HS 550951 Other yarn, of polyester staple fibres
Quick Answer: Yarn of polyester staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, imported under HS 550951 enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at 9.7% under the MFN rate. This classification covers spun yarns made from polyester staple fibres, excluding those specifically for sewing, retail sale, or those with other synthetic staple fibres. Importers should be aware of potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) benefits for US entry, as indicated by CustomTariffs data, which can significantly alter the applicable duty. Exporters should verify specific origin requirements for preferential treatment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509510000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509510000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509513000 | 9.7% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 5509516000 | 10.6% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 550951 | — | — | — |
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 5509.51?
Imports of Other yarn, 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 550951 cover?
This subheading covers other yarns, specifically those made from polyester staple fibres, which are short, discontinuous lengths of polyester. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 5509 pertains to "Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale." Subheading 5509.51 specifically isolates polyester staple fibre yarns that do not fall under more specific categories within 5509, such as those for sewing or those with a specific count or twist. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the material (polyester staple fibre) and its form (yarn, not for retail sale).
What falls outside HS 550951?
The following products are excluded from HS 550951: yarns made from continuous polyester filaments (which are classified under HS 5402), sewing thread of polyester staple fibres (classified under HS 5508), yarns of other synthetic staple fibres such as acrylic or nylon (classified under other subheadings of 5509), and yarns of natural fibres like cotton or wool. Furthermore, yarns put up for retail sale, even if made of polyester staple fibres, are generally classified under HS 5509.91 or other relevant headings depending on their specific presentation and material composition.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550951?
A common error is misinterpreting "staple fibres" versus "continuous filaments." Yarns made from continuous polyester filaments, which are essentially extruded in a single, unbroken strand, are not classified under 5509.51. Another mistake involves confusing yarns not put up for retail sale with those that are; the latter often fall under different HS codes. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 550951?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550951 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the yarn is indeed made from polyester staple fibres, meaning short, discontinuous lengths. Next, they must ascertain that the yarn is not sewing thread and is not put up for retail sale. Reviewing the product's technical specifications, including fibre length and manufacturing process, is essential. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and their respective explanatory notes will provide definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550951?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of polyester staple fibre yarn (not put up for retail sale) declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD would attract a US duty of $350.00. This is calculated using the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 7.0% × $5,000 USD = $350.00. This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5509.51.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550951?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550951, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide a duty-free rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement or a specific certificate of origin, such as the USMCA certification of origin, is typically required by the importing country's customs authority.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the general import duty rates for HS code 550951, 'Other yarn, of polyester staple fibres'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 550951, 'Other yarn, of polyester staple fibres,' is 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, under agreements with 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, the duty rate can be Free. It is crucial to consult the specific trade agreement and provide the necessary proof of origin to claim these preferential rates. The EU TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff provide detailed breakdowns of these rates.
How is the import duty for HS 550951 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 550951 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and you import 1,000 kilograms of polyester staple fibre yarn valued at $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: $5,000 (value) × 4.00% (duty rate) = $200 USD. Always ensure your customs valuation is accurate and compliant with import regulations.
What specific criteria define 'yarn of polyester staple fibres' under HS code 550951?
HS code 550951 covers yarn spun from polyester staple fibres. Staple fibres are short lengths of synthetic material, typically less than 10 cm, that are spun together to form yarn. This distinguishes it from filament yarn, which is made from continuous strands. The yarn must be predominantly of polyester by weight. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on the characteristics of staple fibres and spun yarns.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 550951?
When importing yarn of polyester staple fibres (HS 550951), standard import documentation is usually required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and a certificate of origin. If claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a specific declaration or certificate of origin compliant with the terms of that agreement is mandatory. Importers should also be aware of any specific labeling or marking requirements for textiles in the destination country.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 550951, and what are the implications for importers?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in Free entry, for HS code 550951. Notable examples include agreements between the US and countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). For importers, this means significant cost savings on duties. However, to benefit, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific FTA and provide the correct proof of origin documentation, such as a certificate of origin or a preferential trade statement on the invoice, as required by the importing country's customs authority (e.g., US Customs and Border Protection, HM Revenue and Customs in the UK, or the relevant authority within the EU).