Natural Toquilla Straw Hat Bodies from China
Hat shapes plaited from unbleached toquilla palm strips, not sewn, blocked, or adorned, ideal for Panama hat bases. Falls under HTS 6502.00.40.00 as unprocessed shapes from unspun vegetable fibers, neither bleached nor colored.
Duty Rate — China → United States
41.5%
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
• Include botanical identification for toquilla fibers to prevent reclassification as generic plaits
• Ensure no post-plaiting treatments like bleaching; test samples if needed for customs verification
• Declare as 'hat shapes' not 'hats' to avoid 6504 duties; watch for inadvertent trimming