HS 540834 Printed

Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, printed, imported under HS 540834 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with a range of rates including 48.5¢/kg + 68.5% and 12% depending on specific characteristics. This classification specifically applies to fabrics made from man-made staple fibres (short, discontinuous artificial fibres) that have undergone a printing process. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate variations in the US, necessitating careful verification of the precise sub-heading and any applicable trade agreements or exclusions. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
5408340000 8.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
5408340000 8.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
54083405 Free — —
5408340510 — — ["m²","kg"]
5408340520 — — ["m²","kg"]
5408341000 12% Free (14 programs) ["m²","kg"]
540834 — — —

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 5408.34?

Imports of Printed 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

US$1.1M
ImportsExports

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 540834 cover?

This subheading covers "other" fabrics of artificial filament, specifically those that are printed. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes woven fabrics of artificial filament, not less than 30% artificial filament by weight, combined with other textile materials, or fabrics of artificial filament where the artificial filament constitutes 10% or more by weight of the total fiber content, provided they are printed. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the printing as the defining characteristic for classification within this specific subheading.

What falls outside HS 540834?

The following products are excluded from HS 540834: fabrics of artificial filament that are not printed, such as plain dyed or uncolored woven fabrics of artificial filament, which would fall under other subheadings within heading 5408. Additionally, fabrics of artificial staple fiber, knitted or crocheted fabrics of artificial filament, and made-up articles such as apparel or home furnishings, even if printed, are classified elsewhere. For instance, printed apparel would typically be classified under Chapter 61 or 62.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 540834?

A common error is misinterpreting the "printed" criterion. Importers may mistakenly classify fabrics that have undergone other surface treatments, such as dyeing or embossing, as "printed" when they are not. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a fabric is dyed and then printed, it is classified as printed. However, a fabric that is only dyed or only embossed does not meet the criteria for this subheading.

How should importers classify products under HS 540834?

The correct procedure for classifying fabrics under HS 540834 involves a multi-step process. First, determine the fiber content and construction of the fabric to ensure it falls within heading 5408. Second, verify that the fabric is indeed "printed," meaning it has designs applied by any method, such as screen printing, digital printing, or roller printing. Consult official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC for specific notes and definitions. If unsure, a binding ruling from customs authorities is recommended.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 540834?

A printed polyester satin fabric weighing 100 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $75.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 15% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.15 = $75.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheadings under 5408.34, which specify ad valorem duties for printed fabrics of artificial filament.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 540834?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 540834, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating fabrics from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for eligible goods from certain developing countries, typically requiring a GSP Form A. The specific preferential rate and documentation depend on the origin country.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 540824 HS 540754 HS 540784 HS 540774 HS 540794 HS 540744

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 540834, 'Printed', for major trading blocs?

The import duty rates for HS code 540834, which covers 'Other fabrics of artificial staple fibres, printed', vary significantly by country and trade agreement. For example:

  • United States (USITC): The General Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 8.00% ad valorem.
  • European Union (EU TARIC): The standard duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem.
  • United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff): The standard duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem.
  • Canada: The Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 12% ad valorem.

Importers should always verify the specific rates applicable to their country of import and any preferential trade agreements they may qualify for, as these can significantly reduce or eliminate duties.

How is the duty calculated for HS code 540834 if the rate is a combination of specific and ad valorem?

Some countries may apply a combination duty rate, such as a specific rate per kilogram plus an ad valorem percentage. For instance, if a country applies a rate of 48.5¢/kg + 68.5% ad valorem on a shipment of 100 kg of fabric valued at $500:

  1. Specific Duty: 100 kg * $0.485/kg = $48.50
  2. Ad Valorem Duty: $500 * 68.5% = $342.50
  3. Total Duty: $48.50 + $342.50 = $391.00

This calculation demonstrates how both the weight and the value of the goods contribute to the final duty amount. Always confirm the exact duty calculation method with the customs authority of the importing country.

What are the classification criteria for fabrics to be classified under HS code 540834?

HS code 540834 falls under Chapter 54 of the Harmonized System, which deals with 'Man-made staple fibres'. Specifically, heading 5408 covers 'Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres'. For a fabric to be classified under 540834, it must meet the following criteria:

  1. Material Composition: It must be made of artificial staple fibres (e.g., rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell). This excludes fabrics made from synthetic staple fibres (like polyester or nylon) or natural fibres (like cotton or wool).
  2. Construction: It must be a woven fabric.
  3. Printing: The fabric must be printed. Printing refers to the application of designs, patterns, or colors onto the fabric surface after weaving, using methods like screen printing, roller printing, or digital printing. This distinguishes it from fabrics that are inherently colored during the manufacturing of the fibres or yarns.

Verification of the fibre content and confirmation of the printing process are crucial for accurate classification.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 540834?

When importing fabrics classified under HS code 540834, standard customs documentation is required, which typically includes:

  1. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the seller, buyer, description of goods, quantity, unit price, total value, and currency.
  2. Packing List: Outlining the contents of each package, including weights and dimensions.
  3. Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: The transport document issued by the carrier.
  4. Certificate of Origin: To claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements.
  5. Test Reports or Declarations: Potentially required to verify fibre content and compliance with safety standards (e.g., azo dyes, flammability).

Importers should consult the specific requirements of the destination country's customs authority, as additional certifications or declarations might be necessary, especially concerning material composition and any applicable trade regulations.

Are there common trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS code 540834?

Yes, numerous trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates for HS code 540834. For example:

  • USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement): If the fabric originates in Canada or Mexico and meets the rules of origin, it may qualify for duty-free entry into the United States.
  • EU Free Trade Agreements: The European Union has agreements with many countries (e.g., Japan, South Korea, Canada) that can provide reduced or zero duty rates on originating goods. For HS 540834, this would depend on the specific agreement and proof of origin.
  • UK Trade Agreements: Post-Brexit, the UK has established its own set of trade agreements, including continuity agreements with countries that previously had agreements with the EU. These may offer preferential rates.

To benefit from these agreements, importers must ensure the goods meet the specific rules of origin outlined in the relevant trade agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin or an origin declaration on the invoice.