Felt; of wool or fine animal hair (excluding needleloom felt or stitch-bonded fibre fabrics), not impregnated, coated, covered nor laminated

HS code 560221 covers the production of felt made from wool or fine animal hair, excluding needleloom felt or stitch-bonded fiber fabrics. This industry plays a crucial role in the textile and apparel supply chain, providing a versatile and durable material used in a wide range of applications, from clothing and accessories to industrial and construction products. As a key component in the broader HS_SECTION_XI Textiles and textile articles sector, the felt industry contributes significantly to the global economy.

The production of felt covered under HS code 560221 typically involves a process known as wet felting. This method involves matting, condensing, and pressing wool or fine animal fibers, such as cashmere or angora, using heat, moisture, and mechanical agitation. The fibers interlock and bind together, creating a dense, cohesive fabric. Additional finishing processes, such as dyeing, calendering, or shrinking, may be applied to the felt to achieve desired properties and appearances.

The main inputs required for the production of felt under HS code 560221 are wool or fine animal fibers, such as those from sheep, goats, or rabbits. These raw materials are the primary components used in the wet felting process. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized machinery, including felting machines, rollers, and presses, as well as water, heat, and various chemicals or dyes for finishing the felt.

The felt produced under HS code 560221 is a versatile material used in a variety of applications, including HS_CODE_6210 Garments made up of felt or nonwovens, HS_CODE_6504 Hats and other headgear, plaited or made by assembling strips of any material, whether or not lined or trimmed, and HS_CODE_6506 Other headgear, whether or not lined or trimmed. It is also used in the production of HS_CODE_6807 (Articles of asphalt or of similar material (for example, petroleum bitumen or coal tar pitch)), HS_CODE_6812 (Fabricated asbestos fibers; mixtures with a basis of asbestos or with a basis of asbestos and magnesium carbonate; articles of such mixtures or of asbestos (for example, thread, woven fabric, clothing, headgear, footwear, gaskets), whether or not reinforced, other than goods of heading 6811 or 6813), and HS_CODE_6813 (Friction material and articles thereof (for example, sheets, rolls, strips, segments, discs, washers, pads), not mounted, for brakes, for clutches or the like, with a basis of asbestos, of other mineral substances or of cellulose, whether or not combined with textile or other materials).