Tapestry and upholstery fabrics are essential components in the world of interior design and home decor. These fabrics not only add aesthetic value to furniture and living spaces but also contribute to the overall comfort and functionality of a room. HS Code 51119040 specifically refers to tapestry and upholstery fabrics made of carded wool or fine animal hair, weighing over 300 g/m2, and containing less than 85% wool or hair, nesoi (not elsewhere specified).
Understanding the HS code system is crucial for international trade and customs purposes. The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally recognized system for classifying and coding goods. It allows governments, traders, and statisticians to categorize and track various products, facilitating the smooth flow of goods across borders. HS codes are used by customs authorities to determine duties, taxes, and trade regulations applicable to specific products.
HS Code 51119040 assigns a unique code to tapestry and upholstery fabrics, making it easier for importers, exporters, and customs officials to identify and classify these products. The code provides specific details about the composition, weight, and origin of the fabrics, enabling accurate trade data analysis and regulatory compliance.
One important aspect of HS Code 51119040 is the bound or most-favored-nation (MFN) duty rate of 7%. The MFN duty rate represents the standard tariff applied to the importation of the specified goods. In this case, tapestry and upholstery fabrics falling under HS Code 51119040 are subject to a 7% duty rate. This rate applies uniformly to all trading partners of a country, ensuring fairness and non-discrimination in international trade.
Furthermore, the quantity unit for tapestry and upholstery fabrics under HS Code 51119040 is measured in square meters (M2). This unit of measurement helps standardize the calculation of quantity and pricing, facilitating accurate trade invoicing and documentation.
Several special tariff preference programs are also applicable to tapestry and upholstery fabrics under HS Code 51119040. These programs offer preferential treatment in the form of reduced or zero-duty rates for eligible countries. For example, Bahrain, Canada (under NAFTA), Chile, Israel, Jordan, Mexico (under NAFTA), Peru, and Singapore all benefit from duty-free treatment for these fabrics. Australia enjoys a special rate of 3%, while Morocco and Oman have rates of 0.7% and 5.6%, respectively.
When importing tapestry and upholstery fabrics under HS Code 51119040 into the United States, it is important to consider the specific regulations and requirements of individual states. Similarly, when exporting these fabrics from the United States, knowledge of the destination country's import regulations is essential. Compliance with these regulations ensures smooth customs clearance and avoids potential delays or penalties.
HS Code 51119040 plays a vital role in the classification, regulation, and trade of tapestry and upholstery fabrics. By providing specific details about the product, its composition, and origin, the code enables efficient customs processing, accurate trade statistics, and fair trade practices. Importers, exporters, and customs officials must familiarize themselves with HS Code 51119040 and its associated regulations to ensure smooth international trade operations.