HS 540781 Other woven fabrics, containing less than 85 % by weight of synthetic filaments, mixed mainly or solely with cotton
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics containing less than 85% synthetic filaments, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, imported under HS 540781 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at a range of rates up to 81% or free for certain trade agreements. This classification specifically covers woven materials where synthetic fibers are not the predominant component, and cotton is a significant or sole admixture. Importers should be aware of the varied US duty rates and the potential applicability of preferential trade agreements. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to ensure accurate duty payments and compliance across these jurisdictions.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5407810000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5407810000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54078100 | 14.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5407810010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5407810020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5407810030 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5407810040 | — | — | ["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 5407.81?
Imports of Other woven fabrics, containing less than 85 % by weight of synthetic filaments, mixed mainly or solely with cotton 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 540781 cover?
This subheading covers other woven fabrics, not specifically elsewhere enumerated, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic filaments, but mixed mainly or solely with cotton. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes fabrics where synthetic filaments are present but do not dominate the composition by weight, with cotton being the primary or sole other fiber. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the fiber content and weave structure.
What falls outside HS 540781?
The following products are excluded from HS 540781: fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic filaments (classified under 5407.10 or 5407.20), fabrics containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic filaments but mixed with fibers other than cotton (classified under 5407.82 or 5407.83 depending on fiber content), and fabrics made from synthetic staple fibers (classified under Chapter 55). For instance, a fabric predominantly of polyester staple fibers with a small amount of cotton would not fall here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 540781?
A common error is misinterpreting the "less than 85% by weight of synthetic filaments" criterion. Importers may incorrectly assume that any fabric with some synthetic filaments and cotton belongs here, without verifying the exact weight percentage. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System emphasizes that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Incorrectly assessing the dominant fiber by weight is a frequent pitfall.
How should importers classify products under HS 540781?
The correct procedure for classifying fabrics under HS 540781 involves a two-step process. First, determine the fiber content by weight, ensuring that synthetic filaments constitute less than 85% of the total weight. Second, confirm that the fabric is woven and that the remaining fiber content is mainly or solely cotton. Importers and customs brokers must consult the product's technical specifications or obtain a laboratory analysis to accurately ascertain the fiber composition.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 540781?
A bolt of printed cotton and synthetic filament blend fabric weighing 100 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 30% ad valorem (30% × $500 USD = $150.00). This calculation is based on the specific duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5407.81.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 540781?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 540781, 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 goods from certain developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a compliant origin declaration is required; for GSP, a Form A certificate of origin is typically needed.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 540781?
The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 540781, 'Other woven fabrics, containing less than 85 % by weight of synthetic filaments, mixed mainly or solely with cotton,' is 8.00% ad valorem. This rate applies to imports from countries not covered by preferential trade agreements. For specific rates applicable to other countries, consult the relevant tariff schedule, such as the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database.
How is the duty calculated for HS 540781 if the fabric is valued at $10,000 and weighs 500 kg?
The duty calculation for HS 540781 is typically based on the ad valorem value of the goods. Using the MFN rate of 8.00%, the duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. In this example: Duty = $10,000 × 8.00% = $800. If there were also specific duties (e.g., per kilogram), they would be applied in addition to or instead of the ad valorem duty, depending on the specific tariff provision. Always verify the exact duty basis in the importing country's tariff schedule.
What are the key criteria for classifying woven fabrics under HS code 540781?
To be classified under HS code 540781, a woven fabric must meet two primary criteria: 1. It must be 'other woven fabrics' not specifically covered by earlier headings in Chapter 54. 2. It must contain less than 85% by weight of synthetic filaments. 3. The remaining weight must be composed mainly or solely of cotton. The percentage composition by weight is crucial. For example, a fabric that is 70% polyester filaments and 30% cotton would fall under this code, assuming it is a woven fabric and not specifically classified elsewhere. If the fabric contained 90% synthetic filaments, it would be classified under a different heading, such as 5407.72.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS 540781, and what are some examples?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 540781. Examples include agreements with 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. For instance, imports from Australia might be eligible for a Free (0.00%) duty rate under a specific Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates. Consult the official tariff database of the importing country for a comprehensive list of eligible countries and their specific rates.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 540781?
When importing woven fabrics classified under HS code 540781, standard documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin on the invoice, compliant with the specific FTA's rules, is usually required. For textiles, origin rules can be complex, often based on the 'chief value' or 'substantial transformation' of the goods. Importers should also be prepared to provide fabric composition details or laboratory test results if requested by customs authorities to verify classification.