HS 551621 Containing less than 85 % by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments
Quick Answer: Fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments, imported under HS 551621 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at 14.9% under the MFN rate. This classification applies to woven fabrics where the primary component by weight is not artificial staple fibres, but rather a blend with man-made filaments. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity for the US market. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific preferential rates and origin requirements for each destination.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516210000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516210000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55162100 | 14.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5516210010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516210020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516210030 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516210040 | — | — | ["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 5516.21?
Imports of Containing less than 85 % by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments 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 551621 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of these fibres, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to textiles where the artificial staple fibre component is dominant but not exclusively so, and the presence of man-made filaments is a significant characteristic. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database define this category based on the fibre composition and weave structure, excluding fabrics primarily composed of other materials.
What falls outside HS 551621?
The following products are excluded from HS 551621: fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, which would fall under other subheadings within heading 5516; fabrics where the principal component is natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, even if mixed with artificial staple fibres or man-made filaments; and fabrics that are not woven, such as knitted or crocheted articles. For example, a knitted fabric of polyester staple fibre and nylon filament would be classified elsewhere, typically in Chapter 60.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551621?
A common error is misinterpreting the "less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres" criterion. Importers may incorrectly classify fabrics that actually meet or exceed this percentage, or fail to accurately determine the weight percentage of the constituent fibres. Furthermore, confusion can arise when distinguishing between "artificial staple fibres" and "man-made filaments," leading to misapplication of General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3, which dictates classification based on the essential character of the good when it appears to be classifiable under two or more headings or subheadings.
How should importers classify products under HS 551621?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551621 involves a detailed analysis of the fibre composition by weight. Importers and customs brokers must obtain precise fibre content declarations from the manufacturer, specifying the percentage by weight of artificial staple fibres and man-made filaments. This information should then be cross-referenced with the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm that the fabric meets all stipulated criteria for this subheading.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551621?
A bolt of polyester staple fibre fabric, weighing 100 kilograms and 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 value ($500 USD × 0.035 = $17.50), and an additional specific duty of $0.20 per kilogram ($100 kg × $0.20/kg = $20.00), totaling $37.50. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5516.21.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551621?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551621, 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. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for goods originating from the UK or EU. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK preferences, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement terms.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 551621, specifically for fabrics of artificial staple fibres mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 551621 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods imported from countries with which the US has trade agreements. For example, 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), and others may be eligible for duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to verify the specific preferential rate applicable based on the country of origin and the relevant trade agreement. Always consult the latest US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most current rates.
How is the classification of HS code 551621 determined, particularly regarding the 'artificial staple fibres' and 'man-made filaments' composition?
HS code 551621 covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments. The key classification criteria are: 1. Material Composition: The fabric must contain less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres. The remaining proportion must be composed mainly or solely of man-made filaments. Artificial staple fibres are short lengths of manufactured fibres derived from cellulose (e.g., rayon staple). Man-made filaments are continuous strands produced by synthetic or regenerated processes. 2. Weave Type: The fabric must be woven. Knitted or crocheted fabrics fall under different HS headings. Importers must ensure their imported fabric meets these precise compositional and structural requirements. Refer to Chapter 55 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for detailed notes on fibre content and fabric classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 551621?
Standard documentation for importing textiles under HS code 551621 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and a certificate of origin. For goods claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a specific declaration or certificate of origin compliant with the terms of that agreement is mandatory. Depending on the country of origin and the specific fabric, additional documentation such as a textile declaration or a visa may be required. It is advisable to consult with a customs broker or review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines for specific import requirements.
Can you provide a numerical example of how import duty is calculated for HS code 551621?
Certainly. Let's assume an importer brings in 1,000 kilograms of fabric classified under HS code 551621, with a declared value of $5,000 USD. If the applicable duty rate is the MFN rate of 8.00% ad valorem, the duty calculation would be as follows: Duty Amount = Value of Goods × Duty Rate. In this case, Duty Amount = $5,000 USD × 8.00% = $400 USD. If there were also a specific duty component (e.g., per kilogram), it would be calculated separately and added to the ad valorem duty. However, for HS 551621, the duty is typically assessed purely on an ad valorem basis.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 551621 into the United States, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 551621. Key agreements include the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement. To verify eligibility, importers must ensure the fabric originates in a country that is a party to one of these agreements and that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated within that specific agreement. This typically requires a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the exporter or producer, or a specific declaration on the invoice as per the agreement's requirements. Importers should consult the text of the relevant trade agreement and the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Section 203 notes for detailed rules of origin and eligibility criteria.