HS Code for Synthetic felt

Synthetic felt is classified under HS code 5602.29, a designation within Chapter 56 which covers wadding, felt, and nonwovens. Felt is defined as a textile material produced by the interlocking of fibers through a combination of mechanical action, moisture, and heat. The classification 5602.29 is specifically for felt made of textile materials other than wool or fine animal hair. It is a residual category for felt that is not 'needleloom' felt (which falls under 5602.10). To be classified here, the felt must not be impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated with other materials like plastics or rubber in a way that changes its essential character. The fibers used are typically synthetic staple fibers like polyester or acrylic. This classification relies on GRI 1, as the heading 5602 specifically names felt, and GRI 6 for the selection of the subheading based on material composition and manufacturing method.

Products Included

• Pressed synthetic fiber felt sheets
• Polyester felt in the piece for industrial use
• Acrylic felt rolls for craft applications
• Non-needleloom synthetic felt padding
• Synthetic felt strips for insulation

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with 5602.10, which covers needleloom felt. Needleloom felt is distinguished by the visible needle punctures used to entangle the fibers. Another common error is 5603, which covers nonwovens. While felt is technically a non-woven material, the HS nomenclature distinguishes 'felt' (5602) from 'other nonwovens' (5603) based on the traditional manufacturing process of felting versus modern bonding techniques. Additionally, if the felt is coated with plastic (e.g., for waterproofing), it may be moved to 3921 or 5903.

FAQ

What is the HS code for synthetic felt?

The HS code for synthetic felt (not needleloom and not wool-based) is 5602.29.

How is felt different from nonwovens in the HS system?

Felt (5602) is generally produced by the wet-milling or heat-pressing of fibers, whereas nonwovens (5603) are typically bonded through adhesives, thermal fusion, or hydro-entanglement, though the distinction can be technical and depends on the specific fiber orientation.