HS 531100 Of ramie
Quick Answer: Fabrics of ramie imported under HS 531100 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at rates up to 8.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates up to 90% ad valorem, with many preferential trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This Harmonized System code specifically covers woven fabrics made entirely or principally from ramie, a strong, lustrous natural fiber derived from the Boehmeria nivea plant, often used for apparel, home furnishings, and industrial textiles. Importers should consult specific tariff schedules for the applicable rates based on origin and trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting significant duty differentials between major trading blocs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5311009000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5311009010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5311001000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5311009090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5311001000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5311009000 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 5311009010 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 5311009090 | 5.80 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5311003005 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5311004010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5311002000 | 14.5% | Free (14 programs) | ["m²","kg"] |
| 531100 | — | — | — |
| 5311003010 | — | — | ["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 5311.00?
Imports of Of ramie 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, GSP, and 14 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 531100 cover?
This subheading covers fabrics of ramie, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes woven fabrics, whether or not containing other textile materials, where ramie is the principal component by weight. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to finished textiles ready for use or further processing, excluding those specifically enumerated elsewhere in Chapter 53 or other chapters of the HS. The key is the presence and dominance of ramie fiber.
What falls outside HS 531100?
The following products are excluded from HS 531100: fabrics of ramie that are not woven, such as knitted or crocheted fabrics (which would fall under Chapter 60); felt or other non-woven fabrics (Chapter 56); and fabrics that are specially prepared for specific uses, like those for tires (Chapter 59) or those with abrasive materials. Additionally, finished articles made from ramie fabric, such as clothing or household linen, are classified according to their specific nature, not as raw fabric. For instance, a ramie shirt would be classified under Chapter 61 or 62.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 531100?
A common error is misidentifying the principal fiber when ramie is blended with other textile materials. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) of the Harmonized System, goods composed of different components are classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character. Importers may incorrectly classify a fabric as ramie when another fiber, such as cotton or synthetic, constitutes the majority by weight or provides the dominant characteristic, leading to misclassification and incorrect duty assessment.
How should importers classify products under HS 531100?
The correct procedure for classifying fabrics under HS 531100 involves a thorough examination of the fiber content and the manufacturing process. Importers and customs brokers must determine the predominant fiber by weight. If ramie is the principal fiber and the fabric is woven, then HS 531100 is likely applicable. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing explanatory notes from the WCO is crucial for accurate classification. Obtaining a supplier's declaration detailing fiber composition is highly recommended.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 531100?
A bolt of woven ramie fabric weighing 100 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 value ($1,500 USD × 10% = $150.00). This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5311.00.00. Note that specific rates can vary by country and origin.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 531100?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 531100, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating fabrics of ramie from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for qualifying developing countries, typically requiring a GSP Form A. Specific documentation requirements vary by importing jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 531100, specifically for goods 'Of ramie'?
The import duty rates for HS code 531100, which covers woven fabrics of ramie, vary significantly by country. For example, the United States applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.80% ad valorem. The European Union, under the TARIC system, generally has a duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem for this classification, though specific rates can apply depending on the fabric's composition and processing. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also lists duties, often around 3.5% ad valorem for basic woven ramie fabrics. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is the import duty for HS 531100 calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for HS code 531100 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of ramie fabric is valued at $10,000 USD and the MFN duty rate in the United States is 5.80%, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.0580 (Duty Rate) = $580.00 (Duty Amount). Some countries may also apply specific duties (per unit) or a combination, but ad valorem is most common for woven fabrics.
What are the classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS code 531100 'Of ramie'?
HS code 531100 is specifically for 'woven fabrics of ramie'. The key classification criterion is that the material must be derived from the ramie plant (Boehmeria nivea) and must be in a woven form. This excludes ramie that is knitted, crocheted, felted, or otherwise processed into non-woven materials. The fabric can be unbleached, bleached, or dyed, and may contain other textile materials up to a certain percentage as defined by Chapter 50-63 of the Harmonized System nomenclature. Verification of the fiber content and manufacturing process is essential.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 531100, and what documentation is needed?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 531100 are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, the United States has FTAs with countries like 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, which may offer duty-free or reduced duty entry for qualifying goods. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin issued by the exporter, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin specified in the relevant trade agreement. The specific documentation requirements can vary by agreement and importing country.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a commercial invoice and packing list for importing goods under HS 531100?
While a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are standard import documents, additional requirements for HS code 531100 may exist depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the ramie fabric. For instance, if the fabric is intended for specific uses (e.g., apparel, home furnishings), additional certifications regarding safety standards (e.g., flammability, chemical content) might be required. If claiming preferential duty rates under an FTA, a valid Certificate of Origin is mandatory. Customs authorities may also request fiber content declarations or laboratory test reports to verify classification, especially if there is doubt about the composition or origin of the goods.