HS 550921 Containing 85 % or more by weight of polyester staple fibres
Quick Answer: Yarn of polyester staple fibres containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at 9.7% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification specifically applies to spun yarns made from polyester staple fibers, excluding those that are put up for retail sale. Importers should be aware of the significant MFN duty rate in the US, though preferential rates may apply for goods originating from certain Free Trade Agreement partner countries. CustomTariffs aggregates this information for compliance planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509210000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509210000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509210000 | 9.7% | 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 5509.21?
Imports of Containing 85 % or more by weight of polyester 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 550921 cover?
This subheading covers yarns of synthetic staple fibres, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses single or multiple (folded or cabled) yarns, whether or not put up for retail sale. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristic is the high polyester staple fibre content, excluding continuous filament yarns or yarns made from other synthetic fibres as the predominant component.
What falls outside HS 550921?
The following products are excluded from HS 550921: yarns with less than 85% polyester staple fibre content, which would be classified under other headings within Chapter 55 based on their predominant fibre. Also excluded are continuous filament polyester yarns (classified under HS 5501), yarns of regenerated cellulosic staple fibres (e.g., viscose, classified under HS 550931 if containing 85% or more by weight), and yarns of other synthetic staple fibres where those other fibres are predominant. Yarns of wool or fine animal hair (Chapter 51) or cotton (Chapter 52) are also distinctly classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550921?
A common error is misinterpreting the "85% or more by weight" criterion, especially when blends contain multiple synthetic fibres. Importers may incorrectly classify a yarn as polyester staple fibre when another synthetic fibre constitutes a higher percentage, or when the total synthetic staple fibre content falls below 85%. Following General Interpretative Rule 3(b) for mixtures, the predominant fibre by weight determines classification, and failure to accurately ascertain this can lead to misclassification. Additionally, confusing staple fibre yarns with continuous filament yarns is another frequent mistake.
How should importers classify products under HS 550921?
The correct procedure for classifying yarns under HS 550921 involves a two-step process: first, determine if the yarn is composed of staple fibres (short, discontinuous fibres) rather than continuous filament. Second, accurately ascertain the fibre composition by weight. The importer must obtain a detailed breakdown of the fibre content from the manufacturer, ensuring the polyester staple fibre component constitutes 85% or more by weight. This precise information is crucial for accurate declaration to customs authorities like the USITC or EU TARIC.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550921?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of 100% polyester staple fibre yarn, declared at a customs value of $5,000 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 ($5,000 USD × 0.035 = $175.00), and a specific duty of $0.175 per kilogram ($0.175/kg × 1,000 kg = $175.00), resulting in a total duty of $350.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550921?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550921, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for eligible originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The UK's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer preferential rates for goods from certain developing countries, potentially Free. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for other agreements, depending on the specific trade pact and originating country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 550921, specifically for yarns of polyester staple fibres containing 85% or more by weight?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 550921 is typically 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with which the importing country has trade agreements. For example, under certain agreements, duty rates can be Free (e.g., from Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, Oman, Peru, Singapore). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the EU TARIC database, or the UK Trade Tariff, for definitive rates applicable to your origin country.
How is the classification of HS code 550921 determined, particularly regarding the 85% polyester staple fibre content?
The classification under HS code 550921 hinges on the fiber composition. The key criterion is that the yarn must contain 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres. This means that other synthetic or man-made staple fibres, or even natural fibres, can be present, but their combined weight must not exceed 15% of the total weight of the yarn. Importers and customs brokers must ensure that laboratory test reports or manufacturer declarations accurately reflect this composition to support the classification.
What documentation is typically required to import goods classified under HS code 550921?
Standard import documentation for HS code 550921 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to substantiate the 85% polyester staple fibre content, a certificate of origin is often required, especially when claiming preferential duty rates. In some cases, a manufacturer's declaration or a laboratory test report confirming the fiber composition may be requested by customs authorities to verify compliance with the HS code's specific requirements.
Can you provide an example of how import duty is calculated for HS code 550921?
Certainly. Let's assume an import shipment of polyester staple fibre yarn (HS 550921) with a declared value of $10,000 USD and an MFN duty rate of 4.00%. The duty calculation would be: Duty Amount = Declared Value × Duty Rate. In this case, $10,000 USD × 4.00% = $400 USD. If the duty were based on weight, for example, 1000 kg of yarn at a rate of $0.50 per kg, the duty would be 1000 kg × $0.50/kg = $500. Always verify the applicable duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) from the official tariff schedule.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 550921, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 550921. Examples include agreements like the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and various EU Free Trade Agreements. To verify eligibility, importers and customs brokers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific trade agreement. This certificate is then presented to customs authorities at the time of import to claim the reduced or free duty rate.