Water proof finish should still be classified by degree because of its involvement in a big duty rate difference for export to the United States.Please note the following:
If the fabric in question is a TC fabric and the water proof finish is only a regular water proof finish which cannot pass the Rain water Test No. AATCC-35 the import duty is 34% for jackets. However, if the same fabric with water proof finishes which can pass AATCC-35 test and qualifies as rainwater resistant, then the duty is 7.6%.
To pass the rain water test no. AATCC-35 the fabric has to go through a Cup Test where the fabric has to stand 600mm water pressure without leakage.(The laboratory can do the test for you)
Most fabric finishing mills know about the above test and the required water proof standard to qualify for rainwater duty. The importance is to specify clearly what you need when you order the fabric.
From the above you will see that the duty difference between 7.6% and 34 % is big. If you use the right quality of water proof finish, you can benefit from the low duty rate. However please note that apart from the water proof finish, the style of the jacket has to be taken into consideration too. If the styling of the jacket is obviously not to be used, and cannot be used as a rainwear, the U.S Customs may refuse to let you enter the garments as rainwear duty, although the fabric meets the water proof standards required. The styling which may cause the jacket not to be a rainwear can be briefly noted an s follows:
- Quilting stitches are done on the outside; water can easily go to the padding through the numerous needle holes.
- With packets without flaps, water can easily go into the pockets as many pieces joined together. Water can go through the seams.
- If the jacket