Chapter 56 HS Codes: Chapter 56 Commodities
CHAPTER DEFINITION & SCOPE
HS Chapter 56 of the WCO Harmonized System covers chapter 56 commodities. It groups 9 4-digit WCO headings and 30 6-digit subheadings under the official 2026 customs nomenclature [USITC HTS 2026].
Chapter
Ch 56
Headings
9 Headings
Subheadings
30 HS6
US Tariff Status
Active 2026
Chapter 56 4-Digit Headings Directory
| Heading | WCO Heading Description | Subheading Count | Directory Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading 5601 | Wadding of textile materials and articles thereof; textile fibers, not exceeding 5 mm in length (flock), textile dust and mill neps | 4 subheadings | Browse Heading 5601 → |
| Heading 5602 | Felt, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated | 4 subheadings | Browse Heading 5602 → |
| Heading 5603 | Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated | 8 subheadings | Browse Heading 5603 → |
| Heading 5604 | Rubber thread and cord, textile covered; textile yarn, and strip and the like of heading 5404 or 5405, impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5604 → |
| Heading 5605 | Metalized yarn, whether or not gimped, being textile yarn, or strip or the like of heading 5404 or 5405, combined with metal in the form of thread, strip or powder or covered with metal | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 5605 → |
| Heading 5606 | Gimped yarn, and strip and the like of heading 5404 or 5405, gimped (other than those of heading 5605 and gimped horsehair yarn); chenille yarn (including flock chenille yarn); loop wale-yarn | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 5606 → |
| Heading 5607 | Twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics | 6 subheadings | Browse Heading 5607 → |
| Heading 5608 | Knotted netting of twine, cordage or rope; made up fishing nets and other made up nets, of textile materials | 3 subheadings | Browse Heading 5608 → |
| Heading 5609 | Articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading 5404 or 5405, twine, cordage, rope or cables, not elsewhere specified or included | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 5609 → |
Chapter 56 Subheading Sample & MFN Duty Rates
| HS Code | Subheading Description | Heading | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5601.21 | Wadding of textile materials and articles thereof, Of cotton | 5601 | View 5601.21 → |
| 5601.22 | Wadding of textile materials and articles thereof, Of man-made fibers | 5601 | View 5601.22 → |
| 5601.29 | Wadding of textile materials and articles thereof, Other | 5601 | View 5601.29 → |
| 5601.30 | Textile flock and dust and mill neps | 5601 | View 5601.30 → |
| 5602.10 | Needleloom felt and stitchbonded fiber fabrics | 5602 | View 5602.10 → |
| 5602.21 | Other felt, not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Of wool or fine animal hair (414) | 5602 | View 5602.21 → |
| 5602.29 | Other felt, not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Of other textile materials (223) | 5602 | View 5602.29 → |
| 5602.90 | Felt, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Other | 5602 | View 5602.90 → |
| 5603.11 | Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Of man-made filaments, Weighing not more than 25 g/m2 | 5603 | View 5603.11 → |
| 5603.12 | Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Of man-made filaments, Weighing more than 25 g/m2 but not more than 70 g/m2 | 5603 | View 5603.12 → |
| 5603.13 | Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Of man-made filaments, Weighing more than 70 g/m2 but not more than 150 g/m2 | 5603 | View 5603.13 → |
| 5603.14 | Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Of man-made filaments, Weighing more than 150 g/m2 | 5603 | View 5603.14 → |
| 5603.91 | Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Other, Weighing not more than 25 g/m2 | 5603 | View 5603.91 → |
| 5603.92 | Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Other, Weighing more than 25 g/m2 but not more than 70 g/m2 | 5603 | View 5603.92 → |
| 5603.93 | Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Other, Weighing more than 70 g/m2 but not more than 150 g/m2 | 5603 | View 5603.93 → |
EXPERT CLASSIFICATION PRO TIPS
Common Pitfalls When Classifying Chapter 56 Goods
- Always review WCO Section and Chapter Legal Notes before assigning 4-digit headings.
- Distinguish carefully between unprocessed raw materials and further prepared or processed articles.
- Verify Partner Government Agency (PGA) flags for agriculture, food, or chemical items.
- Cross-reference official CBP CROSS rulings for binding precedents on mixed or composite goods.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 56 Tariff ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
Customs Rulings Online Search System for Chapter 56 binding classification precedents.
WCO HS Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization international 6-digit Harmonized System backbone standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau trade statistics and Schedule B concordance portal.
Chapter 56 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commodities are covered under HS Chapter 56?
Chapter 56 (Chapter 56 Commodities) covers WCO Harmonized System 4-digit headings from 5601 upward, encompassing primary goods, raw materials, and manufactured articles within this nomenclature section.
How many 4-digit headings exist in HS Chapter 56?
Chapter 56 contains 9 official 4-digit WCO headings and 30 6-digit tariff subheadings.
What is the US general import duty range for Chapter 56 commodities?
Base customs duties under Chapter 56 range from 0.0% (Duty-Free) up to representative MFN rate limits depending on 10-digit HTS statistical suffix extensions.
Do Section 301 China tariffs apply to Chapter 56 imports?
Section 301 tariffs depend on specific 8-digit HTS subheadings. Importers must verify if their exact HTS code appears on USTR Lists 1 through 4A.
Are Partner Government Agency (PGA) permits required for Chapter 56?
PGA message-set flags (such as FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA, or CITES) apply conditionally depending on the commodity classification within Chapter 56.
How are products classified between adjacent headings in Chapter 56?
Classification follows WCO General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 through 6, prioritizing specific heading terms over general descriptions.
Can Chapter 56 goods enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in USMCA member states (US, Mexico, Canada) or FTA partners enter duty-free under SPI code P, KR, AU, or CL with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Chapter 56 shipments?
Eligible commercial shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day may enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal entry of Chapter 56 goods?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and entry summary CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP ruling for Chapter 56?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling application under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division.