HS 551633 Of yarns of different colours
Quick Answer: Fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, specifically those woven from yarns of different colours, enter the UK and EU at an 8.00% ad valorem duty rate. In the United States, the duty treatment for this classification varies significantly, with preferential rates of Free available under various Free Trade Agreements, while the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate can be as high as 48.5¢/kg + 68.5%. Importers should carefully verify the applicable rate based on the country of origin and any relevant trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of origin verification for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516330000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516330000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55163305 | 25% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5516330510 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516330520 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 551633 | — | — | — |
| 5516331000 | 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 5516.33?
Imports of Of yarns of different colours 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 55133 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, specifically those not of a width not exceeding 30 cm, or of a width exceeding 30 cm, which are of yarns of different colours. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this classification applies to fabrics where the constituent yarns are dyed or printed before weaving to achieve a pattern of different colours. For example, fabrics with a checked or striped appearance resulting from the use of differently coloured yarns fall under this category, as confirmed by definitions in the EU TARIC and USITC HTS.
What falls outside HS 55133?
The following products are excluded from HS 55133: fabrics woven from yarns of a single colour, fabrics where the colour effect is achieved by printing after weaving (which would typically fall under other headings), fabrics of artificial staple fibres, and fabrics of silk, wool, or cotton. Additionally, fabrics of synthetic staple fibres that are not of yarns of different colours, such as plain dyed or undyed fabrics, or those with a printed pattern created after weaving, are classified elsewhere, often under HS 5516.11 or 5516.12 depending on their characteristics.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 55133?
A common error is misinterpreting the origin of the colour. If the fabric is dyed or printed *after* weaving to create a pattern of different colours, it is not classified under HS 55133. This subheading specifically refers to fabrics woven from yarns that are *already* of different colours. Misapplication of General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for composite goods or mixtures can also lead to errors if the primary characteristic of the fabric is not correctly identified as being woven from pre-coloured yarns.
How should importers classify products under HS 55133?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 55133 involves a detailed examination of the fabric's construction and the origin of its colours. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the fabric is woven from synthetic staple fibres and that the pattern of different colours is achieved by using yarns that were dyed or printed prior to weaving. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO is crucial for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 55133?
A bolt of polyester staple fibre fabric, woven with yarns of different colours in a plaid pattern, 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 Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.035 = $17.50), and a specific duty of $0.20 per kilogram ($0.20/kg × 100 kg = $20.00), resulting in a total duty of $37.50. This is calculated using the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 55133?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 55133, 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 UK Global Tariff may offer preferential rates for goods from countries with which the UK has a trade agreement, potentially leading to a Free duty rate for qualifying origins. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for certain other agreements, depending on the specific jurisdiction and trade pact.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 551633, "Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, of yarns of different colours"?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 551633 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with specific trade agreements. For example, goods 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 receive duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and possess the necessary proof of origin to claim these preferential rates. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU TARIC database are primary sources for these rates.
How is the duty for HS code 551633 calculated if it includes a specific duty component, such as 48.5¢/kg + 68.5%?
When a duty rate is a combination of specific and ad valorem components (e.g., 48.5¢/kg + 68.5% ad valorem), the total duty is the sum of both. For instance, if you import 100 kilograms of fabric valued at $1,000, the duty would be calculated as follows: Specific duty: 100 kg * $0.485/kg = $48.50. Ad valorem duty: $1,000 * 68.5% = $685.00. Total duty = $48.50 + $685.00 = $733.50. Importers and customs brokers must carefully determine the correct weight and value for accurate calculation. This type of composite duty is often found in specific national tariff schedules, such as those within the EU or UK.
What are the key classification criteria for fabrics to fall under HS code 551633, "Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, of yarns of different colours"?
To be classified under HS 551633, the fabric must meet several criteria. Firstly, it must be a woven fabric, meaning it is produced by interlacing warp and weft yarns. Secondly, the constituent material must be synthetic staple fibres. Synthetic staple fibres are short lengths of synthetic filament yarn, cut or broken into lengths similar to natural staple fibres. Thirdly, and crucially for this specific subheading, the fabric must be made from yarns of different colours. This means the yarns used in the warp and/or weft must have distinct, pre-determined colours, not achieved through printing after weaving. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on these distinctions.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 551633, especially when claiming preferential duty rates?
When importing fabrics under HS 551633, standard import documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. To claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, EU Free Trade Agreements), a Certificate of Origin is generally required. This document certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. The specific format and content of the Certificate of Origin may vary by agreement and country of origin. Importers should verify the exact requirements with their customs broker and the customs authority of the importing country. For instance, the USITC provides information on Certificates of Origin for various trade agreements.
Are there common trade agreements that significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 551633, and which countries are typically involved?
Yes, several trade agreements significantly impact duty rates for HS code 551633. For example, the United States has agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) and bilateral agreements with countries such as Chile, Singapore, and South Korea, which can offer reduced or zero duties. The European Union has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries worldwide, often providing preferential access. The UK also has its own set of FTAs post-Brexit. Countries frequently benefiting from preferential rates for this HS code, as indicated by the sample duty rates, include Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). Importers must confirm the specific origin of their goods and ensure they meet the rules of origin for the applicable trade agreement to benefit from these reduced rates.