HS 550340 Of polypropylene
Quick Answer: Synthetic staple fibres of polypropylene imported under HS 550340 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at 25% ad valorem, with preferential rates available for certain trade partners. This classification specifically covers staple fibres of polypropylene, which are short, discontinuous lengths of synthetic polymer used in various textile applications, including spinning into yarn for fabrics, nonwovens, and filling materials. Importers should verify specific preferential duty rates applicable to their country of origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist with compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5503400000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5503400000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5503400000 | 4.3% | 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 5503.40?
Imports of Of polypropylene 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 550340 cover?
This subheading covers staple fibres of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes synthetic staple fibres derived from polypropylene. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to loose fibres of polypropylene, typically used as raw material for manufacturing textiles, nonwovens, and other industrial products, but not yet formed into yarn.
What falls outside HS 550340?
The following products are excluded from HS 550340: continuous filament tow of polypropylene (classified under 5501), yarns of polypropylene (classified under Chapter 50-55, specifically heading 5402 or 5506 if carded/combed), and fabrics or nonwovens made from polypropylene fibres (classified under Chapters 50-63). Also excluded are polypropylene fibres that have undergone further processing such as carding or combing, which would typically fall under heading 5506.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550340?
A common error is misclassifying processed polypropylene fibres. For example, if the polypropylene fibres have been carded or combed, they should be classified under HS 5506, not 550340, as per General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) which prioritizes essential character. Another mistake is classifying polypropylene staple fibre blends as pure polypropylene staple fibre if the other component fibre constitutes a significant portion, requiring careful analysis of the composition.
How should importers classify products under HS 550340?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550340 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics and processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the fibres are indeed of polypropylene and that they are in a staple fibre form, not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing explanatory notes is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550340?
A 100 kg shipment of polypropylene staple fibre, declared at a customs value of $150 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($150 USD × 10% = $15.00). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5503.40.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550340?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550340. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), originating polypropylene staple fibres from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Similarly, if originating from a beneficiary country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a Form A may be necessary for duty-free entry into the US. The EU's trade agreements with certain countries may also offer preferential rates, often requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 5503.40 (Polypropylene Staple Fibers)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 5503.40, which covers staple fibers of polypropylene, is 4.3% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods imported from countries with which the US has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). For example, imports 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 the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) countries may be eligible for duty-free entry (0.00%). It is crucial to verify the specific origin and eligibility for preferential treatment with the latest USITC tariff schedule.
How is the import duty for HS 5503.40 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 5503.40 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of polypropylene staple fibers has a declared customs value of $10,000 and the MFN duty rate of 4.3% applies, the duty would be calculated as follows: $10,000 (Value) × 0.043 (Duty Rate) = $430.00 (Duty Amount). Always ensure your customs value is accurately declared according to Chapter 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
What are the classification criteria for HS code 5503.40?
HS code 5503.40 specifically covers staple fibers of polypropylene, not exceeding 6 decitex. These fibers are characterized by being discontinuous, meaning they are short lengths, and are intended for use in textile manufacturing. They should not be carded, combed, or otherwise processed beyond the initial staple fiber formation. For accurate classification, importers should refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (HS) provided by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the specific rulings or notes within the HTSUS.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 5503.40?
When importing polypropylene staple fibers under HS code 5503.40, standard import documentation is required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. If claiming preferential duty rates under an FTA, a Certificate of Origin or other proof of origin acceptable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or product literature if CBP requires further verification of the classification.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5503.40?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 5503.40. Notably, goods originating from countries party to Free Trade Agreements with the United States, such as those under the USMCA (Canada, Mexico), Chile, South Korea, and others listed in the first FAQ, are often eligible for duty-free entry (0.00%). Importers must ensure that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in each specific trade agreement and possess the correct documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these benefits. Always consult the latest HTSUS General Notes and the specific FTA text for precise eligibility criteria.