HS 550931 Containing 85 % or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres
Quick Answer: Yarns of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of these fibres, enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at 9% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification specifically applies to spun yarns made predominantly from acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres. Importers should be aware of the significant preferential duty rates available for the US market from certain Free Trade Agreement partner countries, as detailed on platforms like CustomTariffs. Customs brokers should ensure accurate declaration of fibre content to ensure correct classification and duty application.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509310000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509310000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509310000 | 9% | 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 5509.31?
Imports of Containing 85 % or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic 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 550931 cover?
This subheading covers yarns of synthetic staple fibres, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to single or multiple (folded or cabled) yarns, whether or not put up for retail sale. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristic is the high acrylic or modacrylic content, excluding blends where these fibres are not predominant.
What falls outside HS 550931?
The following products are excluded from HS 550931: yarns containing less than 85% by weight of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, as these would fall under other subheadings within heading 5509 or potentially heading 5508 for sewing thread. Additionally, yarns made from continuous acrylic or modacrylic filaments, or those composed primarily of other synthetic or natural fibres, are classified elsewhere. For instance, a yarn with 70% acrylic and 30% wool would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550931?
A common error is misinterpreting the percentage of acrylic or modacrylic fibres. Importers may incorrectly assume a yarn falls under this subheading when the actual content is below the 85% threshold, especially in mixed fibre yarns. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for goods consisting of different materials or components, where the essential character is determined by the material or component that gives them their essential character, is often overlooked when blends are involved and the predominant fibre is not acrylic or modacrylic.
How should importers classify products under HS 550931?
The correct procedure for classifying yarns under HS 550931 involves first determining the fibre composition by weight. This requires obtaining a detailed fibre analysis certificate or product specification from the manufacturer. Once the percentage of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres is confirmed to be 85% or more, the yarn's construction (single, multiple, put up for retail) should be verified to ensure it aligns with the subheading's scope. Consulting the official tariff schedule for the importing country is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550931?
A 100% acrylic staple fibre yarn, weighing 500 kilograms and 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 (5.0% × $2,500 USD = $125.00). This is calculated using the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HTS code 5509310000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550931?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550931, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement, as per the specific agreement's requirements, is typically mandated.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 550931?
HS code 550931 specifically covers 'Yarn of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, containing 85 % or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres'. The key classification criteria are: 1. The material must be yarn. 2. The yarn must be composed of synthetic staple fibres. 3. Crucially, the yarn must contain 85% or more, by weight, of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres. 4. It must not be put up for retail sale. This distinction is important as yarns put up for retail sale would fall under a different subheading. Verification of the fibre content percentage is essential for correct classification, often requiring laboratory analysis or manufacturer's declarations.
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 550931, and how do preferential trade agreements impact them?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 550931 can vary by importing country. For example, the United States applies a duty rate of 4.00% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also list specific rates. Preferential trade agreements significantly reduce or eliminate these duties. For instance, under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement), or agreements with countries such as 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, this yarn may be eligible for duty-free entry (Free) provided it meets the rules of origin stipulated in each respective agreement. Importers must verify the specific agreement and ensure compliance with its origin requirements to claim preferential treatment.
How is the import duty for HS code 550931 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 550931 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and the declared customs value of a shipment of acrylic yarn is $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: Duty = Declared Value × Duty Rate. Duty = $10,000 USD × 4.00% (or 0.04). Duty = $400 USD. Some countries might also apply specific duties (per unit of weight or measure) or a combination (e.g., compound duties), though ad valorem is common for this category. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact duty calculation method and rate.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 550931?
When importing goods under HS code 550931, standard import documentation is required, which generally includes: 1. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the seller, buyer, description of goods, quantity, unit price, and total value. 2. Packing List: Outlining the contents of each package, weights, and dimensions. 3. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: The transport document issued by the carrier. 4. Certificate of Origin: Essential if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. This document certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin. 5. Manufacturer's Declaration or Test Report: May be required to substantiate the fibre content (85% or more acrylic/modacrylic staple fibres) for classification purposes, especially if questioned by customs authorities. 6. Import License (if applicable): Depending on the importing country's regulations. Always consult the specific import regulations of the destination country and consult with your customs broker for precise requirements.