HS 500400 Unbleached, scoured or bleached
Quick Answer: Silk yarn, unbleached, scoured, or bleached, imported under HS 500400 enters the US at 40% ad valorem, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the UK at 0.00% ad valorem. This classification specifically applies to single or multiple threads of silk, prepared for retail sale or for manufacturing, excluding those spun from silk waste. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity between major trading blocs. According to CustomTariffs data, careful consideration of the destination market's tariff schedule is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5004001000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5004001010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5004001090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5004009000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5004001000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 5004001010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 5004001090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 5004009000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5004000000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 500400 cover?
This subheading covers silk yarn, not put up for retail sale, that is unbleached, scoured, or bleached. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 5004 specifically addresses silk yarn. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to raw silk yarn in various stages of processing before it is prepared for consumer use, excluding any yarn that has been dyed or otherwise colored.
What falls outside HS 500400?
The following products are excluded from HS 500400: silk yarn that has been dyed, is put up for retail sale, or is incorporated into other articles. For instance, silk sewing thread, classified under HS 500500, and silk fabrics, falling under Chapter 50, are distinct classifications. Furthermore, silk waste or garnetted stock, typically classified in HS 500300, is also outside the scope of this subheading, as it represents a different stage of silk material processing.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 500400?
A common error is misclassifying dyed silk yarn under this subheading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If silk yarn has undergone any dyeing process, it would be excluded from HS 500400 and likely classified under a more specific heading for dyed yarns, such as those found in Chapter 50 or 51, depending on the material and its presentation.
How should importers classify products under HS 500400?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 500400 involves a thorough examination of the product's characteristics and presentation. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the silk yarn is indeed unbleached, scoured, or bleached and is not put up for retail sale. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System will ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 500400?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of unbleached silk yarn, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS 500400. The calculation is: 3.5% of $5,000 USD = $175.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 500400?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 500400, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 500400 (Silk yarn, unbleached, scoured or bleached)?
Import duty rates for HS code 500400 vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. However, other countries may have different rates. For instance, the EU's TARIC system might show rates such as 4.00% ad valorem for certain origins. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the applicable duty rate, considering any preferential agreements.
How is the import duty for HS code 500400 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 500400 typically depends on whether the duty is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination. For example, if a country imposes a 4.00% ad valorem duty and the declared value of the silk yarn shipment is $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: 4.00% of $10,000 USD = $400 USD. If there is also a specific duty component, such as $0.50 per kilogram, and the shipment weighs 500 kg, an additional $250 USD ($0.50/kg * 500 kg) would be applied. Always verify the exact duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) from the importing country's tariff.
What documentation is generally required for importing silk yarn under HS code 500400?
When importing silk yarn classified under HS code 500400, standard import documentation is usually required. This typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation; and a certificate of origin, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed under a trade agreement. Depending on the importing country's regulations, additional documents such as phytosanitary certificates or quality inspection reports might be requested.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for silk yarn (HS 500400) into major markets like the US or EU?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 500400 are often available through various trade agreements. For imports into the United States, agreements like the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) or agreements with countries like Australia might offer reduced or zero duties, provided the yarn meets the rules of origin. In the European Union, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) or specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with partner countries can grant preferential access. Importers should verify the specific terms and rules of origin for each relevant trade agreement with the customs authorities or through official tariff databases like the EU TARIC or USITC.
What are the key criteria to distinguish between different states of silk yarn (unbleached, scoured, or bleached) under HS code 500400 for customs purposes?
For customs classification under HS code 500400, the distinction between unbleached, scoured, and bleached silk yarn is based on the processing the raw silk has undergone. 'Unbleached' yarn is in its natural state after spinning, retaining most of its natural gum (sericin) and color. 'Scoured' yarn has undergone a process to remove the sericin, making it softer and more lustrous, typically appearing off-white. 'Bleached' yarn has been further treated with chemicals to achieve a white color. Importers should ensure their commercial documentation accurately reflects the processing state of the yarn, as this is fundamental to its correct classification.