SMS Nonwoven Fabric 120 g/m² for Surgical Drapes from China

SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric at 120 g/m² provides bacterial barrier properties for surgical drapes and gowns. Classified in HTS 5603.93.00.90 due to its nonwoven construction and weight between 70-150 g/m², with bonding not relying on plastics as the primary substance. It meets chapter definitions for nonwovens enhanced by mechanical or thermal processes.

Duty Rate — China → United States

35%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
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)

Import Tips

Obtain ISO 10993 biocompatibility certification for medical end-use to facilitate FDA clearance alongside customs

Document production process to prove it's a true nonwoven (not knitted/crocheted) avoiding misclassification to Chapters 60-61

Watch for over-declaration of meltblown content; if plastics form the bonding substance per notes, it may shift to 5603 exclusions