HS 551110 Of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85 % or more by weight of such fibres
Quick Answer: Yarn of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres, enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 5.00% ad valorem, and the US at 7.5% ad valorem under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification specifically applies to yarns spun from man-made staple fibres, such as polyester or nylon, where the synthetic component is dominant. Importers should be aware of preferential duty rates available in the US for goods originating from certain Free Trade Agreement partner countries, which can be as low as Free. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based rates for accurate landed cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5511100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5511100000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55111000 | 7.5% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5511100030 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 5511100060 | — | — | ["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 5511.10?
Imports of Of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85 % or more by weight of such 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 551110 cover?
This subheading covers yarns of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres, intended for retail sale. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, synthetic staple fibres are short lengths of synthetic filament, typically less than 50 mm. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to these yarns when packaged for retail, distinguishing them from yarns sold in bulk for industrial use.
What falls outside HS 551110?
The following products are excluded from HS 551110: yarns of synthetic staple fibres containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, which would be classified under HS 551120 if containing other fibres, or under other headings if the predominant fibre is not synthetic staple fibre. Also excluded are yarns not put up for retail sale, such as those wound on large cones or in bulk packaging, and yarns made from artificial staple fibres or natural fibres, which fall under different HS headings within Chapter 55 or other chapters.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551110?
A common error is misinterpreting the "85% or more by weight of such fibres" criterion, leading to incorrect classification. For instance, yarns with a significant blend of natural fibres might be mistakenly classified here. Additionally, failing to identify if the yarn is "put up for retail sale" is a frequent oversight; yarns sold in large industrial quantities are not covered by this subheading, even if they meet the fibre content requirement. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 3(b) for mixtures is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 551110?
The correct procedure for classifying yarns under HS 551110 involves a two-step process. First, determine the fibre composition by weight to confirm it contains 85% or more of synthetic staple fibres. Second, verify that the yarn is packaged for retail sale, such as in small skeins, balls, or hanks clearly intended for consumer purchase. Importers should consult product specifications and packaging details to ensure both criteria are met before assigning this subheading.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551110?
A 100% polyester yarn, weighing 5 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $30 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.75. This is calculated using the MFN rate of 15% ad valorem, applied to the value, as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is $30 USD (declared value) × 0.15 (MFN duty rate) = $4.50 USD. *Correction: The previous example was incorrect. For yarns of synthetic staple fibres, the duty is often based on weight. For example, a 5 kg shipment of acrylic yarn (85%+ synthetic staple fibre) for retail sale, declared at $30 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.75 if the rate is $0.15 per kg. This is calculated as 5 kg × $0.15/kg = $0.75. This rate is found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule under the relevant subheadings for retail-packaged yarns.*
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551110?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551110, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for qualifying yarns originating from Canada or Mexico. The UK's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or free duties for yarns from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically need to provide 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 551110, 'Yarn of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 551110 is typically 5.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with which the importing country has trade agreements. For example, 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 (0.00%). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the EU TARIC database, or the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm applicable rates based on the origin of the goods.
What specific criteria determine if a yarn falls under HS code 551110?
To be classified under HS code 551110, the yarn must meet two primary criteria: 1) It must be made from synthetic staple fibres. Synthetic fibres are man-made fibres produced from chemical compounds, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. Staple fibres are short lengths of these synthetic fibres. 2) The yarn must contain 85% or more by weight of these synthetic staple fibres. This means that less than 15% of the yarn's weight can be comprised of other materials, such as natural fibres, other synthetic fibres, or non-fibrous materials. Verification often involves laboratory analysis or supplier declarations confirming the fibre composition.
How is the import duty for HS code 551110 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 551110 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 5.00% and you import 1,000 kilograms of yarn with a declared customs value of $2,500 USD, the duty calculation would be: Duty Amount = Declared Customs Value × Duty Rate. In this example: $2,500 USD × 5.00% = $125 USD. Therefore, the import duty would be $125 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, so it's essential to check the specific tariff for any additional or alternative duties.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 551110?
When importing yarn classified under HS code 551110, standard customs documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin on the invoice, compliant with the specific requirements of the trade agreement, is mandatory. Importers may also need to provide a declaration of fibre content from the manufacturer or supplier to substantiate the classification, especially if the 85% synthetic staple fibre threshold is questioned by customs authorities. Consulting with a customs broker or reviewing the importing country's customs regulations is advised.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer reduced or zero duty rates for HS code 551110?
Several major trade agreements provide preferential tariff treatment for goods classified under HS code 551110. For imports into the United States, agreements like the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and agreements with countries such as Chile, Colombia, and Peru often result in duty-free entry, provided the yarn originates from these partner countries and meets all rule of origin requirements. For imports into the European Union, agreements with countries like South Korea, Singapore, and various Mediterranean nations may offer reduced rates. Similarly, the UK benefits from numerous trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers must always verify the specific terms and rules of origin for the relevant trade agreement in the official tariff database of the importing country (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).