5603

Analysis

Heading 5603 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated. It divides into 8 six-digit subheadings and 11 eight-digit tariff lines, with 27 ten-digit statistical suffixes below them.

Every one of its 11 tariff lines is duty-free at the general rate, so classification within the heading affects statistics and Chapter 99 measures rather than the base duty.

Its median rate of duty-free sits at the 18th percentile of the headings in chapter 56.

The largest subheadings are 5603.94 (weighing more than 150 g/m2, 3 lines), 5603.14 (weighing more than 150 g/m2, 2 lines), 5603.11 (unnamed, 1 line) and 5603.12 (unnamed, 1 line).

By Census's concordance, most of its statistical lines are made by Nonwoven Fabric Mills (313230). Those are the NAICS industries a US producer of these goods would report under.

The heading text decides whether a product belongs here at all (General Rule of Interpretation 1); the subheadings and lines below it only apply once that is settled. Section and chapter notes can override the heading wording, so read them for borderline goods.