HS 551412 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, of polyester staple fibres
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of polyester staple fibres, specifically those with a 3-thread or 4-thread twill construction, including cross twill, imported under HS 551412 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 14.9%. This classification applies to fabrics where the warp and weft are both composed of polyester staple fibres, and the weave pattern creates a diagonal rib effect. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates available in the US for goods originating from Free Trade Agreement partner countries. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based duty rates.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5514120000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5514120000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55141200 | 14.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5514120020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5514120040 | — | — | ["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 5514.12?
Imports of 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, of polyester staple 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 551412 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, and which are of a 3-thread or 4-thread twill weave, including cross twill. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these fabrics are characterized by their specific weave structure and fibre composition, differentiating them from other polyester fabrics. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristic is the twill weave pattern and the predominance of polyester staple fibres.
What falls outside HS 551412?
The following products are excluded from HS 551412: fabrics not containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, fabrics with a different weave structure (e.g., plain weave or satin weave), and fabrics made from continuous polyester filament yarns rather than staple fibres. For example, 100% polyester poplin (plain weave) would be classified under a different subheading within Chapter 55, and blended fabrics with a significant proportion of other fibres, such as cotton or viscose, would also fall outside this specific code.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551412?
A common error is misinterpreting the weave structure, leading to the classification of fabrics with different twill variations or even non-twill weaves under this subheading. Another mistake involves overlooking the fibre content requirement; fabrics that do not contain at least 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres should not be classified here, even if they exhibit a twill weave. This is often addressed by General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 551412?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551412 involves a two-step verification process. First, confirm that the fabric is woven and composed of synthetic staple fibres, with polyester staple fibres constituting 85% or more of its weight. Second, meticulously examine the weave structure to ensure it is a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill. Importers and customs brokers should consult the technical specifications of the fabric and compare them against the detailed descriptions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551412?
A bolt of polyester twill fabric weighing 150 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $750 USD would attract a US duty of $75.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 10% of $750 USD = $75.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 5514.12.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551412?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551412, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, fabrics meeting the rules of origin can achieve a duty rate of Free. The primary origin country benefiting from this preferential rate for this product category is Mexico. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice is typically required by US Customs and Border Protection.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 551412 (3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, of polyester staple fibres)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 551412 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available for countries with trade agreements. For example, under certain agreements, goods 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 others may receive duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to verify the specific preferential rate applicable to the country of origin. The UK also has a General Tariff of 14.9% and a UK Global Tariff of 8.00% for this code, with potential for zero duty under specific trade agreements. The EU TARIC system may also show varying rates, often around 8.00% ad valorem as a standard rate, with potential for suspensions or lower rates under specific conditions.
How is the import duty for HS code 551412 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 551412 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem, and the declared customs value of a shipment of this fabric is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.08 (8.00% Duty Rate) = $800 USD. Always ensure the customs value is correctly determined according to the relevant valuation rules (e.g., WTO Customs Valuation Agreement).
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 551412?
HS code 551412 specifically covers woven fabrics of polyester staple fibres containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres. The defining characteristic is the weave structure: it must be a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, which includes cross twill. This refers to the diagonal rib pattern created by the interlacing of warp and weft yarns. The fabric's weight and the type of fibre (polyester staple fibre) are also critical for correct classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 551412?
Standard import documentation for HS code 551412 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by the exporting country's competent authority is usually required. Depending on the importing country's regulations, a textile declaration or specific product certifications might also be necessary to verify fibre content and compliance with any import restrictions.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 551412?
Several trade agreements can impact duty rates for HS code 551412. For imports into the United States, agreements like the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) could offer preferential rates. For imports into the European Union, agreements with countries such as Chile, South Korea, and others may provide reduced or zero duties. The United Kingdom's trade agreements, post-Brexit, with countries like Japan, Australia, and Canada, could also offer preferential treatment. Importers must consult the specific trade agreement between the importing and exporting country, and ensure compliance with its rules of origin and certification requirements to benefit from these rates.