HS 530921 Containing less than 85 % by weight of flax
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics containing less than 85% by weight of flax enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with rates varying significantly by trade agreement, from Free to 90% ad valorem, with the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate being 14.5%. This classification specifically applies to textiles where flax is not the predominant fiber by weight. Importers and customs brokers should carefully review the specific origin and applicable trade agreements for the US to determine the precise duty. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of origin-based tariff analysis for this category.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5309210000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5309210000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5309213005 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5309214010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 530921 | — | — | — |
| 5309213010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5309213055 | — | — | ["m²","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 5309.21?
Imports of Containing less than 85 % by weight of flax 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 13 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 530921 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of flax containing less than 85% by weight of flax, whether or not processed or finished. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically excludes fabrics of flax where flax is the predominant fiber by weight, which are classified under HS 530911. For instance, a fabric with 70% flax and 30% cotton would fall under this classification, provided it meets the weaving criteria.
What falls outside HS 530921?
The following products are excluded from HS 530921: fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of flax, which are classified under HS 530911. Additionally, knitted or crocheted fabrics of flax, regardless of flax content, are classified in Chapter 60. Pure flax fibers (HS 5301), flax tow and waste (HS 5302), and spun yarns of flax (HS 5306) are also distinct classifications and do not fall within this subheading for woven fabrics.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 530921?
A common error is miscalculating the percentage of flax by weight. Importers may incorrectly assume a fabric is primarily flax without verifying the exact fiber composition. This can lead to misclassification, especially when blended with other fibers like cotton or synthetic materials. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are mixtures or composite goods, classification is determined by the essential character, which in this case is driven by the fiber content percentage for woven flax fabrics.
How should importers classify products under HS 530921?
The correct procedure for classifying woven fabrics under HS 530921 involves a two-step process. First, determine if the fabric is woven. Second, ascertain the exact percentage by weight of flax. If the flax content is less than 85% by weight, and it is a woven fabric, then HS 530921 is the appropriate classification. Importers and customs brokers must obtain precise fiber composition data from the manufacturer or supplier.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 530921?
A bolt of woven fabric weighing 100 kilograms, containing 75% flax and 25% cotton, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($1,500 USD × 10% = $150.00). This calculation assumes no other preferential duty rates apply.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 530921?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 530921, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement also offers preferential rates, often Free, for originating goods. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK preferences is typically required, depending on the origin country and specific agreement provisions.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 530921, specifically for fabrics containing less than 85% flax?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 530921 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates apply under various trade agreements. For example, goods originating from Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others may receive duty-free treatment (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the rules of origin for preferential treatment. Some countries may have higher general rates, such as 90% or 14.5%, depending on their trade policies and origin of goods.
How is the classification of HS code 530921 determined, particularly the 'less than 85% by weight of flax' criterion?
The classification under HS code 530921 hinges on the fiber composition of the fabric. The key criterion is that the fabric must contain less than 85% by weight of flax fibers. If the fabric contains 85% or more by weight of flax, it would be classified under HS code 530911 (containing 85% or more by weight of flax, unbleached) or 530919 (containing 85% or more by weight of flax, other). Importers must rely on laboratory analysis or manufacturer declarations to accurately determine the fiber content. The WCO (World Customs Organization) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on fiber composition determination.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 530921?
Standard import documentation for HS code 530921 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a proof of origin document is mandatory. This could be a Certificate of Origin issued by the exporting country's competent authority or a declaration of origin completed by the exporter on the invoice or a separate document, depending on the specific trade agreement's requirements. For fabrics, a declaration of fiber content may also be requested by customs authorities to verify compliance with the 'less than 85% flax' criterion.
Can you provide an example of how the import duty for HS code 530921 is calculated?
Certainly. Let's assume an importer brings in 1,000 kilograms of fabric classified under HS code 530921, with a declared value of $5,000 USD. If the applicable MFN duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem, the duty calculation would be: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. In this case, Duty = $5,000 USD × 8.00% = $400 USD. If there were also specific duties, for instance, $0.50 per kilogram, the total duty would be the sum of ad valorem and specific duties. However, for 530921, the duty is predominantly ad valorem. Always confirm if specific duties apply in addition to ad valorem duties based on the importing country's tariff schedule.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 530921, and what is the general impact on importers?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 530921. For instance, the United States has agreements with countries like South Korea (US-Korea Free Trade Agreement), Colombia (CAFTA-DR, though Colombia is not a signatory, it has a bilateral agreement), and Chile (US-Chile Free Trade Agreement) that may offer reduced or zero duties. The EU has its Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and various Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries worldwide. The UK has its own set of FTAs post-Brexit. The impact for importers is significant cost savings, as preferential rates can range from reduced percentages to full duty-free entry, provided the goods meet the relevant rules of origin and proper documentation is submitted.