Upland Cotton Bale (Short Staple) from Japan
A compressed bale of upland cotton with staple length under 28.575 mm (1-1/8 inches), not carded or combed, used primarily for spinning into yarns for apparel and textiles. This raw cotton falls under HTS 5201.00.18.00 as 'other' short staple cotton excluding harsh or rough varieties and specific quota-limited types. It is imported in large bales for processing in textile mills.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Verify staple length measurement under 28.575 mm via certified testing to avoid reclassification; ensure no carding/combing has occurred with clean fiber inspection
• Be aware of aggregate quota limits under US Note for similar short staple cottons, though this subheading may have specific exemptions
• Provide bale weight and origin documentation to customs