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Fine Denier Polyester Tow for Apparel Fibers from China

Polyester filament tow with fine denier per filament (2-5 dpf), intended for cutting into staple fibers for apparel fabrics like shirts and dresses. It is classified in HTS 5501.20.00.00 as polyester synthetic filament tow, an intermediate material in the yarn production chain. The uncrimped bundle form distinguishes it from yarns or fibers.

Duty Rate — China → United States

45%

Rate breakdown

9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China

Import Tips

Document average denier and filament specs to avoid reclassification as coarser industrial tow

Ensure origin certificates for polyester resin source

Pitfall: importing pre-crimped tow may shift to staple fiber codes