Mesta Tow
Mesta tow consists of short fiber tow from the mesta plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa/cannabinus), a jute substitute. It is processed for paper and coarse yarn and falls under tariff item 5303.90.00 as 'other' bast fiber tow.
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 mesta is in raw fiber form, not tow
Raw mesta fiber is classified under heading 53.05 for other vegetable textile fibers.
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
• Confirm the botanical source of the mesta on the packing list
• Ensure the tow is processed but not spun
• Check if the tow meets Canadian import requirements for plant fibers
Related Products under Tariff item 5303.90.00
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.
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.