HS 551631 Containing less than 85 % by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair
Quick Answer: Fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair, imported under HS 551631 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 19.8% ad valorem, with other rates including free under certain trade agreements and a combination of specific and ad valorem duties. This classification applies to woven fabrics where artificial staple fibers are not the predominant component, and the blend is primarily with wool or fine animal hair. Importers should be aware of the significant duty variations across major markets, as detailed in CustomTariffs data, and ensure accurate fiber content declarations to avoid misclassification and potential penalties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516310000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516310000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55163105 | 19.8% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5516310510 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516310520 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 551631 | — | — | — |
| 5516311000 | 12% | Free (14 programs) | ["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 5516.31?
Imports of Containing less than 85 % by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair 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 551631 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, specifically those containing less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres, which are mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to fabrics where the artificial staple fibre component is subordinate to wool or fine animal hair. For example, a fabric composed of 70% wool and 30% viscose staple fibre would fall under this code, as per the definitions found in Chapter 55 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU's TARIC database.
What falls outside HS 551631?
The following products are excluded from HS 551631: fabrics predominantly composed of artificial staple fibres (85% or more by weight), fabrics where the non-artificial staple fibre component is not wool or fine animal hair (e.g., cotton or synthetic fibres), and fabrics that are not woven. For instance, knitted fabrics of artificial staple fibres mixed with wool, or woven fabrics containing less than 85% artificial staple fibres but mixed with synthetic fibres like polyester, would be classified under different headings, such as 5516.92 for "Other woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres" if the primary component is not wool or fine animal hair.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551631?
A common error is misinterpreting the "less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres" criterion or incorrectly identifying the secondary fibre component. Importers may overlook the specific requirement for the secondary fibre to be wool or fine animal hair, leading to misclassification. For example, a fabric with 70% artificial staple fibres mixed with 30% cotton would not be classified here. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Section XI Note 2 of the HTS is crucial to ensure accurate classification based on the predominant fibre content and the nature of the other fibres present.
How should importers classify products under HS 551631?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551631 involves a two-step analysis. First, determine the fibre composition by weight, ensuring artificial staple fibres constitute less than 85%. Second, verify that the remaining fibre content is exclusively wool or fine animal hair. Importers and customs brokers must consult the product's technical specifications or laboratory analysis reports to confirm these percentages and fibre types. Referencing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and national tariff schedules, such as the UK Trade Tariff, will provide further guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551631?
A bolt of worsted wool blend fabric, weighing 100 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,000.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 20% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) for a similar product. The calculation is: 20% of $5,000 USD = $1,000.00. This specific rate applies if no preferential trade agreement is invoked.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551631?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551631, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 551631?
HS code 551631 specifically covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of these fibres, and mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair. The key elements for classification are: 1. The fabric must be woven. 2. It must contain artificial staple fibres. 3. The weight percentage of artificial staple fibres must be less than 85%. 4. The remaining fibres must be mainly or solely wool or fine animal hair (e.g., cashmere, alpaca, mohair). For example, a fabric with 70% viscose staple fibre and 30% wool would fall under this heading, provided it is woven.
What are the typical duty rates for HS code 551631 in major markets like the US, EU, and UK?
Duty rates for HS code 551631 vary by importing country. For instance, in the United States (USITC), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is typically 8.00% ad valorem. In the European Union (EU TARIC), the rate can be 19.8% ad valorem. The United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff) also generally applies an 8.00% ad valorem duty. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country at the time of import, as rates can be subject to change or specific trade conditions.
How are preferential duty rates applied to HS code 551631 under trade agreements?
Many trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 551631 if they meet the rules of origin. For example, under agreements with countries 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, this code may be eligible for Free (0%) duty. To claim preferential treatment, importers must possess a valid Certificate of Origin or other acceptable proof of origin as stipulated by the specific trade agreement.
Can you provide a concrete example of how duty is calculated for HS code 551631?
The duty calculation for HS code 551631 can be based on ad valorem (percentage of value) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties (per unit of weight or quantity). For example, if a shipment of fabric under HS 551631 has a declared customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate in the US is 8.00% ad valorem, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.08 (Duty Rate) = $800 USD. If a specific duty component were also present, such as 48.5¢/kg + 68.5% ad valorem, the calculation would involve both the value and the weight of the imported goods.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 551631?
Standard import documentation for HS code 551631 includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, unit price, and total value of the goods; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. Crucially, to ensure correct classification and compliance, importers should be prepared to provide a fiber content declaration or laboratory test results confirming the percentage of artificial staple fibres and wool/fine animal hair. If claiming preferential treatment under a trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin or other required proof of origin documentation is mandatory.