HS 530911 Containing 85 % or more by weight of flax
Quick Answer: Flax fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of flax imported under HS 530911 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at 40% (MFN). This classification specifically covers woven fabrics of flax, characterized by a high flax content. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity for the United States market, which may necessitate careful sourcing strategies. Exporters should be aware of these varying tariff levels when planning shipments. According to CustomTariffs, understanding these rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5309110000 | — | — | — |
| 5309111000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5309119000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5309110000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5309119000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5309111000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53091100 | Free | — | — |
| 5309110010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5309110090 | — | — | ["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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 530911 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of flax, containing 85% or more by weight of flax, and not containing artificial or synthetic fibers. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to textiles where flax is the predominant fiber, and the fabric construction is a weave. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the fiber content and fabric type as primary classification determinants for these natural fiber textiles.
What falls outside HS 530911?
The following products are excluded from HS 530911: fabrics containing less than 85% flax by weight, fabrics containing artificial or synthetic fibers (which would be classified under different headings), knitted or crocheted fabrics of flax (classified in Chapter 60), and non-woven fabrics of flax (classified in Chapter 56). For example, a linen blend fabric with 70% flax and 30% cotton would not fall under this subheading, nor would a flax lace or a flax felt.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 530911?
A common error is misinterpreting the "85% or more by weight of flax" requirement, especially when blends are involved. Importers may incorrectly classify fabrics with a lower flax content under this subheading. Additionally, confusion can arise between woven fabrics (covered here) and knitted or non-woven fabrics, which are classified elsewhere according to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System, emphasizing the Section and Chapter Notes for proper placement.
How should importers classify products under HS 530911?
The correct procedure for classifying woven fabrics of flax involves first confirming the fiber content by weight, ensuring it is 85% or more flax. Next, verify that the fabric is indeed woven, not knitted or non-woven. Finally, consult the relevant national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, to confirm the specific subheading and any additional notes or requirements for HS 530911, ensuring accurate declaration.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 530911?
A bolt of 100% flax linen fabric weighing 50 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $1,000 USD would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 3.5% ad valorem (0.035 × $1,000 USD = $35.00). This calculation assumes no other specific duties or preferential rates apply, based on the declared value and the standard tariff rate.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 530911?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 530911, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for Free entry from Canada and Mexico if rules of origin are met. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free entry from certain developing countries. Documentation typically required includes a USMCA Certificate of Origin for USMCA, or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, to claim preferential treatment.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 530911 (flax fabric containing 85% or more flax by weight)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 530911 is 8.00% ad valorem in the United States. For the European Union, under the Combined Nomenclature (CN), the duty rate is also 8.00% ad valorem. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also lists an 8.00% ad valorem duty for this code. It is crucial to check for any applicable preferential rates under trade agreements, as these can significantly reduce or eliminate duties. For instance, under the EU-Vietnam FTA, certain flax fabrics might have reduced rates, though specific product origin and eligibility criteria must be met. Always consult the latest official tariff schedules for the importing country.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 530911?
The primary criterion for classifying fabric under HS code 530911 is its fiber content. The fabric must contain 85% or more by weight of flax. The fabric's construction (e.g., woven) and its weight per square meter are also relevant but secondary to the fiber composition. For example, a woven fabric weighing 150 grams per square meter, composed of 90% flax and 10% cotton, would fall under this code. If the flax content were below 85%, it would be classified under a different subheading, likely within 5309.90 (Other flax fabrics).
How is the import duty for HS code 530911 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 530911 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of flax fabric (HS 530911) has a declared customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 8.00%, the import duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = Declared Value × Duty Rate. Duty = $10,000 × 8.00% = $800.00. It is essential to ensure the customs value is correctly determined according to the importing country's valuation rules (e.g., Transaction Value method).
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 530911?
When importing goods under HS code 530911, standard import documentation is required, which generally includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to substantiate the classification, a Certificate of Origin may be necessary, especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. For fiber content verification, a manufacturer's declaration or laboratory test report confirming the flax content is at least 85% by weight might be requested by customs authorities. Importers should consult the specific requirements of the destination country's customs agency.
Which trade agreements commonly affect the duty rates for HS code 530911?
Trade agreements can significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 530911. For instance, within the European Union, goods originating from countries with which the EU has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) may benefit from reduced or zero duties. Examples include agreements with Canada (CETA), Japan (JEFTA), or Vietnam. In the United States, the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) might offer preferential treatment for goods originating from member countries. Similarly, the UK has numerous trade agreements post-Brexit that could affect imports. Importers must verify the specific rules of origin and eligibility requirements for any claimed preferential treatment under the relevant trade agreement for the exporting country.