HS 550490 Other
Quick Answer: Man-made staple fibers, not carded or combed, other than those of synthetic or artificial fibers, imported under HS 550490 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 25% ad valorem, with preferential rates available for certain trading partners. This classification captures staple fibers of man-made materials that have not undergone the processes of carding or combing, excluding those specifically derived from synthetic or artificial filament. Importers should verify specific preferential duty rates applicable to their origin country. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5504900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5504900000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5504900000 | 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 5504.90?
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 550490 cover?
This subheading covers other artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, originating from regenerated cellulose. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses staple fibres derived from cellulose that have not undergone further processing beyond their initial formation, such as cutting or crimping, and are not prepared for immediate spinning into yarn. For instance, rayon staple fibre in its raw, unprocessed form would fall here, as per the definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database.
What falls outside HS 550490?
The following products are excluded from HS 550490: artificial staple fibres that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, as these are classified under HS 5504.10. Additionally, continuous filament artificial fibres, as well as staple fibres of synthetic origin (e.g., polyester, nylon), are classified in different headings within Chapter 55. For example, carded polyester staple fibre for textile manufacturing would be classified elsewhere, not under this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550490?
A common error is misclassifying processed artificial staple fibres as raw ones. If the fibres have undergone carding, combing, or other preparatory treatments for spinning, they should be classified under HS 5504.10, not 550490. This is in line with General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify synthetic staple fibres under this heading.
How should importers classify products under HS 550490?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550490 involves a thorough examination of the material's origin and processing. Importers must verify that the staple fibres are derived from regenerated cellulose and have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing explanatory notes from the WCO are crucial steps. Customs brokers should request detailed product specifications from the supplier.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550490?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of rayon staple fibre, not carded or combed, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($2,500 USD × 0.05 = $125.00). This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5504.90.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550490?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550490, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the US duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from preferential rates under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), requiring a GSP Form A. The specific preferential rate and documentation depend on the origin country and the importing jurisdiction's regulations.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 550490, and how do preferential trade agreements affect them?
HS code 550490 covers 'Other' artificial staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 4.3% ad valorem. However, preferential 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 the United States (US) may enter duty-free (0.00%) under their respective Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Importers must ensure they have valid proof of origin to claim these preferential rates. Always consult the latest tariff schedule of the importing country for the most up-to-date rates and specific agreement requirements.
How is the import duty for HS code 550490 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 550490 is generally 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 4.3% and you import 1,000 kilograms of artificial staple fibers valued at $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: Value of goods = $5,000 USD. Duty rate = 4.3%. Duty amount = $5,000 USD × 4.3% = $215 USD. If the goods qualify for a preferential rate, such as 0.00% under an FTA, the duty amount would be $5,000 USD × 0.00% = $0 USD. Ensure accurate valuation and proper documentation for correct duty assessment.
What are the classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 550490?
HS code 550490 is a residual category for artificial staple fibers that do not meet the specific criteria of other headings within Chapter 55. To classify under 550490, the goods must be: 1) Artificial staple fibers (i.e., fibers of artificial (man-made) staple fibres, obtained by cutting continuous filaments or by 'natural' processes). 2) Not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. This means the fibers are in a relatively raw state, not prepared for direct use in textile manufacturing processes like carding or combing. If the fibers have undergone these preparatory processes, they would likely be classified under a different HS code, such as 5503 (Artificial staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning).
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 550490, especially when claiming preferential duty rates?
Standard import documentation for HS code 550490 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) is crucial. The specific format and requirements for the COO vary by agreement; some may require a specific form, while others allow for a declaration on the invoice or a statement of origin. Importers and customs brokers must ensure the COO accurately reflects the origin of the goods and meets the stipulated requirements of the relevant FTA. Consult the importing country's customs authority and the specific FTA text for precise documentation needs.
Which major trade agreements offer duty-free (0.00%) entry for products classified under HS code 550490?
Several significant trade agreements provide duty-free entry for goods classified under HS code 550490, provided they meet the rules of origin for those agreements. Key examples include:
- United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - for goods originating from Canada or Mexico.
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) - for goods originating from member countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, etc.
- Various bilateral FTAs, such as those between the US and countries like Chile, South Korea, Colombia, and Singapore.
- The European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or zero duties for certain developing countries. It is imperative for importers to verify the specific origin of their goods and consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the EU TARIC database, or the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm eligibility and specific requirements for each trade agreement.