HS 551090 Other yarn
Quick Answer: Yarn of synthetic staple fibres, not carded or combed, not spun, not put up for retail sale, imported under HS 5510.90 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying significantly from 9% ad valorem to 54% ad valorem, with numerous free trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This classification covers a broad range of synthetic staple fibre yarns that do not fit into more specific categories within Chapter 55. Importers should verify specific origin-based preferential rates and consult detailed tariff schedules, as CustomTariffs aggregates data from various official sources, highlighting potential cost differences across major markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5510900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5510900000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5510902000 | 9% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 551090 | — | — | — |
| 5510904000 | 10.6% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 5510906000 | 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 5510.90?
Imports of Other yarn 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 551090 cover?
This subheading covers "Other yarn" of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, that do not fall under more specific descriptions within heading 5510. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this includes yarns made from synthetic staple fibres such as acrylic, polyester, or nylon, which have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed but are not knitted, crocheted, or made into fabric. The key is that they are single or multiple yarns of these fibres, not intended for direct consumer purchase in retail packaging.
What falls outside HS 551090?
The following products are excluded from HS 551090: yarns of artificial staple fibres, yarns of synthetic filament, yarns put up for retail sale (which are classified under other headings), yarns of natural fibres, and yarns that have been further processed into fabrics, knitted or crocheted articles, or other finished goods. For instance, sewing thread of synthetic staple fibres, even if not for retail sale, would typically be classified under HS 5508.10, and yarns of cotton or wool are classified in Chapters 52 and 51, respectively.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551090?
A common error is misinterpreting the "other" designation. Importers may incorrectly classify yarns of synthetic staple fibres that have specific characteristics or are intended for particular uses under this subheading when a more precise classification exists within heading 5510 or even other chapters. For example, if the yarn is specifically designed as sewing thread, it should be classified under HS 5508.10, not 551090, adhering to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(c) which prioritizes the most specific description.
How should importers classify products under HS 551090?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551090 involves a detailed examination of the fibre content, processing, and intended use. Importers must first confirm the yarn is composed of synthetic staple fibres. Then, they must verify it is not put up for retail sale and does not meet the criteria for more specific subheadings within heading 5510. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC database, and reviewing the Explanatory Notes from the WCO are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551090?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of 100% 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 $150.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 3.0% × $5,000 USD = $150.00. Note that some specific polyester yarns may have different rates, but this illustrates a typical calculation for this category.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551090?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551090, 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" duties for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 551090, 'Other yarn of synthetic fibres, unbleached or bleached or dyed'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 551090 can vary significantly. For example, the United States applies a 3.5% ad valorem duty. However, preferential rates are often available under various trade agreements. For instance, yarn 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 enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the country of origin to determine the applicable duty rate.
How is the import duty for HS code 551090 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 551090 is typically based on an ad valorem rate, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 3.5% and you import 100 kilograms of yarn valued at $500 USD, the duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = Value × Duty Rate = $500 USD × 3.5% = $17.50 USD. Some tariffs may also include specific duties (per unit of quantity) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, so always verify the exact duty structure in the importing country's tariff schedule.
What are the key classification criteria for yarn to fall under HS code 551090?
HS code 551090 covers 'Other yarn of synthetic fibres, unbleached or bleached or dyed, not put up for retail sale'. The primary criteria are that the yarn must be made from synthetic fibres (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic), it can be in its natural state (unbleached), treated (bleached or dyed), and it is not packaged for direct sale to consumers. If the yarn is made from multiple types of fibres, the classification will depend on the predominant fibre by weight. It's important to distinguish this from yarns of artificial fibres (Chapter 55, heading 5501-5507) or yarns of natural fibres (Chapters 50-53).
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 551090?
Standard import documentation for HS code 551090 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the yarn; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is usually required, demonstrating that the yarn meets the rules of origin stipulated by the specific trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared for potential requests for laboratory analysis reports to confirm fibre content if classification is in doubt.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 551090?
Several trade agreements can provide reduced or zero duty rates for HS code 551090, depending on the exporting and importing countries. Examples include the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which may offer preferential rates for yarn originating from Canada or Mexico if rules of origin are met. The European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and its numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Chile, South Korea, and Singapore also frequently provide duty benefits. The UK's Global Tariff and its own network of FTAs also play a significant role. Importers must always verify the specific terms and rules of origin for the relevant trade agreement and country of origin.