HS 550953 Mixed mainly or solely with cotton
Quick Answer: Yarns of synthetic staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, imported under HS 550953 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 81% depending on origin. This classification specifically applies to spun yarns made from synthetic staple fibres, such as polyester or acrylic, where cotton is the predominant or sole other fibre present. Importers should be aware of the significant duty variations in the US, particularly the preferential rates available for goods originating from Free Trade Agreement partner countries. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in trade compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509530000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509530000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55095300 | 13.2% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5509530030 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 5509530060 | — | — | ["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 5509.53?
Imports of Mixed mainly or solely with cotton 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 550953 cover?
This subheading covers yarns of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, which are mixed mainly or solely with cotton. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to spun yarns where synthetic staple fibres constitute the predominant component by weight, and cotton is the only other fibre present, or is present in a significant proportion alongside synthetic fibres. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database provide further detail, confirming that the synthetic staple fibres can be of any type, provided the mixture meets the specified criteria with cotton.
What falls outside HS 550953?
The following products are excluded from HS 550953: yarns composed predominantly of cotton, even if they contain a small percentage of synthetic fibres; yarns made from a blend of synthetic staple fibres with more than one other fibre type (e.g., synthetic, cotton, and wool); yarns of continuous synthetic filament; and yarns of synthetic staple fibres mixed mainly or solely with other synthetic fibres. For instance, a yarn that is 70% polyester staple fibre and 30% acrylic staple fibre would not fall under this subheading, nor would a yarn that is 50% cotton and 50% polyester staple fibre.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550953?
A common error is misinterpreting the "mainly or solely with cotton" clause. Importers may incorrectly classify yarns containing synthetic staple fibres mixed with cotton and another fibre, or yarns where cotton is the predominant fibre. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are put up in sets for retail sale, they are classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character; however, for yarns not put up for retail sale, the predominant fibre by weight is the determining factor. Incorrectly assessing the fibre composition by weight is a frequent pitfall.
How should importers classify products under HS 550953?
The correct procedure for classifying yarns under HS 550953 involves a two-step process: first, determine the fibre composition by weight. The yarn must consist of synthetic staple fibres and be mixed mainly or solely with cotton. If synthetic staple fibres are the predominant component by weight, and cotton is the only other fibre, or is present in a significant proportion alongside synthetic fibres, then this subheading may apply. Importers and customs brokers should consult laboratory test reports or manufacturer declarations to confirm the precise fibre percentages.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550953?
A specific example: 100 kilograms of a polyester staple fibre yarn, mixed solely with cotton (60% polyester, 40% cotton), declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, the duty would be $17.50 USD (3.5% × $500). This calculation is based on the declared customs value and the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5509.53.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550953?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550953. For instance, under the USMCA, yarns originating from Mexico or Canada may be eligible for a 0% duty rate upon presentation of a valid Certificate of Origin. Similarly, yarns originating from countries benefiting from the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also receive reduced or duty-free treatment, requiring a GSP Form A. The EU's preferential trade agreements with various countries can also lead to reduced duties, often requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 550953?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 550953 (Yarn of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of artificial staple fibres) is 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for countries with trade agreements with the importing country. For example, under certain agreements, goods 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 others may receive a duty rate of Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or the EU TARIC database, for the definitive rate applicable to your origin country.
How is the duty for HS code 550953 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 550953 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and you import 100 kilograms of yarn valued at $500 USD, the duty calculation would be: 4.00% of $500 USD = $20 USD. If the duty were based on a specific rate (e.g., per kilogram), the calculation would be rate per unit × quantity. Always verify the applicable duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) in the importing country's tariff schedule.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 550953?
HS code 550953 covers yarns of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, which are mixed mainly or solely with cotton, and are made of artificial staple fibres. Key classification criteria include: 1. Fibre Type: The yarn must be composed of synthetic staple fibres (e.g., polyester, nylon) and artificial staple fibres (e.g., rayon, modal). 2. Cotton Content: The mixture must be 'mainly or solely with cotton,' implying cotton is a significant component, or the yarn is a blend where cotton is a primary element alongside synthetic/artificial staple fibres. 3. Form: The yarn must not be put up for retail sale (e.g., in skeins or balls for direct consumer use). It is typically supplied in larger industrial packages like cones or cops. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on fibre composition and mixing rules.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 550953?
To import goods classified under HS code 550953, standard customs documentation is required. This typically 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 as the transport document. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, EU Free Trade Agreements), a Certificate of Origin or origin declaration meeting the specific requirements of the agreement is mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or fibre composition analysis if requested by customs authorities to verify classification.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 550953, and how can I verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often including duty-free entry, for HS code 550953. Examples include agreements between the US and countries like Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), and South Korea (KR); the EU's trade agreements with various partners; and the UK's trade agreements post-Brexit. To verify eligibility, you must: 1. Identify the Origin Country: Determine the country where the yarn was manufactured or processed. 2. Consult the Relevant Tariff Schedule: Check the importing country's customs tariff (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the specific trade agreement applicable to the origin country. 3. Review Agreement Rules: Examine the rules of origin within that trade agreement. These rules often specify the required percentage of domestic content or specific manufacturing processes that must be met for the yarn to qualify for preferential treatment. 4. Obtain Proof of Origin: Secure the necessary documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, as stipulated by the trade agreement.