Abaca Waste Tow
Abaca waste tow consists of short fibers and tow from the processing of abaca (Manila hemp), a bast fiber. It is processed but not spun, making it classifiable under tariff item 5303.90.00 as 'other' flax-like fibers, tow and waste.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the abaca is in the form of raw fiber, not tow or waste
Raw abaca fiber is classified under heading 53.05, which covers other vegetable textile fibers, not under flax tow and waste.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the abaca waste tow is free from soil, pests, or plant debris to meet CBSA phytosanitary requirements
• Provide a detailed commercial invoice describing the fiber as processed but unspun
• Verify if a permit is needed under the Plant Protection Act for imported plant fibers
Related Products under Tariff item 5303.90.00
Bast Fiber Blended Tow
Bast fiber blended tow is a mixture of jute and kenaf tow, processed but not spun. It falls under tariff item 5303.90.00 as 'other' bast fibers, tow and waste, since it is not flax but shares similar characteristics.
Bimli Bast Fiber
Bimli bast fiber is processed from the bimli plant (Hibiscus cannabinus), a jute-like bast fiber. It is unspun and used in twine and nets, qualifying for tariff item 5303.90.00 as 'other' bast fibers.
Hessian Jute Tow
Hessian jute tow consists of short fiber remnants and waste from processing jute for burlap. It is cleaned but unspun, used for stuffing or low-grade yarn, and falls under tariff item 5303.90.00 as jute tow and waste.
Jute Roving
Jute roving is a soft, loose strand of processed jute fibers drawn out but not twisted into yarn. It serves as an intermediate material for spinning and is classified under tariff item 5303.90.00 as processed jute, not spun.
Jute Silver
Jute sliver consists of parallelized jute fibers drawn into sliver form, a pre-roving stage. It is processed but unspun, qualifying for tariff item 5303.90.00 as processed jute fiber.
Jute Yarn Waste Garnetted Stock
Jute yarn waste garnetted stock is regenerated fiber from mechanically garnetted jute yarn waste, suitable for re-spinning. It is explicitly included in tariff item 5303.90.00 as yarn waste and garnetted stock of jute.