HS Code for Stitch-bonded fabric

Stitch-bonded fabrics are classified under HS code 5602.10 because they are considered a form of felt or nonwoven material where the web of fibers is mechanically held together by a series of stitches. Unlike traditional woven or knitted fabrics, which rely on the interlacing or interlooping of yarns, stitch-bonded fabrics are created by reinforcing a fiber layer with yarns or filaments using a stitching process. This classification falls within Chapter 56, which covers wadding, felt, and nonwovens. The inclusion of stitch-bonded fabrics in this heading is based on the manufacturing technique where the primary structure is a fiber web, even if the stitching yarn provides significant structural integrity. This code also encompasses these fabrics when they have been impregnated, coated, or laminated, provided they retain the character of stitch-bonded fiber fabrics. The classification is driven by the nonwoven nature of the base material, which distinguishes it from standard textile products in Chapters 50 through 55. The mechanical bonding through stitching is the defining characteristic that places it specifically within the 5602.10 category alongside needleloom felt.

Products Included

• Needleloom felt
• Stitch-bonded fiber fabrics
• Impregnated stitch-bonded fabrics
• Laminated stitch-bonded nonwovens
• Coated stitch-bonded fiber webs

Common Misclassification

Stitch-bonded fabrics are frequently misclassified under headings 60.01 through 60.06, which cover various types of knitted or crocheted fabrics. While the stitching process resembles knitting, the presence of a nonwoven fiber web as the primary substrate dictates classification in Chapter 56. Additionally, if the fabric is heavily coated with plastics, it might be confused with HS code 5903, but it remains in 5602.10 as long as the textile component remains the essential character of the product.

FAQ

What is the HS code for stitch-bonded fabric?

The HS code for stitch-bonded fabric is 5602.10, which includes needleloom felt and similar stitch-bonded fiber fabrics.

Is stitch-bonded fabric considered a woven material?

No, it is classified as a nonwoven or felt-like material because it is formed from a web of fibers rather than interlaced yarns.