Gum-Coated Book Cover Cloth from China
Woven cotton fabric coated with gum or starch to provide stiffness and durability, specifically used for outer covers of hardcover books. This falls under HTS 5901.90.40.00 as a textile fabric coated with amylaceous substances for bookbinding purposes. The coating is visible and enhances printability and foldability.
Duty Rate — China → United States
41.6%
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
• Verify the coating is gum or starch-based via lab testing, as misclassification to uncoated fabrics is common
• Provide documentation proving end-use for book covers to avoid reclassification
• Ensure fabric weight and stiffness meet 'stiffened textile' criteria per chapter notes