HS 550640 Of polypropylene

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What products does HS 550640 cover?

This subheading covers staple fibres of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes short-cut polypropylene fibres that are intended for use in the manufacture of textiles. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that these are raw or semi-processed fibres, typically produced by cutting longer filaments or by other mechanical processes, and are not yet in a form suitable for direct use in weaving or knitting without further processing.

What falls outside HS 550640?

The following products are excluded from HS 550640: polypropylene staple fibres that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed to prepare them for spinning into yarn, such as sliver or roving. Also excluded are continuous filament tow of polypropylene, as well as finished textile products like woven fabrics, nonwovens, or yarns made from polypropylene staple fibres. For instance, a roll of non-woven fabric made from polypropylene staple fibres would be classified under a different heading, typically in Chapter 56.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 550640?

A common error is misclassifying polypropylene staple fibres that have undergone initial processing steps beyond simple cutting. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for the interpretation of the Harmonized System, which deals with goods put up in sets for retail sale, is not applicable here. However, confusion can arise if fibres are presented in a manner that suggests they are prepared for direct use, such as being lightly crimped or slightly bonded, which might lead to classification under headings for carded or combed fibres (5506.10) or even nonwovens (Chapter 56) if the processing is more advanced.

How should importers classify products under HS 550640?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550640 involves verifying that the goods are indeed staple fibres of polypropylene and that they have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. Importers and customs brokers should consult the product's technical specifications and manufacturing process documentation. Cross-referencing with the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, is crucial to confirm the correct subheading and any associated notes or exclusions.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550640?

A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of polypropylene staple fibre, 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 MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5506.40.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550640?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550640, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. Documentation required to claim this preference typically includes a USMCA certification of origin. While not directly applicable to this specific HS code for major economies, other agreements might offer reduced rates for specific developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), often requiring a GSP Form A.

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