HS 510990 Other
Quick Answer: Yarn of wool or fine animal hair, not put up for retail sale, imported under HS 510990 enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.00%, and the US with rates varying from Free to 4%. This residual category, designated "Other," captures yarns of wool or fine animal hair that do not fit into more specific subheadings within Chapter 51. It is crucial for importers and customs brokers to verify the precise composition and construction of the yarn to ensure accurate classification, as minor variations can lead to different tariff treatments. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to detail is paramount for navigating these duties effectively.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5109900000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5109900000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5109902000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 510990 | — | — | — |
| 5109904000 | 4% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 5109908000 | 6% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 5109909000 | 6% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 5109.90?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 12 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 510990 cover?
This subheading covers other yarns and threads, wholly or chiefly of wool or fine animal hair, not put up for retail sale, that do not fall under more specific classifications within heading 5109. According to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this category is a residual one for wool or fine animal hair yarns not otherwise specified, excluding those specifically enumerated in preceding subheadings, such as those for sewing, retail sale, or specific constructions.
What falls outside HS 510990?
The following products are excluded from HS 510990: yarns and threads of wool or fine animal hair that are specifically classified elsewhere, such as those put up for retail sale (heading 5109.10), sewing thread (heading 5109.10), or yarns and threads of other materials like cotton or synthetic fibers. For instance, 100% cotton sewing thread would be classified under chapter 52, and blended yarns would fall under their respective chapter based on the predominant fiber.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 510990?
A common error is misinterpreting the "chiefly" requirement for wool or fine animal hair content, leading to the incorrect classification of blended yarns. General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, which addresses goods consisting of different materials or components, should be applied to determine the predominant material. Importers may also mistakenly classify yarns intended for retail sale under this subheading, overlooking specific provisions for such items.
How should importers classify products under HS 510990?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 510990 involves a thorough examination of the material composition and presentation. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the yarn is wholly or chiefly of wool or fine animal hair. Subsequently, they must ascertain if the yarn is put up for retail sale or intended for other specific uses like sewing thread, which would necessitate classification under a different subheading or heading. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes and relevant national tariff schedules is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 510990?
A 50 kg bale of undyed, unbleached wool yarn, not put up for retail sale, 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 customs value. The calculation is: 10% × $1,500 USD = $150.00 USD. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5109900000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 510990?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 510990, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 510990, and how are they determined?
HS code 510990, designated for 'Other' yarns of wool or fine animal hair, often has varying duty rates depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For instance, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under trade agreements can be lower or even free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and up-to-date duty information. The USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule is a primary resource for U.S. imports.
How is the import duty for HS code 510990 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 510990 is typically based on the ad valorem system, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and you import 100 kilograms of yarn valued at $5 per kilogram, the total customs value is $500. The import duty would be calculated as 4.00% of $500, which equals $20.00. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always verify the duty calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 510990?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS code 510990 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. For wool and fine animal hair products, specific declarations regarding the fiber content and origin might be necessary to comply with labeling regulations and to ensure correct tariff classification. Consulting the customs regulations of the importing country, such as the EU TARIC database for imports into the European Union or the UK Trade Tariff for the UK, is essential.
What are the key classification criteria to ensure goods are correctly classified under HS code 510990 as 'Other' yarns?
HS code 510990 is a residual category for yarns of wool or fine animal hair that are not specifically covered by other headings within Chapter 51 of the Harmonized System. Classification hinges on the material composition (wool or fine animal hair, such as cashmere, alpaca, mohair, angora, yak, camel) and the form (spun, twisted, or cabled yarn). If a yarn does not fit into more specific subheadings based on its construction (e.g., single, multiple, cabled), its treatment (e.g., bleached, dyed), or its intended use, it will fall under the 'Other' category. Importers and customs brokers must carefully review the WCO's Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff laws of the importing country to confirm that no more specific classification applies.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 510990, and how can importers benefit?
The applicability of preferential duty rates for HS code 510990 depends entirely on the trade agreements in force between the exporting and importing countries. For example, if importing into the United States, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) might offer preferential rates for goods originating from Canada or Mexico, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, the EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries that could reduce or eliminate duties on wool yarns. To benefit, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter and ensure the goods meet all stipulated rules of origin. Consulting resources like the USITC for U.S. trade agreements or the EU TARIC for EU agreements is vital for identifying applicable preferences.