Polypropylene Felt Carpet Underlay from Japan
A nonwoven polypropylene felt sheet weighing over 150 g/m², designed specifically as an underlay for carpet flooring to provide cushioning and sound insulation. It falls under HTS 5603.94.10 as a nonwoven floor covering underlay exceeding the weight threshold, not embedded in plastics or rubber per chapter notes.
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 weight exceeds 150 g/m² with lab testing to confirm classification in 5603.94.10; lighter nonwovens shift to 5603.93
• Provide mill test reports showing nonwoven construction and no visible plastic/rubber embedding to avoid reclassification to Chapter 39
• Label as 'floor covering underlay' and include end-use declaration to prevent customs disputes over general-purpose nonwovens