HS 550820 Of artificial staple fibres
Quick Answer: Yarn of artificial staple fibres imported under HS 550820 enters the UK duty-free, the EU at rates up to 5.00%, and the US at rates up to 11% (MFN). This classification covers sewing thread made from man-made staple fibres, which are short, manufactured fibres similar to natural fibres like cotton or wool. Importers should be aware of potential differences in preferential duty rates across various trade agreements, particularly in the US. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-specific rates and any applicable trade pacts for accurate customs declarations and duty calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5508200000 | — | — | — |
| 5508201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5508209000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5508200000 | — | — | — |
| 5508209000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
| 5508201000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5508200000 | 11% | 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 5508.20?
Imports of Of artificial staple fibres 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 550820 cover?
This subheading covers sewing thread made from artificial staple fibres, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. This includes threads spun from man-made staple fibres, such as those derived from regenerated cellulose (e.g., viscose rayon) or synthetic polymers (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic staple fibres), provided they are intended for sewing. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key characteristic is the material composition of artificial staple fibres and their form as sewing thread.
What falls outside HS 550820?
The following products are excluded from HS 550820: sewing thread made from natural fibres (e.g., cotton, wool), metal, or continuous artificial filament. Also excluded are yarns of artificial staple fibres that are not specifically prepared or put up for sewing purposes, such as those intended for weaving or knitting. For instance, a skein of undyed viscose staple fibre yarn for textile manufacturing would not fall under this subheading, nor would embroidery thread made from continuous filament synthetic fibres.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550820?
A common error is misclassifying sewing thread made from continuous artificial filament under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 5508 specifically refers to "staple fibres," distinguishing it from continuous filament yarns. Importers may also incorrectly classify sewing thread made from blended fibres if the predominant component is not an artificial staple fibre, or if the thread is not specifically presented for sewing use.
How should importers classify products under HS 550820?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550820 involves verifying the material composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must confirm that the sewing thread is made from artificial staple fibres, not continuous filament or natural fibres. Reviewing product specifications, manufacturer declarations, and consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC are crucial steps. If the thread is presented in put-ups for retail sale as sewing thread, this further supports classification under this subheading.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550820?
A spool of 100% polyester staple fibre sewing thread weighing 50 grams and declared at a customs value of $10.00 USD would attract a US duty of $0.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($10.00 × 0.05 = $0.50). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5508.20.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550820?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550820, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, sewing thread of artificial staple fibres originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for a 0% duty rate. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin is required. Additionally, developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially offering reduced or free entry into the US, requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 5508.20, covering sewing thread of artificial staple fibres?
The import duty rates for HS code 5508.20 vary significantly by country. For instance, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 3.7% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can be lower or even free. 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 benefit from duty-free entry, provided they meet the rules of origin. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
How is the duty for HS code 5508.20 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 5508.20 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 3.7% and you import 1,000 kilograms of sewing thread valued at $5,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = Value × Duty Rate = $5,000 USD × 3.7% = $185 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always verify the duty calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 5508.20?
HS code 5508.20 specifically covers 'Sewing thread of artificial staple fibres'. The key classification criteria are: 1. Material: The thread must be made from artificial staple fibres. Artificial staple fibres are short lengths of man-made fibres (e.g., rayon, viscose, modal, lyocell) that have been cut or broken from continuous filaments. 2. Form: The product must be in the form of sewing thread, meaning it is prepared for use in sewing machines or for hand sewing. This implies it is typically wound onto spools, cones, or similar put-ups. If the artificial staple fibres are in bulk or in continuous filament form not prepared for sewing, they would fall under different HS headings.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 5508.20?
Standard import documentation for HS code 5508.20 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. To claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is usually required, demonstrating that the sewing thread meets the rules of origin stipulated in the respective agreement. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the goods, additional documents like a safety data sheet (SDS) or compliance certificates might be requested.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5508.20, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 5508.20. Examples include the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and various bilateral FTAs such as those between the EU and partner countries. To verify eligibility, importers must first confirm that the sewing thread originates from a country that is a party to a preferential trade agreement with the importing country. Secondly, they must ensure the goods meet the specific 'Rules of Origin' defined within that agreement, which often relate to the percentage of regional value content or specific manufacturing processes. A valid Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by the exporter or manufacturer, and accepted by the importing country's customs authority, is typically required to claim these preferential rates.