SMS Nonwoven Polypropylene SMS Fabric
SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric from polypropylene filaments, 18 g/m², ideal for surgical masks and filters. Classified under HTS 5603.11.00 for lightweight man-made filament nonwovens without disqualifying plastic lamination. The meltblown layer bonds fibers internally without visible external coating.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If cut and hemmed into finished disposable garments
Converted into made-up textile articles shifts from raw nonwoven (5603) to Chapter 63 finished goods.
If primarily of synthetic staple fibers, not filaments
Heading 5603 distinguishes filaments (5603.1) from staple fiber nonwovens (5603.9).
If for retail sale if impregnated/coated with plastics forming self-adhesive layer
Visible plastic impregnation changes to Chapter 39 self-adhesives if coating is apparent.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Document SMS production process to prove nonwoven status; distinguish from laminated products
• Ensure grammage testing confirms ≤25 g/m²; overweight shipments may incur higher duties under 5603.12
• Avoid pitfall of declaring as 'plastic film' if minimal meltblown; naked eye test per chapter notes is key
Related Products under HTS 5603.11.00
Polyester Flashspun Nonwoven Fabric
Flashspun polyester filament nonwoven, 12 g/m², known for high strength in packaging interliners. HTS 5603.11.00 applies to this direct-spun man-made filament product under 25 g/m², without coatings. Tyvek-like material but classified as nonwoven per structure.
Polypropylene Spunbond Nonwoven Fabric
Lightweight spunbond nonwoven fabric made from polypropylene man-made filaments, weighing 20 g/m², used for disposable medical gowns and protective covers. It falls under HTS 5603.11.00 as a nonwoven of man-made filaments under 25 g/m², not impregnated or coated beyond basic bonding. This classification applies to its primary fibrous structure without visible plastic embedding.
PET Spunlace Nonwoven Wipe Substrate
Spunlace nonwoven from polyester (PET) man-made filaments, 22 g/m², used as base for wet wipes before saturation. HTS 5603.11.00 covers this lightweight filament nonwoven, as hydroentangling bonds without plastics or rubber per chapter notes. Not yet impregnated for final use.
Nylon Filament Nonwoven Air Filter Media
Ultra-light nylon filament nonwoven sheet at 15 g/m² for HVAC air filtration. Falls under HTS 5603.11.00 as unimpregnated man-made filament nonwoven under 25 g/m². Chapter notes confirm inclusion absent plastic lamination.
PP Meltblown Nonwoven Filter Layer
Standalone meltblown polypropylene filament nonwoven at 24 g/m² for respirator filters. Under HTS 5603.11.00 as lightweight man-made nonwoven with internal fiber bonding, no external lamination. Used in multi-layer composites but imported separately.