Raw or Retted Jute & Other Textile Bast Fibers (Excl. Flax, Hemp & Ramie)

Yes. Raw and retted bast fibers are plant materials subject to USDA APHIS import regulations. A phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country's national plant protection organization is generally required, and APHIS may impose additional treatment or inspection requirements depending on the country of origin and pest-risk profile.

Retting is the initial biological or chemical step that loosens the fiber from the woody stem; retted fiber is still in a largely unworked state and classifies here under 530310. Once the fiber has been further processed — broken, scutched, or hackled to separate usable fiber from waste — it moves to heading 530390 (processed but not spun). The distinction matters because the two headings carry different tariff treatment.