HS 551442 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, of polyester staple fibres
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of polyester staple fibres, specifically 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, imported under HS 551442 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with a range of rates, including 14.9% and 81% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, with certain trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This classification applies to fabrics composed primarily of polyester staple fibers, woven in a twill pattern, often used in apparel and home furnishings. Importers should consult specific trade agreements for potential duty reductions in the US. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varying rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5514420000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5514420000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55144200 | 14.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5514420020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5514420040 | — | — | ["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 5514.42?
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 551442 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of polyester staple fibres, specifically those with a weight not exceeding 170 grams per square metre, and featuring a 3-thread or 4-thread twill weave, including cross twill. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification is based on the fibre content, weave structure, and weight. For instance, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that fabrics meeting these precise construction and material criteria fall within this code.
What falls outside HS 551442?
The following products are excluded from HS 551442: woven fabrics of polyester staple fibres that are heavier than 170 grams per square metre, fabrics with different weave structures such as plain weave or satin weave, and fabrics made from continuous polyester filament yarns rather than staple fibres. Additionally, fabrics that are not primarily composed of polyester staple fibres, or those that have undergone significant finishing processes beyond basic preparation (like printing or coating, which might place them in other headings), are not classified here. For example, a 200 g/m² polyester twill would be classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551442?
A common error is misinterpreting the weave structure, particularly confusing twill weaves with other patterns or failing to accurately determine the thread count per weave cycle. Another mistake is overlooking the weight limitation of 170 grams per square metre, leading to the misclassification of heavier fabrics. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, meaning precise adherence to the specified weave and weight is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 551442?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551442 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the fabric is composed of polyester staple fibres. Subsequently, they must ascertain the specific weave structure, ensuring it is a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill. Finally, the fabric's weight per square metre must be accurately measured and confirmed to not exceed 170 grams. Consulting official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff is essential for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551442?
A bolt of 100% polyester staple fibre twill fabric weighing 50 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $200 USD would attract a US duty of $10.00. This is calculated using the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($200 USD × 0.035 = $7.00). However, if the fabric's weight is also considered, and assuming a typical width and length resulting in a total weight of 100 kg, a specific duty might apply. For this example, let's assume a specific duty of $0.10 per kilogram. Therefore, the duty would be $10.00 (100 kg × $0.10/kg). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551442?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551442, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), where qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico can enter duty-free. For goods originating from developing countries that are beneficiaries of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the duty rate can be reduced to Free. To claim these preferential rates, 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?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 551442, specifically for fabrics of polyester staple fibres?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 551442, '3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, of polyester staple fibres, weighing more than 170 g/m2 but not more than 250 g/m2', is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 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 can be Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment based on the origin of the goods and the relevant trade agreement.
How is the duty calculated for HS 551442, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 551442 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For instance, if a shipment of fabric classified under HS 551442 has a customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.08 (Duty Rate) = $800 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties (per unit) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, depending on the commodity and trade regulations. Always verify the exact duty calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 551442?
HS code 551442 specifically covers woven fabrics of polyester staple fibres that meet several criteria: 1) They must be made predominantly from polyester staple fibres (i.e., more than 85% by weight). 2) They must exhibit a '3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill' weave structure. This refers to the pattern where the diagonal lines of the twill are formed by interlacing warp and weft yarns in a specific sequence, creating a distinct diagonal rib. 3) The fabric's weight must be greater than 170 g/m² but not exceed 250 g/m². Importers must ensure their product meets all these technical specifications to be correctly classified under this code.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 551442?
When importing fabrics classified under HS code 551442, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill as the transport document. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under FTAs, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is usually mandatory. The COO must be issued by the competent authority of the exporting country and confirm that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Some countries may also require specific import licenses or permits, especially for textiles, and compliance with labeling requirements (e.g., fiber content) is essential.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 551442?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in Free entry, for goods classified under HS code 551442, provided they meet the rules of origin. Notable agreements include those 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). The European Union's TARIC system also lists preferential rates under agreements with various partner countries. Similarly, the UK Trade Tariff details preferential rates under its global network of FTAs. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country and the text of the applicable trade agreement to confirm eligibility and required proof of origin.