HS 500500 Unbleached, scoured or bleached
Quick Answer: Silk waste, including noils, carded or combed, enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.90% ad valorem, and the US at 50% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers silk waste that has undergone processes such as unbleaching, scouring, or bleaching. Importers should be aware of these varying duty rates across major markets, as highlighted by CustomTariffs data. Accurate classification is crucial for compliance and optimizing landed costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5005001000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5005001010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5005009090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5005001090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5005009000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5005001000 | 2.90 % | — | — |
| 5005001010 | 2.90 % | — | — |
| 5005001090 | 2.90 % | — | — |
| 5005009000 | 2.90 % | — | — |
| 5005009010 | 2.90 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50050000 | Free | — | — |
| 5005000010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 5005000090 | — | — | ["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 500500 cover?
This subheading covers silk waste, noils, and garnetted stock, specifically those that are unbleached, scoured, or bleached. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses raw silk fibers that have undergone initial processing but have not yet been spun into yarn or woven into fabric. Official definitions from sources like the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to silk materials in a state suitable for further manufacturing, excluding finished textile articles.
What falls outside HS 500500?
The following products are excluded from HS 500500: spun silk yarns, woven silk fabrics, and finished silk articles such as apparel or home furnishings. Also excluded are silk cocoons (classified under 5002.00) and raw silk, not thrown (classified under 5001.00), which have not undergone the scouring or bleaching processes described. Items like silk noils that have been dyed or printed would also fall under different classifications, typically within Chapter 50 or Chapter 52 if blended with other fibers.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 500500?
A common error is misclassifying dyed or printed silk waste, noils, or garnetted stock under this subheading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), composite goods are classified according to the material or component that gives them their essential character. If silk waste has been dyed, it is no longer merely "unbleached, scoured or bleached" and would likely be classified under a more specific heading for dyed silk materials, often within Chapter 50 but at a different subheading level.
How should importers classify products under HS 500500?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 500500 involves a thorough examination of the material's processing state. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the silk waste, noils, or garnetted stock are indeed only unbleached, scoured, or bleached, and have not undergone further treatments like dyeing or printing. Consulting the specific product's technical specifications and comparing them against the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 500500?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of bleached silk noils, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($1,500 USD × 10% = $150.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5005.00.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 500500?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 500500, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may provide preferential rates, often "Free," for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 500500?
HS code 500500, which covers 'Yarn of fine animal hair, not carded or combed, for retail sale', has varying duty rates depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the General (MFN) duty rate is 2.90% ad valorem. Under the EU's TARIC system, the rate is often 0.00% ad valorem for most favored nation (MFN) treatment, but can be higher for other origins. The UK Trade Tariff also shows a 0.00% duty rate for many sources. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
How is the import duty for HS code 500500 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 500500 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the US is 2.90% and you import yarn valued at $10,000, the import duty would be $10,000 * 2.90% = $290. Some countries may also have specific duties based on weight or other units, so always verify the calculation basis in the destination country's tariff.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 500500, and what distinguishes it from other yarn classifications?
HS code 500500 specifically applies to 'Yarn of fine animal hair, not carded or combed, for retail sale'. 'Fine animal hair' refers to fibers like cashmere, mohair, angora, camel hair, alpaca, llama, vicuña, and yak hair, which are distinct from coarser animal hairs or wool. The key criteria are that the hair must be 'fine', it must not have been carded or combed (meaning it's in a less processed state than yarns classified under 5106-5113), and it must be intended for retail sale, typically packaged in smaller units for consumers. If the yarn is for industrial use or made from coarser animal hair, it would fall under different HS codes.
Which trade agreements commonly affect the duty rates for HS code 500500, and how can importers benefit?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for HS code 500500. For example, goods originating from countries with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the importing nation may benefit from preferential duty rates. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) can offer reduced rates for certain developing countries. In the US, FTAs with countries like Canada and Mexico (USMCA) or Australia can lead to duty-free entry if rules of origin are met. Importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter to claim preferential treatment under these agreements. Always check the specific provisions of applicable trade agreements for eligibility and requirements.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 500500?
Standard import documentation for HS code 500500 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To ensure correct duty assessment and potential preferential treatment, a detailed description of the yarn, including its fiber content (e.g., 100% cashmere), processing state (not carded or combed), and intended use (for retail sale), is essential on the commercial invoice. If claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin is mandatory. Depending on the importing country, additional declarations regarding chemical content or safety standards might be required.