HS 550962 Mixed mainly or solely with cotton
Quick Answer: Yarns of synthetic staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, imported under HS 550962 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 81% depending on the country of origin. This classification specifically applies to yarns made from synthetic staple fibres, such as polyester or acrylic, where cotton constitutes the predominant or sole other fibre component. Importers should carefully verify the specific US duty rate based on the origin of the goods, as preferential trade agreements significantly impact the applicable tariff. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509620000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509620000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509620000 | 12% | 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 5509.62?
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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 550962 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 (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to yarns where synthetic staple fibres are the predominant component by weight, or where synthetic staple fibres and cotton are present in equal proportions, and the yarn is not intended for direct sale to consumers. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the fibre composition and presentation of the yarn.
What falls outside HS 550962?
The following products are excluded from HS 550962: yarns where cotton is the predominant fibre, yarns composed of synthetic staple fibres mixed with other fibres (not cotton), and yarns of synthetic staple fibres put up for retail sale. For instance, a yarn that is 60% cotton and 40% polyester staple fibre would not fall under this subheading. Similarly, a yarn of 50% polyester staple fibre and 50% acrylic staple fibre, or a yarn of synthetic staple fibres and cotton sold in small skeins for home knitting, would be classified elsewhere, typically under different subheadings within HS 5509 or in other HS chapters depending on the specific composition and presentation.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550962?
A common error is misinterpreting the "mainly or solely with cotton" clause, leading to the incorrect classification of yarns where cotton is not the primary fibre by weight or where other fibres are present in significant proportions. For example, if a yarn is 40% synthetic staple fibre, 30% cotton, and 30% wool, it would not fit this subheading. Importers may also overlook the "not put up for retail sale" requirement, classifying bulk yarns intended for industrial use under subheadings meant for consumer goods. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures is crucial, but the specific wording of this subheading prioritizes the cotton mixture.
How should importers classify products under HS 550962?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 550962 involves a detailed analysis of the yarn's fibre composition and its intended presentation. Importers and customs brokers must first determine the exact percentage by weight of each fibre in the yarn. If synthetic staple fibres are the predominant fibre, or if synthetic staple fibres and cotton are present in equal proportions, and the yarn is not packaged for retail sale, then HS 550962 is likely applicable. Reviewing the WCO Explanatory Notes and consulting official tariff databases for specific rulings or interpretations is a critical step to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550962?
A 100 kg shipment of polyester staple fibre yarn, mixed 50% with cotton, declared at a customs value of $500 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. The calculation is: 3.5% of $500 USD = $17.50. *Correction: This example is incorrect as it uses ad valorem on value, not quantity. A more accurate example for yarn is often based on weight.* Let's re-calculate: A 100 kg shipment of polyester staple fibre yarn, mixed 50% with cotton, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $350.00, assuming a specific duty rate of $3.50 per kilogram. This is calculated using the specific duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule: $3.50/kg × 100 kg = $350.00. (Note: Actual duty rates vary and require specific consultation of the HTSUS). For illustrative purposes, let's assume a hypothetical specific duty of $3.50 per kilogram. The duty would be $3.50/kg * 100 kg = $350.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550962?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550962, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, yarns originating from Mexico or Canada may be eligible for a duty-free rate. For example, a yarn originating from Canada would be "Free" under USMCA. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice or a separate certificate of origin is typically required, depending on the specific circumstances and value of the goods. Other agreements might apply depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary duty rates applicable to HS code 5509.62?
HS code 5509.62 covers "Yarn of other synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale: Mixed mainly or solely with cotton: Other". The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for this classification is typically 4.00% ad valorem. However, specific preferential duty rates apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, 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 may be Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country to determine the exact applicable rate based on the country of origin and any relevant trade agreements. For example, the European Union's TARIC system may list different rates, and the UK Trade Tariff provides UK-specific rates.
How is the duty for HS code 5509.62 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 5509.62 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and you import 1,000 kilograms of yarn valued at $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: $5,000 (value) × 4.00% (duty rate) = $200 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 basis of duty assessment (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for yarn to fall under HS code 5509.62?
To be classified under HS code 5509.62, the yarn must meet several criteria. Firstly, it must be composed of synthetic staple fibres. Secondly, these synthetic staple fibres must be mixed mainly or solely with cotton. 'Mainly' generally refers to a proportion exceeding 50% by weight. If the yarn is composed solely of synthetic staple fibres (without cotton), it would fall under a different subheading. The fibres must be 'staple fibres,' meaning they are discontinuous lengths of synthetic material, as opposed to continuous filaments. Finally, the yarn must not be put up for retail sale; if it were, it would be classified under a different heading (e.g., 5509.61 for retail sale). Verification of the fibre composition through laboratory testing or manufacturer's declarations is often required.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 5509.62?
Importing goods classified under HS code 5509.62 generally requires standard international trade documentation. This 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, for preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is usually mandatory, demonstrating that the goods originate from a country with which the importing country has a trade agreement. A manufacturer's declaration or laboratory test report confirming the fibre composition (i.e., synthetic staple fibres mixed mainly or solely with cotton) may also be requested by customs authorities to substantiate the HS classification.
Which common trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 5509.62?
Several trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for HS code 5509.62. Key agreements include those between the United States and countries like South Korea (KORUS FTA), Australia (AUSFTA), and Colombia (CTPA), which often provide preferential rates. The European Union has numerous Association Agreements and Free Trade Agreements with countries in the Mediterranean region, Eastern Europe, and Africa that may offer reduced duties. Similarly, the UK benefits from its own set of trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers should investigate agreements between the country of origin of the yarn and the importing country. For example, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) or specific bilateral FTAs often list this HS code with a 'Free' or reduced duty rate, as indicated by the presence of codes like 'AU', 'BH', 'CL', 'CO', 'IL', 'JO', 'KR', 'MA', 'OM', 'PA', 'PE', 'SG' in tariff schedules, signifying preferential treatment under specific trade pacts.