HS 551312 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, of polyester staple fibres

For HS code 551312, which covers "3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, of polyester staple fibres," the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 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-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA) may enter duty-free, provided all rules of origin are met and proper documentation is submitted. Always verify the specific FTA requirements and consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the most current rates and any applicable quotas or special provisions.

HS code 551312 specifically applies to woven fabrics of polyester staple fibres that are characterized by a '3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill' weave. This means the fabric has a diagonal rib pattern created by the interlacing of warp and weft yarns, with the pattern repeating every three or four warp or weft threads. The fibres must be staple fibres, which are short, discrete lengths of synthetic or artificial filament. Fabrics with different weave structures (e.g., plain weave) or made from continuous filament yarns would fall under different HS codes. Microscopic examination or detailed fabric specifications are often necessary to confirm the weave structure.

When importing goods under HS code 551312, standard import documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are required. To claim preferential duty rates under an FTA, a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a specific declaration of origin, compliant with the terms of the relevant trade agreement, is essential. This document must be issued by the exporter or producer and certify that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. Importers and customs brokers must ensure the COO is accurate, complete, and submitted within the timeframe specified by customs regulations. Failure to provide compliant documentation can result in the denial of preferential treatment and the assessment of standard MFN duties.

The import duty for HS code 551312 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, using the U.S. MFN rate of 8.00%, if an importer brings in a shipment of fabric valued at $10,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: $10,000 (Value) × 0.08 (Duty Rate) = $800 USD. In some cases, duties might be based on weight (e.g., per kilogram), but for this specific code, ad valorem is the most common method. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the current tariff schedule.

While the sample list highlights key FTAs, other trade agreements may also offer preferential treatment for fabrics classified under HS 551312. For example, the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) can provide duty-free access for qualifying goods originating from member countries. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program may offer reduced or duty-free entry for goods from designated developing countries. It is imperative for importers and brokers to consult the specific trade agreement applicable to the country of origin and the importing country's customs authority (e.g., U.S. International Trade Commission for the HTSUS, or HM Revenue & Customs for the UK) to determine eligibility and claim benefits.