Natural Toquilla Straw Hat Bodies from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
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