HS 550911 Containing 85 % or more by weight of staple fibres of nylon or other polyamides
Quick Answer: Yarn of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of staple fibres of nylon or other polyamides, enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at 54% (MFN rate), with preferential rates available for certain trade partners. This classification specifically covers spun yarns made from synthetic staple fibres, such as nylon, where the synthetic fibre content is predominant. Importers should be aware of potential anti-dumping duties or other trade remedies that may apply in certain jurisdictions, which can significantly impact the final landed cost. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist trade professionals in navigating these complexities.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509110000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509110000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509110000 | 9.4% | 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 5509.11?
Imports of Containing 85 % or more by weight of staple fibres of nylon or other polyamides 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 550911 cover?
This subheading covers yarns of synthetic staple fibres, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of staple fibres of nylon or other polyamides. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes spun yarns, whether or not put up for retail sale, derived from these synthetic fibres. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system confirm this scope, focusing on the material composition and form of the yarn.
What falls outside HS 550911?
The following products are excluded from HS 550911: yarns containing less than 85% by weight of nylon or other polyamide staple fibres, which would be classified under other headings in Chapter 55 based on their predominant fibre content. Additionally, continuous filament yarns of nylon or other polyamides, not spun, are classified under HS Heading 5402. Yarns of mixed fibres where nylon or polyamide staple fibres are not the predominant component (i.e., less than 85%) are also excluded and classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550911?
A common error is misinterpreting the "85% or more by weight" criterion. Importers may incorrectly classify yarns with a lower percentage of nylon or polyamide staple fibres under this subheading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. Failing to accurately determine the fibre composition by weight, especially in blended yarns, leads to misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 550911?
The correct procedure for classifying yarns under HS 550911 involves first determining the fibre composition by weight. Importers and customs brokers must obtain a detailed fibre analysis from the manufacturer, confirming that the yarn contains 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamide staple fibres. If this condition is met, and the product is indeed a spun yarn, then HS 550911 is the appropriate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550911?
A 100-kilogram shipment of spun nylon yarn, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $350.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 3.5% of $500 USD = $17.50. This example assumes the yarn is classified under HTSUS 5509.11.0000, with a duty rate of 3.5% as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550911?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550911. For instance, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), yarns originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for a 0% duty rate. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially offering reduced or free entry, 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 550911, and how do preferential rates apply?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 550911, which covers "Yarn of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale: Containing 85 % or more by weight of staple fibres of nylon or other polyamides", is typically 4.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential rates can significantly reduce or eliminate duties under various trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries like 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 duty-free treatment (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific trade agreement and possess the necessary Certificates of Origin to claim these preferential rates. Always verify the most current rates with official sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
What specific criteria determine if a yarn falls under HS code 550911?
To be classified under HS code 550911, the yarn must meet two primary criteria: 1) It must be made of synthetic staple fibres. 2) It must contain 85% or more by weight of staple fibres of nylon or other polyamides. 'Staple fibres' refers to fibres of definite length, whether naturally occurring or artificially produced. The '85% or more by weight' is a critical threshold. If the yarn contains less than 85% nylon or polyamide staple fibres, it would be classified under a different HS code depending on the predominant fibre. This classification is based on the WCO's Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 550911?
When importing goods under HS code 550911, standard import documentation is required. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) is essential. The COO must certify that the goods originate from a country that is a party to the relevant trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or laboratory test results if customs authorities require verification of the fibre content (i.e., confirming it contains 85% or more by weight of nylon or polyamide staple fibres).
How is the import duty for HS code 550911 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 550911 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and you import 1,000 kilograms of yarn valued at $5 per kilogram, the total value of the shipment is $5,000 (1,000 kg × $5/kg). The import duty would be calculated as: 4.00% of $5,000 = $200. Therefore, the duty amount is $200. If the yarn originated from a country with a Free trade agreement and a valid COO is provided, the duty would be $0. Always ensure your declared value is accurate and supported by the commercial invoice.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 550911, and what is the general impact?
Several trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates for HS code 550911. For example, the United States has agreements like the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and others that may provide duty-free entry or reduced rates for qualifying goods originating from these partner countries. The general impact is a significant reduction in landed cost for importers, making goods from partner countries more competitive. To benefit, importers must ensure the yarn meets the rules of origin specified in the respective trade agreement and possess the required documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin. Consulting the specific trade agreement text and the relevant customs authority's guidance is paramount.