HS 550961 Other yarn, of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres
Quick Answer: Yarn of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 81%. This classification specifically covers yarns spun from acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, which are short, cut fibres resembling natural fibres. It excludes continuous filament yarns or those put up for retail sale. Importers should be aware of the significant duty differential in the US, where preferential trade agreements can lead to duty-free entry for qualifying countries. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509610000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509610000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509610000 | 13.2% | 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 5509.61?
Imports of Other yarn, 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 550961 cover?
This subheading covers single or multiple (folded) yarns, not put up for retail sale, composed of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these yarns are derived from staple fibres, meaning they are cut to a specific length. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to yarns spun from these synthetic fibres, excluding those specifically covered elsewhere in heading 5509.
What falls outside HS 550961?
The following products are excluded from HS 550961: yarns of continuous acrylic or modacrylic filament, yarns that are put up for retail sale (which would fall under different headings), and yarns composed of other staple fibres such as cotton, wool, or polyester. For instance, 100% polyester staple fibre yarn is classified under HS 550921, and acrylic filament yarn falls under HS 5501.30. Blended yarns containing significant proportions of other fibres may also be classified elsewhere based on the predominant fibre.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550961?
A common error is misinterpreting the fibre content, particularly when yarns are blended. General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 3(b) states that when goods are mixed or composed of different materials, classification shall be based on the material or component which gives them their essential character. Importers may incorrectly classify a blended yarn solely based on the presence of acrylic or modacrylic fibres, overlooking a predominant other fibre, or fail to distinguish between staple fibre yarn and filament yarn.
How should importers classify products under HS 550961?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550961 involves a thorough examination of the fibre composition and the form of the yarn. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the yarn is exclusively or predominantly made from acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres and is not put up for retail sale. Consulting the product's technical specifications, fibre analysis reports, and the relevant WCO HS Explanatory Notes or national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550961?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of 100% acrylic 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 Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.035 = $175.00), and an additional specific duty of $0.20 per kilogram ($0.20/kg × 1,000 kg = $200.00). The total duty is $375.00, based on the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which often combines ad valorem and specific duties for textiles.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550961?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550961, 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 products from developing countries. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary import duty rates for HS code 550961, 'Other yarn, of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 550961 is typically 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For example, under the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), the duty rate is Free. Importers should always verify the applicable rate based on the country of origin and any specific trade agreements in force at the time of import. Refer to the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most current MFN and preferential rates.
How is the import duty for HS code 550961 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 550961 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and you import 100 kilograms of acrylic yarn valued at $500, the duty would be calculated as: 4.00% of $500 = $20.00. If a specific duty rate (e.g., per kilogram) is also applicable, the duty would be the higher of the ad valorem or specific duty, or a combination as specified in the tariff schedule. Always consult the official tariff schedule for the precise calculation method.
What specific criteria distinguish HS code 550961 from other yarn classifications?
HS code 550961 specifically covers 'Other yarn, of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres'. This means the yarn must be composed of staple fibres (short, discrete lengths) derived from acrylic or modacrylic polymers. It excludes yarns made from continuous filament, or yarns of other synthetic fibres (like polyester or nylon), or natural fibres (like cotton or wool). The key classification criteria are the material composition (acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres) and the form (yarn). Refer to Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System Nomenclature for detailed classification notes and definitions.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 550961?
Standard import documentation for HS code 550961 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and import, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Manufacturers' declarations confirming the composition of the yarn (i.e., that it is made from acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres) can also be beneficial for customs clearance. Importers should consult with their customs broker and the destination country's customs authority for a comprehensive list of required documents.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 550961, and how can importers leverage them?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 550961. For example, agreements like the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU) offer Free entry. Other agreements may offer reduced rates. To leverage these agreements, importers must ensure the yarn originates from a country that is a party to the agreement and obtain a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) or equivalent declaration as specified by the trade agreement. The COO must accurately identify the goods and their origin. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement text and the relevant customs authority (e.g., USITC for US imports) to understand the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for each agreement.