HS 551599 Other
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of other synthetic staple fibres, not containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, imported under HS 551599, enter the UK and EU at 8.00% ad valorem, and the US at 25% ad valorem under the MFN rate, though preferential rates may apply. This residual classification applies to woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres that do not fit into more specific categories within Chapter 55, such as those made predominantly from artificial staple fibres or specific blends. Importers should verify the exact composition of their goods to ensure correct classification, as misclassification can lead to incorrect duty assessments. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance purposes.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5515990000 | — | — | — |
| 5515992000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5515994000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5515998000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5515990000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5515992000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5515994000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5515998000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5515990510 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 551599 | — | — | — |
| 55159905 | 25% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 55159990 | 8.5% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5515999020 | — | — | ["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 5515.99?
Imports of Other 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 551599 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, other than those of heading 5512, 5513, or 5514, and not of artificial staple fibres. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is for woven fabrics composed of synthetic staple fibres, excluding those specifically defined in preceding subheadings of 5515 or in headings 5512-5514. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system further refine this by specifying that these fabrics must not be of artificial staple fibres and must not fall under the more specific classifications of synthetic staple fibre fabrics based on their construction or intended use.
What falls outside HS 551599?
The following products are excluded from HS 551599: woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres that are specifically classified under HS headings 5512 (Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres), 5513 (Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres of an weight not exceeding 170 g/m², containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton), or 5514 (Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, of an weight not exceeding 170 g/m²). Additionally, fabrics of artificial staple fibres, felt, or non-woven fabrics are classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551599?
A common error is misinterpreting the fibre composition or the weight of the fabric. Importers may incorrectly classify fabrics containing a significant percentage of cotton or artificial fibres under this subheading, when they should be directed to headings like 5513 or Chapter 50-54 for artificial fibres. Furthermore, failing to consult the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 1 and GRI 3, can lead to misclassification, especially when dealing with mixed fibre compositions or fabrics that appear to fit multiple headings. The specific weight threshold of 170 g/m² is crucial for distinguishing between certain subheadings within heading 5515.
How should importers classify products under HS 551599?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551599 involves a meticulous examination of the fabric's fibre composition, weight, and construction. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the fabric is composed of synthetic staple fibres and if it meets the criteria for exclusion from headings 5512, 5513, or 5514. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the explanatory notes for Chapter 55 is essential. If the fabric is a woven fabric of synthetic staple fibres, not of artificial staple fibres, and does not meet the specific criteria of other subheadings within 5515 or preceding headings, then 551599 is the appropriate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551599?
A bolt of 100% polyester staple fibre woven fabric, weighing 250 grams per square meter, with a declared 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 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is $500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) under subheading 5515.99.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551599?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551599, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for Free duty rates for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The UK Global Tariff may also offer preferential rates for goods originating from countries with which the UK has a trade agreement, potentially resulting in Free duty. Documentation required to claim preference under USMCA typically involves a self-certified origin statement. For UK preferences, specific origin certifications may be required depending on the agreement and origin country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 551599 (Other woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 551599 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates can significantly reduce or eliminate this. For example, goods originating from countries under specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as 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 treatment. It is crucial to verify the specific origin of the goods and the applicable FTA to determine the correct preferential rate. Always consult the latest tariff schedule of the importing country for definitive rates.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 551599, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 551599 is primarily calculated on an ad valorem basis (a percentage of the value of the goods). For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem, and the customs value of a shipment of these fabrics is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 USD (Customs Value) × 0.08 (8.00% duty rate) = $800 USD. Some specific subheadings or origins might have compound duties (e.g., a combination of ad valorem and specific duties like 48.5¢/kg + 68.5%), which would require calculating both components and summing them. Always confirm the exact duty calculation method for the specific origin and product.
What classification criteria distinguish HS code 551599 from other codes within Chapter 55?
HS code 551599 falls under 'Other woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres'. This code is a residual category used when the fabric does not meet the specific criteria of other headings within 5515, such as those made predominantly of polyester staple fibres (5515.11), or polyamide staple fibres (5515.12). Key classification criteria include the type of synthetic staple fibre (e.g., polyester, polyamide, acrylic, or 'other' synthetic fibres), the weight per square meter, the density, and whether the fabric is plain weave, twill weave, or satin weave. If a fabric is woven from synthetic staple fibres but doesn't fit into the more specific subheadings of 5515 based on fibre type or weave, it will likely be classified under 551599.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 551599?
Standard import documentation for HS code 551599 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to benefit from preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is mandatory. This document must be issued by the exporting country's competent authority or a designated chamber of commerce and must accurately declare that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or fabric composition details if requested by customs to verify classification.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 551599, and how can importers leverage them?
Several trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, including duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 551599. Notable examples include agreements with Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG), among others. To leverage these agreements, importers must ensure the woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres originate from one of these partner countries and meet the specific 'Rules of Origin' defined in the respective trade agreement. This typically requires obtaining a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) from the exporter. Importers and customs brokers should consult the specific trade agreement text and the importing country's customs regulations to confirm eligibility and documentation requirements.