the manufacturing process described in the subheading text. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, needleloom felt is characterized by the presence of needle marks or the fact that the fibers are interlocked by the needling process. This code applies regardless of the fiber type (synthetic or natural), provided the mechanical needling process is the primary method of formation. It also includes needleloom felt that has been subsequently impregnated or coated, provided it retains the character of felt. This material is widely used in automotive interiors, industrial filtration, and geotextiles.

Products Included

• Needle-punched industrial felt
• Stitch-bonded fiber fabrics
• Automotive needleloom carpeting
• Needle-felted underlay for flooring
• Needle-punched geotextile fabrics

Common Misclassification

Needle felt is frequently misclassified under HS code 5603, which covers nonwovens. While needle felt is technically a nonwoven material, the specific heading for felt (5602) takes precedence if the material meets the definition of needleloom felt. It may also be confused with 5602.21 or 5602.29, which cover other types of felt not made by the needleloom process. If the needle felt is heavily coated with plastics such that the textile is no longer the essential character, it might move to Chapter 39.

FAQ

What is the HS code for needle felt?

The HS code for needleloom felt and stitch-bonded fiber fabrics is 5602.10.

Does this include needle-punched carpets?

If the product is a finished floor covering, it may be classified under Chapter 57 (e.g., 5704.10), but the bulk material is generally 5602.10.