HS 540220 High tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured
Quick Answer: High tenacity polyester yarn, whether or not textured, imported under HS 540220 enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from Free to 50% depending on trade agreements and origin. This classification covers strong, durable polyester yarns designed for applications requiring high tensile strength, such as industrial fabrics, tire cords, and ropes. Importers should consult specific trade agreements for US duty rates and be aware of potential anti-dumping duties. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5402200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5402200005 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5402200010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5402200000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 5402200005 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 5402200010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5402203050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 5402203070 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 540220 | — | — | — |
| 54022030 | 8.8% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5402203010 | — | — | ["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 5402.20?
Imports of High tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured 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 540220 cover?
This subheading covers high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. According to the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, "high tenacity" refers to yarn with a specific tensile strength, typically exceeding 60 cN/tex. These yarns are characterized by their exceptional strength and durability, making them suitable for demanding applications such as tire cord, ropes, and industrial fabrics, and are distinct from standard polyester yarns.
What falls outside HS 540220?
The following products are excluded from HS 540220: polyester yarns that do not meet the high tenacity criteria (i.e., tensile strength below 60 cN/tex), which would typically fall under HS 54024x or 54026x depending on whether they are elastic or other single yarns. Also excluded are textured polyester yarns not of high tenacity, and yarns of other synthetic fibers like nylon or polypropylene, which are classified under different headings within Chapter 54 or other chapters of the HS. Finished articles made from these yarns, such as fabrics or ropes, are also classified separately.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 540220?
A common error is misinterpreting the "high tenacity" requirement, leading to the incorrect classification of standard polyester yarns under this subheading. This often occurs when the tensile strength of the yarn is not properly verified against the established criteria, typically exceeding 60 cN/tex. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must ensure they have documented proof of the yarn's tenacity to avoid misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 540220?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 540220 involves a thorough examination of the product's technical specifications, particularly its tensile strength. Importers and customs brokers must obtain a technical data sheet from the manufacturer that explicitly states the yarn's tenacity in cN/tex. This data should be compared against the threshold of 60 cN/tex to confirm it meets the "high tenacity" definition. If confirmed, the product is classified under 5402.20; otherwise, further investigation into alternative subheadings is required.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 540220?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of high tenacity polyester yarn for tire cord, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.03 = $150.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5402.20.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 540220?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 540220, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The UK Global Tariff may offer preferential rates, potentially Free, for goods originating from countries with specific trade agreements. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for certain UK preferences, depending on the origin country and the specific agreement.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 540220 (High tenacity yarn of polyesters)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 540220 in the United States is 0.00%. However, duty rates can vary significantly depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, the EU TARIC system may show rates such as 3.5% ad valorem, while the UK Trade Tariff might list a rate of 4.00% ad valorem. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the definitive rate. For preferential rates, countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) may offer duty-free entry (Free) under specific trade agreements.
What specific criteria define 'high tenacity' for polyester yarns under HS 540220?
The term 'high tenacity' in the context of HS 540220 generally refers to yarns possessing a high tensile strength relative to their linear density. While the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes do not provide a single numerical threshold, customs authorities typically look for yarns specifically manufactured for applications requiring superior strength, such as in tire cords, ropes, or industrial fabrics. Importers should ensure their commercial documentation, including technical specifications or manufacturer declarations, clearly indicates the yarn's high tenacity properties and intended use to support its classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing high tenacity polyester yarn (HS 540220)?
Standard import documentation for HS 540220 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to substantiate the 'high tenacity' classification and potentially benefit from preferential duty rates, importers may need to provide a Certificate of Origin. Technical data sheets or manufacturer declarations detailing the yarn's tensile strength, linear density, and intended application can also be vital for customs verification. Always verify specific documentation requirements with the customs authority of the importing country.
How are duties calculated for HS 540220, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS 540220 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of high tenacity polyester yarn is valued at $10,000 USD and the importing country's MFN duty rate is 4.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.04 (Duty Rate) = $400.00. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight (e.g., per kilogram). It is essential to confirm whether the duty is ad valorem, specific, or a combination, and to use the correct value or quantity for the calculation as per the importing country's customs regulations.
Which major trade agreements commonly impact the duty rates for HS 540220?
Several trade agreements can significantly affect the duty rates for HS 540220. For imports into the United States, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) might offer preferential treatment if the yarn meets specific rules of origin. In Europe, the EU's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries such as South Korea (KR) or Chile (CL) often results in reduced or zero duty rates. The UK's trade agreements post-Brexit also influence rates. Importers should always verify if a specific trade agreement exists between the exporting and importing countries and if the product qualifies for preferential treatment, often requiring a valid Certificate of Origin.