HS 540833 Of yarns of different colours
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn, specifically those of different colors, enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with a complex tariff structure including rates up to 19.6% ad valorem, or a combination of specific duty and ad valorem, with numerous free trade agreements available. This classification covers textiles where the yarns used in weaving are of distinct and contrasting colors, creating a patterned or multi-hued effect. Importers should carefully verify the specific US tariff rate based on the country of origin due to the extensive preferential treatment. According to CustomTariffs, understanding these variations is crucial for accurate duty assessment and cost management.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5408330000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5408330000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54083305 | 19.6% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5408330520 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5408330510 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5408331500 | 12.3¢/kg + 11.4% | Free (14 programs) | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5408339030 | — | — | ["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 5408.33?
Imports of Of yarns of different colours 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 540833 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, specifically those composed of yarns of different colours. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes fabrics where the yarns used in their construction are not of a single colour, but rather exhibit a variation in hue. Official definitions, such as those found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, confirm that the key determinant is the presence of multiple colours within the constituent yarns, creating a patterned or multi-tonal effect in the finished fabric.
What falls outside HS 540833?
The following products are excluded from HS 540833: woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres where all yarns are of the same colour, or where the colour variation arises from printing after weaving (which would fall under other subheadings). Fabrics made from artificial filament yarns, rather than staple fibres, are also excluded and classified under HS 5408.23. Furthermore, non-woven fabrics or knitted/crocheted fabrics of artificial staple fibres are classified elsewhere within Chapter 54 or other chapters, depending on their specific construction and material composition.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 540833?
A common error is misinterpreting the "yarns of different colours" criterion. Importers may mistakenly classify fabrics that are printed with multiple colours after weaving under this subheading, when they should be classified based on the colour of the yarns themselves. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and GRI 3(b) are crucial here; the essential character of the fabric is determined by its constituent materials and construction. Confusing artificial staple fibres with artificial filament yarns also leads to misclassification, as these are distinct categories with different tariff treatments.
How should importers classify products under HS 540833?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 540833 involves a systematic approach. First, confirm that the fabric is indeed made from artificial staple fibres. Second, meticulously examine the yarns used in both the warp and weft directions to ascertain if they are of different colours. If the yarns are of varying colours, and the fabric is woven, then HS 540833 is likely applicable. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, for definitive guidance and any specific notes or exclusions.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 540833?
A specific example: 100 kilograms of a woven fabric of artificial staple fibres, with yarns of different colours, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.035 = $17.50), and an additional specific duty of $0.20 per kilogram ($0.20/kg × 100 kg = $20.00), for a total of $37.50. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for a hypothetical product falling under this description.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 540833?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 540833, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer a rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also provide preferential rates, often Free, for goods from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA, or a GSP Form A for GSP benefits, depending on the specific agreement and the exporting country's eligibility.
```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 540833, 'Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn, other woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn, of yarns of different colours'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 540833 in the United States is 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available 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 verify the specific origin and eligibility under the relevant trade agreement. For the European Union, the TARIC system indicates a duty rate of 19.6% ad valorem. The UK Trade Tariff shows a rate of 48.5¢/kg + 68.5% ad valorem for goods from most countries, with potential for reduced rates under specific trade agreements.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 540833 when a specific duty rate like 48.5¢/kg + 68.5% ad valorem applies?
When a compound duty rate applies, such as the one found in the UK Trade Tariff (48.5¢/kg + 68.5% ad valorem), the total duty is the sum of a specific duty based on weight and an ad valorem duty based on value. For example, if you import 100 kilograms of fabric valued at $1,000, the duty would be calculated as follows: Specific Duty: 100 kg * 48.5¢/kg = 4850¢ = $48.50. Ad Valorem Duty: $1,000 * 68.5% = $685.00. Total Duty: $48.50 + $685.00 = $733.50. Importers and customs brokers must ensure accurate weight and value declarations to correctly calculate this type of duty.
What are the key classification criteria for woven fabrics to fall under HS code 540833, specifically 'of yarns of different colours'?
To be classified under HS code 540833, the fabric must meet several criteria. Firstly, it must be a woven fabric, meaning it is produced by interlacing warp and weft yarns on a loom. Secondly, the fabric must be made of artificial filament yarn (e.g., rayon, nylon, polyester filaments). Thirdly, and crucially for this specific subheading, the fabric must be composed of yarns of different colours. This means the colour variation is inherent in the yarns used in the warp and/or weft, not achieved through printing or other surface application after weaving. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on distinguishing woven fabrics and the nature of yarns.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 540833?
Standard import documentation is required for HS code 540833. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the description of goods, quantity, value, and origin; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill as the contract of carriage. Crucially, to benefit from preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin or proof of origin is mandatory. This document certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated by the respective trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or fabric samples if customs authorities require verification of classification.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 540833, and how can importers claim these benefits?
Several trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 540833. For instance, the United States has agreements like the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) and agreements with countries such as Chile, Colombia, and Peru, which can lead to duty-free entry if origin requirements are met. The European Union has Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Association Agreements with various countries, and the UK has its own set of trade agreements post-Brexit. To claim these benefits, importers must ensure the goods meet the product-specific rules of origin defined in the relevant trade agreement. This typically requires obtaining a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter and submitting it to customs authorities at the time of import declaration. Customs brokers play a vital role in advising on eligibility and ensuring correct documentation is presented.