HS 500720 Other fabrics, containing 85 % or more by weight of silk or of silk waste other than noil silk
Quick Answer: Fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of silk or silk waste (excluding noil silk) imported under HS 500720 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at rates ranging from 6.90% to 7.20%, and the US at a 90% ad valorem rate, with a Free rate also available. This classification applies to woven fabrics primarily composed of silk, such as those used for high-end apparel, linings, and decorative items. Importers should note the significant duty differential for the US market. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to ensure accurate duty payments and avoid potential penalties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5007200000 | — | — | — |
| 5007201100 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 5007201110 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 5007201190 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 5007201900 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5007206000 | 7.20 % | — | — |
| 5007201100 | 6.90 % | — | — |
| 5007201190 | 6.90 % | — | — |
| 5007201900 | 6.90 % | — | — |
| 5007201910 | 6.90 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5007200095 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 50072000 | Free | — | — |
| 5007200015 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5007200025 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5007200035 | — | — | ["m²","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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 500720 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of silk or of silk waste other than noil silk, where the silk content constitutes 85% or more by weight. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes a wide array of silk fabrics, such as those woven from spun silk or filament silk, provided they meet the specified silk weight threshold. Official definitions from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU's TARIC database confirm that fabrics like charmeuse, crepe de chine, and satin, when predominantly composed of silk, fall under this classification.
What falls outside HS 500720?
The following products are excluded from HS 500720: fabrics with less than 85% silk content by weight, which are classified under other subheadings within HS 5007 based on their predominant fiber. Also excluded are fabrics of noil silk, which have their own distinct classification. Furthermore, finished articles made from these fabrics, such as garments or home furnishings, are classified according to the nature of the finished product, not as raw fabric. For instance, a silk scarf would be classified under Chapter 62 or 63, not HS 500720.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 500720?
A common error is miscalculating the silk content by weight. Importers may incorrectly assume a fabric is predominantly silk based on its appearance or feel, without performing the necessary weight analysis. This can lead to misclassification. Another mistake involves confusing fabrics containing silk waste with those made from pure silk or silk waste other than noil silk. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, emphasizing the precise composition and type of silk.
How should importers classify products under HS 500720?
The correct procedure for classifying fabrics under HS 500720 involves a two-step process. First, determine the fiber composition by weight, ensuring that silk or silk waste (excluding noil silk) constitutes at least 85% of the total weight. Second, confirm that the fabric is a woven material. Importers and customs brokers should consult the supplier's technical specifications, laboratory test results if available, and the relevant official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to verify the classification and any associated duty rates.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 500720?
A bolt of silk charmeuse fabric weighing 15 kilograms and 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 MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 500720.9000, which covers "Other fabrics, containing 85% or more by weight of silk or of silk waste other than noil silk."
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 500720?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 500720, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from certain 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?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 500720 (Other fabrics, containing 85% or more by weight of silk or of silk waste other than noil silk)?
Import duty rates for HS code 500720 can vary significantly by importing country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is typically 6.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US might enter duty-free. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the EU TARIC database, or the UK Trade Tariff, for the most accurate and up-to-date rates applicable to your shipment.
How is the classification of HS code 500720 determined, specifically the '85% or more by weight of silk' criterion?
To classify a fabric under HS code 500720, the primary determinant is its fiber content. The fabric must contain 85% or more of silk or silk waste (excluding noil silk) by weight. This percentage is calculated based on the total weight of the fabric. Customs authorities may require a fiber content declaration from the manufacturer or laboratory analysis to verify compliance. It's crucial to distinguish between pure silk fabrics and those with blended fibers. Fabrics meeting this 85% threshold, and not specifically covered by other headings (like those containing man-made fibers in specific proportions), fall under this code.
What documentation is typically required for importing fabrics classified under HS code 500720?
When importing fabrics under HS code 500720, standard import documentation is required, which usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, a declaration of fiber content from the exporter or manufacturer is often necessary to substantiate the classification. Depending on the importing country and any claimed preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin may also be mandatory. Some countries might also require specific textile labeling information on the goods themselves or in accompanying documentation.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 500720, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 500720 is typically calculated as a percentage of the declared value of the goods (ad valorem duty). For example, if the MFN duty rate in the US is 6.00% ad valorem, and you import 100 square meters of silk fabric valued at $500, the duty calculation would be: $500 (value) × 6.00% (duty rate) = $30.00. Some tariff systems may also include specific duties (e.g., per unit of weight or measure), but for 500720, ad valorem is most common. Always confirm the specific duty calculation method and applicable rates with the destination country's customs authority or tariff schedule.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for fabrics classified under HS code 500720?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 500720 can be accessed through various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For imports into the United States, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) might offer reduced or zero duties for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Similarly, the EU has numerous FTAs with countries worldwide that could reduce or eliminate duties on silk fabrics. The UK also has its own set of trade agreements post-Brexit. To benefit from these preferential rates, goods must meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement, and a valid Certificate of Origin is usually required. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement and the destination country's customs regulations to determine eligibility.