HS 551422 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, of polyester staple fibres
Quick Answer: Polyester staple fibre fabrics of 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, imported under HS 551422 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with varying rates including Free for certain trade agreements and 14.9% or 81% under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification covers woven fabrics made from polyester staple fibres, characterized by their specific twill weave structure, typically used in apparel and home furnishings. Importers should verify specific MFN rates and any applicable preferential duty rates for the US market. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to the precise weave and fibre composition is crucial for accurate classification and duty assessment across these jurisdictions.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5514220000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5514220000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55142200 | 14.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5514220020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5514220040 | — | — | ["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 5514.22?
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 551422 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of polyester staple fibres, specifically those with a thread count of 3 or 4 threads in the twill weave, including cross twill. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification is determined by the weave structure and the fibre composition. For example, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that fabrics meeting these criteria, such as certain types of polyester gabardine or serge, fall under this code, provided they are not further processed beyond weaving.
What falls outside HS 551422?
The following products are excluded from HS 551422: fabrics woven with more or fewer than 3 or 4 threads in the twill structure, fabrics made from continuous polyester filament rather than staple fibres, and fabrics that have undergone significant finishing processes beyond basic weaving, such as printing, dyeing, or coating, which might place them in other headings. For instance, printed polyester twill fabrics would typically be classified under a different subheading based on the printing process or the finished nature of the textile.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551422?
A common error is misinterpreting the "3-thread or 4-thread twill" requirement, leading to the incorrect classification of fabrics with different weave structures. Another mistake involves confusing polyester staple fibre with continuous filament polyester, which is classified elsewhere. Importers may also incorrectly classify fabrics that have undergone substantial finishing treatments, overlooking General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) which often directs classification based on essential character, or specific Section/Chapter Notes that may reclassify finished goods.
How should importers classify products under HS 551422?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551422 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm the fibre content is predominantly polyester staple fibres. Secondly, they must examine the weave structure to ensure it is a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill. Consulting the official HS Explanatory Notes, the USITC HTS, or the EU TARIC database for specific examples and definitions is crucial to confirm the classification before import.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551422?
A bolt of polyester twill fabric weighing 100 kilograms, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.035 = $17.50), and an additional specific duty of $0.20 per kilogram ($0.20/kg × 100 kg = $20.00), totaling $37.50. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5514.22.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551422?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551422, 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 products 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 551422, 'Woven fabrics of polyester staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, of yarns of different colours, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 551422 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates can be significantly lower or even free for imports from countries with specific trade agreements. For example, under certain agreements, rates can be as low as Free (e.g., for imports from Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG)). It is crucial to verify the specific preferential rate applicable to your country of origin. Some trade agreements may have higher rates, such as 14.9% or even 81% in specific circumstances, often related to quotas or anti-dumping measures. Always consult the latest tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is the import duty for HS 551422 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS 551422 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 8.00% and you import 1,000 square meters of fabric valued at $2,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: $2,000 USD (value) × 8.00% (duty rate) = $160 USD (duty amount). Some tariffs may also include specific duties (per unit) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific product. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation with the official tariff schedule.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 551422?
To be classified under HS 551422, woven fabrics must meet several criteria: 1) They must be made of polyester staple fibres. 2) They must contain 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres. 3) The fabric must be woven, not knitted or crocheted. 4) The yarns used must be of different colours, meaning the fabric exhibits a pattern due to the colour of the threads. 5) The weave structure must be a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill. This refers to the specific interlacing pattern of the warp and weft yarns. Importers and customs brokers must ensure all these conditions are met and supported by appropriate documentation, such as a manufacturer's declaration or technical specifications.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 551422?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS code 551422 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to substantiate the classification and claim preferential duty rates, importers may need to provide a Certificate of Origin. For fabrics, a manufacturer's declaration or technical specification sheet detailing the fibre content (85% or more polyester staple fibre), yarn colours, and weave structure (3-thread or 4-thread twill) is often required. Depending on the importing country, additional certifications related to textile safety or origin verification might be necessary. Always consult the specific import regulations of the destination country.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 551422?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 551422. Examples include agreements between the United States and countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG), which may offer free or reduced duty entry. The European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and its various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries worldwide also impact duty rates. Similarly, the UK's Global Tariff and its FTAs offer preferential access. Importers must identify the specific trade agreement applicable to their origin country and ensure they meet all the rules of origin requirements to benefit from these reduced rates.