HS 550620 Of polyesters
Quick Answer: Synthetic Staple Fibers of Polyester imported under HS 5506.20 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at 51.5% ad valorem (MFN). This code specifically covers staple fibers of polyesters, which are short, discontinuous lengths of polyester fiber, often used in textile manufacturing for spinning into yarn. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity for the US market, which also offers preferential rates for certain Free Trade Agreement partners. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varying rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5506200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5506200000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5506200000 | 5.7% | 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 5506.20?
Imports of Of polyesters 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 550620 cover?
This subheading covers staple fibres of polyester, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes polyester staple fibres that have undergone mechanical processes such as cutting, crimping, or drawing, but have not yet been prepared for the production of yarn. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that these are essentially polyester fibres intended for textile manufacturing, typically in lengths suitable for spinning into yarn.
What falls outside HS 550620?
The following products are excluded from HS 550620: polyester staple fibres that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, as these would fall under HS 5507. Additionally, continuous filament tow of polyester (HS 5501) and other forms of polyester fibres not suitable for spinning, such as those for filling or non-woven applications, are classified elsewhere. For instance, polyester wadding or batting (HS 5601) is distinct from staple fibres prepared for spinning.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550620?
A common error is misinterpreting the level of processing. If polyester staple fibres have undergone carding or combing, they are no longer classified under HS 550620 but rather under HS 5507. This is a direct application of General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) where mixtures or composite goods are classified according to their essential character. Importers must carefully examine the manufacturing process to ensure the fibres are indeed "not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning."
How should importers classify products under HS 550620?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550620 involves a thorough review of the product's physical characteristics and manufacturing process. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC. Verification of the fibre type (polyester) and the absence of carding, combing, or further processing for spinning is crucial. Obtaining a manufacturer's declaration detailing the product's specifications is highly recommended.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550620?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of polyester staple fibres, 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. The calculation is: 7.0% × $2,500 USD = $175.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5506.20.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550620?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550620, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Mexico or Canada. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may offer preferential rates, often Free, for goods from certain developing countries. Documentation required typically includes 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 5506.20 (synthetic staple fibers of polyester)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 5506.20, which covers synthetic staple fibers of polyesters, is typically 4.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with which the US has trade agreements. For example, 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 receive free entry (0.00%). It is crucial to consult the latest Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) published by the US International Trade Commission (USITC) for the most current and specific rates applicable to your origin country.
How is the duty calculated for HS 5506.20, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 5506.20 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 4.00% and you import 1,000 kilograms of polyester staple fibers with a declared customs value of $2,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: 4.00% of $2,000 USD = $80.00 USD. Some specific types of fibers or origins might have different calculation methods or additional duties, so always verify the specific tariff provision.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS code 5506.20?
To be classified under HS code 5506.20, the goods must be synthetic staple fibers, meaning they are artificially produced fibers of polyester that have been cut into lengths suitable for spinning into yarn. The fibers must be of polyesters, which are polymers characterized by the presence of an ester group (-COO-) in their main chain. The fibers are typically measured by their denier (fineness) and length. Exclusions from this code would include continuous filament tow (HS 5501) or fibers not of polyester (which would fall under other HS codes in chapter 55).
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 5506.20?
Standard import documentation for HS code 5506.20 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the quantity, value, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin from the exporter is usually required, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin specified in the respective trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared for potential requests for technical specifications or testing reports to verify the fiber content and characteristics.
Which major trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS 5506.20 into the United States?
Several trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5506.20 into the United States. Notable agreements include the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), which allows for duty-free entry for qualifying goods; the US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement; the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement; and the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Goods originating from countries that are beneficiaries of these agreements, and that meet the specific rules of origin, can be imported at reduced or zero duty rates compared to the MFN rate. It is essential for importers and customs brokers to consult the HTSUS and the specific text of each trade agreement to confirm eligibility and required documentation.