HS 551411 Unbleached or bleached
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, of a weight exceeding 170g/m², imported under HS 551411 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at 14.9% under the MFN rate. This code specifically covers unbleached or bleached woven fabrics predominantly made from polyester staple fibres, excluding those that are dyed or printed. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate differential for the US market compared to the EU and UK. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying specific preferential rates for the US.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5514110000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5514110000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55141100 | 14.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5514110020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5514110030 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5514110050 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5514110090 | — | — | ["m²","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 5514.11?
Imports of Unbleached or bleached 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 551411 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, of a weight exceeding 170 g/m², unbleached or bleached. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification is specific to plain weave fabrics made from polyester staple fibers, excluding those that are dyed or printed. For instance, unbleached polyester staple fiber fabric intended for further processing, or bleached fabric ready for garment manufacture, would fall under this code, provided it meets the weight and fiber composition criteria as detailed in Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System.
What falls outside HS 551411?
The following products are excluded from HS 551411: woven fabrics containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, fabrics weighing 170 g/m² or less, and fabrics that are dyed, printed, or otherwise colored. For example, a polyester staple fiber fabric that has undergone a dyeing process to achieve a specific color would be classified under a different subheading within heading 5514, such as 5514.21 (dyed). Similarly, fabrics made from a blend where synthetic staple fibers are not predominantly polyester, or those made from filament yarns, are also excluded from this specific classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551411?
A common error is misinterpreting the "unbleached or bleached" condition, leading to the incorrect classification of dyed or printed fabrics. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are classifiable under two or more headings or subheadings, classification shall be determined by the essential character of the goods. Importers may also overlook the weight requirement of exceeding 170 g/m², classifying heavier fabrics under this code. It is crucial to verify the fabric's weight and whether any coloration processes have been applied beyond simple bleaching.
How should importers classify products under HS 551411?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551411 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the fabric is woven and composed of synthetic staple fibers, specifically containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres. Secondly, the fabric's weight must exceed 170 g/m². Thirdly, it is essential to ascertain that the fabric is either in its natural unbleached state or has undergone only a bleaching process, with no subsequent dyeing or printing. Reviewing the manufacturer's specifications and technical data sheets is paramount.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551411?
A 100-meter roll of unbleached polyester staple fiber fabric, weighing 250 g/m² (total weight 25 kg), and declared at a customs value of $150 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 6.0% ad valorem published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5514.11.00, applied to the declared customs value: 6.0% × $150 USD = $9.00. However, if the fabric were subject to a specific duty based on weight, the calculation would differ. For this example, assuming a specific duty of $0.60 per kilogram, the duty would be $0.60/kg × 25 kg = $15.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551411?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551411, 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 duty rates for eligible goods from designated 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 jurisdiction and the trade agreement's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 551411 in the US, EU, and UK?
For HS code 551411, which covers woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, of a weight exceeding 170 g/m², unbleached or bleached, the duty rates differ by region. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem. In the European Union, the TARIC system indicates a duty rate of 8.00% ad valorem. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a duty rate of 8.00% ad valorem for this classification. Always verify the most current rates on the respective official customs websites (USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) as these can change.
How is the import duty for HS 551411 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 551411 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if you import 1,000 square meters of fabric valued at $2,500, and the applicable duty rate is 8.00%, the duty calculation would be: $2,500 (value) × 0.08 (duty rate) = $200.00. This amount would be payable to customs. Some countries may also have specific duties based on weight or quantity, so it's crucial to check the specific tariff schedule for the importing country.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 551411?
To classify goods under HS code 551411, two primary criteria must be met. First, the fabric must be woven and composed of synthetic staple fibres. Second, it must contain 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres. Additionally, the fabric's weight must exceed 170 grams per square meter (g/m²). The fabric can be either unbleached or bleached. If the fabric contains less than 85% polyester staple fibres, or if its weight is 170 g/m² or less, it would fall under a different HS code.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 551411, and what documentation is needed?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 551411. For instance, under agreements like the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), US-Bahrain (BH), US-Chile (CL), US-Colombia (CO), US-Israel (IL), US-Jordan (JO), US-Korea (KR), US-Morocco (MA), US-Oman (OM), US-Peru (PE), US-Singapore (SG), and others, the duty rate may be Free. To claim preferential treatment, importers must provide a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin from the exporter, compliant with the specific requirements of the relevant trade agreement. This document must be presented at the time of import and should clearly identify the goods and their origin.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a Certificate of Origin for importing goods under HS 551411?
Beyond a Certificate of Origin for claiming preferential duties, importers and customs brokers should ensure they have a commercial invoice detailing the transaction, a packing list specifying the contents of each package, and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the nature of the goods, additional documents like a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to confirm fibre composition and weight, or specific safety and compliance certificates, may be required. It is always advisable to consult the customs authority of the importing country for a comprehensive list of required documentation.