HS 550390 Other
Quick Answer: Other synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, imported under HS 550390 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates of Free or 25% ad valorem. This residual classification applies to synthetic staple fibres that do not fit into more specific categories within heading 5503. Importers should verify the precise duty rate applicable to their specific product and origin jurisdiction, as rates can vary. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to avoid potential penalties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5503900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5503900020 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5503900090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5503900000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 5503900020 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 5503900090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5503901000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 550390 | — | — | — |
| 5503909000 | 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 5503.90?
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 550390 cover?
This subheading covers "Other" staple fibres of man-made filaments, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is for synthetic staple fibres that do not fit into the more specific categories of heading 5503. For example, in the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), this would include staple fibres of polyester, polyamide, or acrylic that are not yet prepared for immediate use in textile manufacturing, such as chopped or crimped fibres not subjected to further processing beyond cutting.
What falls outside HS 550390?
The following products are excluded from HS 550390: man-made staple fibres that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, such as sliver or roving. Also excluded are man-made filaments, continuous, not texturised (HS 5501), and man-made staple fibres of artificial plastic materials (HS 5503.10, 5503.20, 5503.30). For instance, polyester staple fibre that has undergone carding to align the fibres for spinning would be classified under a different subheading, not 550390.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550390?
A common error is misclassifying processed staple fibres as "other." According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a fibre has undergone any carding, combing, or other preparatory processes for spinning, it would not fall under the "other" category of 550390, but rather under a more specific subheading or even a different heading altogether if the processing is extensive.
How should importers classify products under HS 550390?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550390 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics and processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the man-made staple fibres are not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the explanatory notes for heading 5503 is crucial to ensure accurate classification, especially when dealing with fibres that may appear similar to those in other categories.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550390?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of acrylic staple fibre, not carded or combed, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($2,500 USD × 0.07 = $175.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5503.30, which is a specific category for acrylic staple fibres, illustrating the ad valorem duty calculation.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550390?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550390, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for eligible products from certain 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 typical import duty rates for HS code 550390, covering 'Other' staple synthetic fibers, not carded or combed?
Import duty rates for HS code 550390, which covers staple synthetic fibers, not carded or combed, other than those specified elsewhere in heading 5503, can vary significantly by importing country. For instance, under the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under various trade agreements. For example, goods originating from Canada or Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may be eligible for duty-free entry (0.00%). Importers should always verify the specific rate applicable to their country of origin and destination.
How is the import duty for HS code 550390 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 550390 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and an importer brings in a shipment of 'other' staple synthetic fibers valued at $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 4.00% (Duty Rate) = $400 USD (Duty Amount). If a specific rate (e.g., per kilogram) is also applicable, the duty would be the higher of the two. Always confirm the valuation method and any applicable specific duties with the customs authority.
What classification criteria distinguish goods under HS code 550390 from other synthetic fiber headings?
HS code 550390 is a residual category for staple synthetic fibers that are not carded or combed and are not specifically classified under other subheadings within heading 5503 (e.g., acrylic or modacrylic, polyester, polyamide). The key criteria are that the fibers must be 'staple' (i.e., of discontinuous length), 'synthetic' (man-made from polymers), 'not carded or combed' (meaning they have not undergone the process of aligning fibers into a web), and 'other' (not falling into more specific categories within 5503). For example, staple polyester fibers, not carded or combed, would fall here if not otherwise specified. Importers must ensure their goods meet these precise definitions to avoid misclassification.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 550390?
Standard import documentation is generally required for goods classified under HS code 550390. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transport; and a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are being claimed under a trade agreement. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the synthetic fibers, additional certifications related to safety, environmental compliance, or material composition might be requested by customs authorities. Always consult the specific import regulations of the destination country.
Which major trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 550390?
Several trade agreements can impact the duty rates for HS code 550390. For example, goods originating from countries party to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may benefit from duty-free entry (0.00%) into the United States. Similarly, the European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) or Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with certain developing countries can provide reduced or zero duty rates into the EU market. The UK also has a network of trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.