HS 551624 Printed
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, printed, enter the UK and EU at 8.00% ad valorem, and the US at 14.9% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification specifically covers woven fabrics made from artificial staple fibres that have undergone a printing process. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity for this product into the United States compared to the UK and EU. According to CustomTariffs data, preferential duty rates may apply for certain trading partners into the US, but these require careful verification. Exporters and customs brokers must ensure accurate declaration of the printing process to avoid misclassification and potential penalties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516240000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516240000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55162400 | 14.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5516240010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516240020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516240030 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516240040 | — | — | ["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 5516.24?
Imports of Printed 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 551624 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of discontinuous synthetic fibres, which are printed and have a weight not exceeding 170 g/m². According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to fabrics where the printing process imparts a design or pattern to the textile material. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key criteria are the fibre content, the printing, and the weight limit.
What falls outside HS 551624?
The following products are excluded from HS 551624: fabrics that are not printed, fabrics made from other fibre types (e.g., natural fibres or discontinuous artificial fibres), fabrics weighing more than 170 g/m², and fabrics where the printing is incidental or part of the manufacturing process rather than a decorative application. For instance, fabrics with a simple dyed pattern achieved through the yarn dyeing process, or those with a surface treatment that creates a pattern but is not considered printing, would be classified elsewhere, potentially under HS 5516.22 (dyed) or other relevant headings.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551624?
A common error is misinterpreting the "printed" criterion. Importers may incorrectly classify fabrics with subtle patterns or those that have undergone surface treatments as printed. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a fabric's pattern is achieved through the weaving or knitting process, or if the "print" is a functional coating rather than a decorative application, it would not fall under this subheading. Overlooking the weight limit of 170 g/m² is another frequent mistake.
How should importers classify products under HS 551624?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551624 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the fabric is composed of 85% or more synthetic staple fibres. Secondly, they must ascertain that the fabric is indeed printed, meaning a design or pattern has been applied to the surface. Thirdly, the weight of the fabric must be precisely measured and confirmed to be not exceeding 170 g/m². Consulting the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial for definitive classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551624?
A bolt of printed polyester staple fibre fabric weighing 150 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($1,500 × 10% = $150.00). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5516.24. It's important to note that specific duty rates can vary by country and trade agreement.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551624?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551624. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), originating fabrics from Canada or Mexico may enter the US duty-free. Similarly, fabrics originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, such as Vietnam, may also receive reduced or zero duty rates. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically need to provide a self-certified origin statement or a specific origin certificate, depending on the agreement and the exporting country's requirements.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 5516.24, specifically for "woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, printed"?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 5516.24 is 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with which the importing country 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 the United States (US) may be eligible for duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the Rules of Origin to claim preferential treatment. For instance, the UK's tariff shows a preferential rate of Free for many of these origins, while the USITC tariff may reflect different rates and agreements. Always refer to the official tariff database of the destination country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How is the "printed" designation determined for HS code 5516.24?
For HS 5516.24, the "printed" designation refers to woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres that have undergone a printing process to impart a pattern or design. This printing can be achieved through various methods such as screen printing, roller printing, digital printing, or transfer printing. The key criterion is that the fabric is intentionally decorated with a design or pattern after weaving. Plain dyed or undyed fabrics, or those with patterns created during the weaving process (e.g., jacquard), would not fall under this specific subheading. The WCO's Explanatory Notes to Chapter 55 provide further guidance on the distinction between printed and other types of fabrics.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 5516.24?
When importing woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, printed (HS 5516.24), standard import documentation is required. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. If claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a valid Certificate of Origin or an origin declaration compliant with the specific FTA's requirements is essential. Importers should also be prepared to provide fabric composition details, proof of printing, and potentially samples if requested by customs authorities for verification. Consulting the importing country's customs agency website for their specific documentation checklist is highly recommended.
Can you provide a numerical example of how import duty is calculated for HS 5516.24?
Certainly. Let's assume an importer is bringing 1,000 square meters of printed synthetic staple fibre fabric into a country with an 8.00% ad valorem MFN duty rate. The declared value of the fabric is $2,500 USD. The import duty would be calculated as follows: Duty Amount = Declared Value × Duty Rate. In this case: Duty Amount = $2,500 USD × 8.00% = $200 USD. If there were also specific duties (e.g., per square meter), those would be calculated separately and potentially combined with the ad valorem duty, depending on the tariff structure. Always verify if the duty is solely ad valorem or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties.
Which major trade agreements commonly impact the duty rates for HS 5516.24?
Several major trade agreements can significantly impact the duty rates for HS 5516.24. For imports into the United States, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) and bilateral FTAs with countries such as Australia, Chile, and South Korea are relevant. For imports into the European Union, the EU's network of FTAs with countries like South Korea, Canada, and various Mediterranean nations would apply. The United Kingdom's tariff schedule, post-Brexit, references its own set of preferential trade agreements, including those with countries like Japan, Australia, and Singapore. Importers must identify the origin of their goods and the applicable trade agreement to determine eligibility for reduced or zero duties, often requiring a compliant Certificate of Origin.