HS 551611 Containing 85 % or more by weight of artificial staple fibres
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, imported under HS 551611 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at 14.9% under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification applies to fabrics predominantly made from man-made staple fibres, such as rayon or polyester, cut into short lengths. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates available for certain trading partners in the US market, as indicated by CustomTariffs data. Exporters and customs brokers must ensure accurate fiber content declarations to avoid classification disputes and ensure correct duty application.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516110000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516110000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516110010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516110020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516110090 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 55161100 | 14.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
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 5516.11?
Imports of Containing 85 % or more by weight of artificial 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 551611 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses a broad range of textiles where the primary component is man-made fibres cut into short lengths. For example, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that fabrics like those made from regenerated cellulose staple fibres (e.g., viscose rayon staple fibre) or synthetic staple fibres (e.g., polyester staple fibre, acrylic staple fibre) fall under this classification, provided the 85% threshold is met.
What falls outside HS 551611?
The following products are excluded from HS 551611: woven fabrics containing less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres, woven fabrics of artificial filament, and woven fabrics of other textile materials. For instance, a fabric composed of 70% polyester staple fibre and 30% cotton would be classified elsewhere, typically under heading 5211 if cotton is the chief weight, or under heading 5516 if artificial staple fibres are still the predominant component but below the 85% threshold for this specific subheading. Fabrics made from continuous artificial filaments are also excluded and classified under HS 5501-5507.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551611?
A common error is miscalculating the percentage of artificial staple fibres by weight. Importers may overlook the requirement for 85% or more, leading to classification under a more general heading or a subheading for mixed fabrics. Another mistake involves confusing artificial staple fibres with artificial filament. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Incorrectly assuming a fabric is 100% artificial staple fibre when it contains a small percentage of other fibres can also lead to misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 551611?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551611 involves a two-step process: first, determine the fibre composition by weight, ensuring artificial staple fibres constitute at least 85%; second, confirm the fabric is woven. Importers and customs brokers must obtain a detailed fibre content analysis from the manufacturer. If the fabric meets the 85% artificial staple fibre criterion and is woven, it should be classified under 5516.11. Always consult the latest edition of the relevant tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, for definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551611?
A bolt of 100% polyester staple fibre woven fabric, weighing 50 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.05 = $25.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5516.11.9000 (woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551611?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551611, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, fabrics originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for duty-free entry, provided they meet the Rules of Origin and a self-certified origin statement is provided. For fabrics originating from developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), duty-free entry may be available, requiring a GSP Form A. The specific preferential rate and documentation requirements depend on the origin country and the importing jurisdiction's trade policies.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 551611, which covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 551611 can vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States applies an 8.00% ad valorem duty. The European Union, under the TARIC system, also has rates that can reach up to 14.9% ad valorem, depending on the specific fabric and origin. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff shows a similar MFN rate of 8.00% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the definitive rate.
How is the classification of HS code 551611 determined, specifically regarding the '85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres' criterion?
The classification under HS code 551611 hinges on the fiber composition of the woven fabric. The key criterion is that the fabric must contain 85% or more, by weight, of artificial staple fibres. Artificial staple fibres are short lengths of man-made fibres, such as rayon or viscose staple fibre, processed to resemble natural staple fibres like cotton or wool. Importers must possess documentation, such as a manufacturer's declaration or laboratory test results, verifying the fibre content to substantiate this classification. This is in accordance with Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System Nomenclature.
What preferential duty rates are available for HS code 551611 under common trade agreements, and how can importers claim them?
Many trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 551611 when originating from partner countries. For instance, under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), or agreements with countries like 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. To claim these preferential rates, importers must provide a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) or other proof of origin as stipulated by the specific trade agreement. This documentation must be presented at the time of import to the customs authorities.
Can you provide a concrete example of how import duty for HS code 551611 is calculated?
Certainly. Let's assume a shipment of woven fabric falling under HS code 551611 is imported into the United States. The MFN duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem. If the declared value of the shipment is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. Duty = $10,000 USD × 8.00% = $800 USD. In this scenario, the importer would be liable for $800 USD in customs duties. If the fabric originated from a country with a preferential trade agreement offering duty-free entry, and a valid Certificate of Origin was provided, the duty would be $0.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing fabrics classified under HS code 551611?
Beyond the standard import documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, importing fabrics under HS code 551611 usually requires specific fiber content declarations. A manufacturer's affidavit or certificate of origin that details the fiber composition, explicitly stating that the fabric contains 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, is often mandatory. If preferential duty rates are claimed, a valid Certificate of Origin specific to the relevant trade agreement is essential. Customs authorities may also request laboratory test reports for verification, especially if there is doubt about the declared fiber content.