HS 500600 Silk yarn
Quick Answer: Silk yarn imported under HS 500600 enters the UK duty-free, the EU at rates of 5.00% and 2.90%, and the US at rates of Free and 40% under the MFN rate. This HS code specifically covers silk yarn, including yarn spun from silk waste, suitable for retail sale or for manufacturing. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate variations across major markets, necessitating careful planning for cost optimization. Exporters should verify specific tariff lines within each jurisdiction to ensure accurate declaration. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification for international trade.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5006001000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5006009000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5006001000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
| 5006009000 | 2.90 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500600 | — | — | — |
| 5006001000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 5006009000 | 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 500600 cover?
This subheading covers silk yarn, including yarn spun from silk waste. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to single or multiple threads of silk, whether or not put up for retail sale. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system align with this definition, encompassing raw, thrown, or spun silk yarns intended for textile manufacturing or other industrial uses, excluding those specifically enumerated elsewhere.
What falls outside HS 500600?
The following products are excluded from HS 500600: silk sewing thread of subheading 5006.10, which is specifically designed for stitching; silk yarn that has been artificially colored or printed, which may fall under other headings depending on the specific treatment; and silk waste that has not been spun into yarn. Additionally, blended yarns containing silk along with other fibers are generally classified based on the predominant fiber, unless silk is the sole component of value or specifically provided for in a different heading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 500600?
A common error is misclassifying silk yarn based on its put-up or intended use without considering the material composition and processing. For instance, silk sewing thread, even if spun from silk, is classified separately under its own subheading. Furthermore, confusion can arise with artificially created silk-like fibers, which do not qualify for this heading. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3 of the Harmonized System is crucial to ensure accurate classification based on the most specific heading and its section or chapter notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 500600?
The correct procedure for classifying silk yarn under HS 500600 involves a thorough examination of the product's characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the material is indeed silk, whether it has been spun into yarn, and if it is intended for retail sale or industrial use. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes is essential to confirm the correct classification and any applicable subheadings.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 500600?
A 100% pure silk yarn, weighing 5 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $1,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($1,000 USD × 0.035 = $35.00). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5006.90.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 500600?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 500600, including the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for eligible developing countries, which can offer rates as low as Free. For instance, silk yarn originating from India or Vietnam under the GSP program would typically benefit from reduced or zero duties. To claim these preferences, a GSP Form A certificate of origin is generally required. Additionally, specific bilateral agreements may offer preferential treatment, necessitating appropriate origin documentation as stipulated by the importing country's customs authority.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 500600 (Silk yarn)?
Import duty rates for HS code 500600 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 3.4% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is often 0.00% for silk yarn not put up for retail sale, but can be higher for other forms. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varying rates, often around 3.5% ad valorem for certain types. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.
How is the import duty for silk yarn (HS 500600) calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty is typically calculated based on the value of the goods (ad valorem) or by weight (specific duty), or a combination. For HS 500600, duties are often ad valorem. For instance, if a shipment of silk yarn has a customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable duty rate is 3.4% (like the US MFN rate), the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.034 (Duty Rate) = $340 USD. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation (value, weight, etc.) and the exact rate from the importing country's tariff schedule.
What are the classification criteria for silk yarn under HS code 500600?
HS code 500600 covers 'Silk yarn and yarn spun from silk waste'. Key classification criteria include the material composition (predominantly silk) and its form (yarn). The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes clarify that this heading includes single, multiple (folded), or cabled yarns, whether or not put up on reels, balls, or the like. It excludes silk sewing thread (classified in Chapter 62) and silk yarn specially prepared for retail sale (which may fall under different headings depending on presentation).
Are there preferential duty rates available for silk yarn (HS 500600) under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates may apply to silk yarn (HS 500600) depending on the origin of the goods and applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or preferential trade schemes. For example, goods originating from countries with an FTA with the importing country might benefit from reduced or zero duty rates. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin for the specific trade agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim preferential treatment. Always verify the specific provisions of relevant trade agreements.
What documentation is typically required for importing silk yarn (HS 500600)?
Standard import documentation for HS code 500600 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, additional documents may be required. This could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates, a declaration of conformity if specific quality or safety standards apply, and potentially laboratory analysis reports confirming the silk content. Customs brokers should be consulted for a comprehensive list specific to the destination country.