HS 550190 Other
Quick Answer: Synthetic filament tow and yarns, not carded or combed, not spun, of other synthetic fibres, imported under HS 550190, enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at 7.5% ad valorem, with preferential rates available for certain trade partners. This residual category captures synthetic filament materials not otherwise specified in Chapter 55, requiring careful verification of the specific fibre composition and form to ensure correct classification. Importers should consult official tariff schedules for precise duty rates and any applicable quotas or restrictions. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5501900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5501900000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5501900100 | 7.5% | Free (14 programs) | ["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 5501.90?
Imports of Other 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 550190 cover?
This subheading covers other synthetic filament tow, which are continuous bundles of synthetic staple fibres, not yet spun into yarn, but processed to be of a uniform length and parallel arrangement. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is for synthetic filament tow not specifically enumerated in preceding subheadings of heading 5501. For instance, it would include tow of acrylic or modacrylic fibres that does not fit into more specific classifications within heading 5501, as per the general interpretative rules and national tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
What falls outside HS 550190?
The following products are excluded from HS 550190: synthetic filament tow of specific materials like polyester, polyamide, or polypropylene, which are classified under more precise subheadings within heading 5501. Additionally, spun synthetic yarn (HS Chapter 50-55), synthetic staple fibres (HS 5502), and other forms of synthetic textile materials not meeting the definition of filament tow are not covered. For example, loose synthetic fibres or synthetic yarns already spun are classified elsewhere, not under this tow classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550190?
A common error is misinterpreting the definition of "filament tow" versus "staple fibres" or "spun yarn." Filament tow consists of continuous filaments, whereas staple fibres are short lengths. Misclassifying synthetic staple fibres (HS 5502) as filament tow, or vice versa, is a frequent mistake. Furthermore, failing to identify if the tow is of a specific material (e.g., polyester) that has its own dedicated subheading can lead to incorrect classification under the residual "other" category, contrary to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(c).
How should importers classify products under HS 550190?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550190 involves first identifying the material composition of the synthetic filament tow. Importers must then consult the specific subheadings within HS heading 5501 to determine if a more precise classification exists for that material. If the tow is synthetic, not specifically listed in preceding subheadings of 5501, and meets the definition of filament tow, then HS 550190 is appropriate. Reviewing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and national tariff schedules is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550190?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of acrylic filament tow, 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 value. The calculation is: 3.0% × $5,000 USD = $150.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under subheading 5501.90.0000 for acrylic filament tow.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550190?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550190, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible 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 beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the general import duty rates for HS code 550190, and how do preferential rates apply?
HS code 550190, covering 'Other synthetic filament tow', has a standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods imported from countries with trade agreements with the importing nation. For example, under certain trade agreements, goods 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 be eligible for free (0.00%) entry. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility based on the origin of the goods and the relevant trade agreement.
How is the duty for HS code 550190 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 550190 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and you import 1,000 kilograms of synthetic filament tow valued at $2,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: $2,000 (value) * 4.00% (duty rate) = $80.00. If the duty were based on a specific rate, it would be applied per unit of measure (e.g., per kilogram or per meter).
What specific criteria define 'Other' synthetic filament tow under HS code 550190?
HS code 550190 is a residual category for synthetic filament tow that does not fall under more specific subheadings within Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System. Synthetic filament tow refers to a large untwisted bundle of continuous filaments, usually of indefinite length, produced by extruding a multiplicity of filaments simultaneously. 'Other' would encompass synthetic filament tow made from materials not specifically listed in preceding headings, such as tow of acrylic, modacrylic, polyamide, polyester, or polypropylene, provided it doesn't meet the criteria for other more specific HS codes.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 550190?
When importing goods under HS code 550190, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill as proof of shipment. To claim preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin or equivalent declaration, compliant with the specific trade agreement, is essential. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or product literature if requested by customs authorities to verify classification.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 550190?
Several major trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 550190. For imports into the United States, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) might offer reduced or zero duties for qualifying goods from Canada and Mexico. For imports into the European Union, the EU's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries such as South Korea, Singapore, and various others often grant preferential access. Similarly, the UK's Global Tariff incorporates preferential rates stemming from its trade deals. It is imperative to consult the specific tariff database (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the destination country to identify applicable agreements and their specific duty reductions or eliminations for HS 550190 based on the country of origin.