HS 550999 Other
Quick Answer: Yarn of other synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, imported under HS 550999 enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at a variable rate, with the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate being 9% and significant duty-free access for certain trade agreement partners. This residual classification applies to synthetic staple fibre yarns not specifically covered by preceding headings within Chapter 55, such as those made from polyester or nylon. Importers should be aware of the substantial MFN duty in the US, contrasting with the more uniform rates in the UK and EU. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based preferential rates for US imports.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509990000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509990000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5509992000 | 9% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 5509996000 | 13.2% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 550999 | — | — | — |
| 5509994000 | 10.6% | 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 5509.99?
Imports of Other 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 550999 cover?
This subheading covers yarns of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, other than those of heading 5509.11 to 5509.91. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes single or multiple (folded) yarns made from synthetic staple fibres, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic, that are not intended for direct sale to consumers. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this broad scope for unput-up synthetic staple fibre yarns not specifically enumerated in preceding subheadings.
What falls outside HS 550999?
The following products are excluded from HS 550999: yarns of synthetic staple fibres put up for retail sale, which are classified under heading 5511; yarns of artificial staple fibres; yarns of synthetic filament, which fall under heading 5501 or 5502; and yarns of synthetic staple fibres specifically enumerated in subheadings 5509.11 to 5509.91, such as those composed wholly of polyester staple fibres. For instance, a retail package of acrylic yarn would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 550999?
A common error is misinterpreting the "other" designation, leading to the incorrect classification of yarns that should fall under more specific subheadings within heading 5509 or even other headings entirely. For example, mistaking yarns of artificial staple fibres for synthetic staple fibres, or failing to recognize that yarns put up for retail sale are classified elsewhere under General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1. Importers may also overlook the distinction between staple fibre yarns and filament yarns.
How should importers classify products under HS 550999?
The correct procedure for classifying yarns under HS 550999 involves a multi-step analysis. First, determine if the yarn is composed of synthetic staple fibres. Second, confirm that it is not put up for retail sale. Third, verify that it is not specifically covered by preceding subheadings within heading 5509 (e.g., 5509.11 to 5509.91). Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm the precise composition and presentation of the goods.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 550999?
A batch of 100 kilograms of undyed, 100% polyester staple fibre yarn, not put up for retail sale, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.03 = $15.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5509.99.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 550999?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 550999, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, depending on the origin country and agreement, is typically required by customs authorities.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 550999?
HS code 550999 covers 'Other' synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates apply under various trade agreements. For example, goods originating 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 the United States (US) may receive duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the origin of the goods to determine the applicable duty rate. For instance, the EU TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff provide detailed information on these rates.
How is the import duty for HS 550999 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 550999 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is 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 'other' synthetic staple fibers is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 USD (Customs Value) × 0.04 (4.00% duty rate) = $400 USD. Always ensure the customs value is correctly determined according to the importing country's valuation rules, often based on the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation.
What classification criteria distinguish HS code 550999 from other codes within Chapter 55?
HS code 550999 is a residual category for synthetic staple fibers that do not meet the specific criteria of other headings within Chapter 55. Chapter 55 covers 'Man-made staple fibres'. For example, if the fibers are not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, and they are not specifically covered by codes for acrylic, modacrylic, polyester, or polyamide staple fibers (e.g., 5501-5508), they would fall under 550999. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (WCO) provide detailed guidance on the distinctions between these codes, emphasizing the material composition and the state of processing.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 550999?
When importing goods classified under HS code 550999, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value and description of the goods, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, EU trade agreements), an Origin Certificate or a declaration of origin is mandatory. Importers and customs brokers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or manufacturer's declarations to substantiate the classification if requested by customs authorities (e.g., US Customs and Border Protection, HM Revenue & Customs). Always verify the specific requirements of the importing country's customs agency.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 550999, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often including duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 550999. Examples include agreements between the US and countries like Chile, Colombia, and South Korea, as well as agreements involving the EU and the UK with various partners. To verify eligibility, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. This typically involves obtaining a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin from the exporter, which certifies that the goods meet the specified origin criteria. Consulting the official tariff database of the importing country (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and the text of the trade agreement itself is essential for accurate verification.