HS 551641 Containing less than 85 % by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, imported under HS 551641 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 textiles where cotton is the predominant fiber when blended with artificial staple fibers. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates available in the US for specific trading partners. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist with compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516410000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516410000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516410040 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516410070 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516410090 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 55164100 | 14.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5516410010 | — | — | ["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 5516.41?
Imports of Containing less than 85 % by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton 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 551641 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of these fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to fabrics where the artificial staple fibre component is subordinate to cotton. For example, a fabric composed of 70% cotton and 30% viscose staple fibre would fall under this code, provided it meets the weaving and other criteria of Heading 5516. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this composition-based approach for classification.
What falls outside HS 551641?
The following products are excluded from HS 551641: fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, which are classified under HS 5516.11, or fabrics where the artificial staple fibres are not mixed mainly or solely with cotton, such as those mixed with wool or synthetic staple fibres. Additionally, knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) and non-woven fabrics (Chapter 56) are classified elsewhere. For instance, a fabric with 60% cotton and 40% polyester staple fibre would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551641?
A common error is misinterpreting the "less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres" criterion, leading to incorrect classification of fabrics that should fall under other headings. Another mistake involves overlooking the "mixed mainly or solely with cotton" requirement, potentially classifying fabrics with other significant fiber blends. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures and composite goods is often relevant, but the specific wording of this subheading prioritizes the cotton blend. Importers must accurately determine the fiber composition by weight.
How should importers classify products under HS 551641?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551641 involves a two-step process: first, confirm the fabric is woven and not knitted or crocheted; second, accurately determine the fiber composition by weight. The primary fiber must be artificial staple fibre, and this must constitute less than 85% of the total weight. The remaining significant fiber component must be cotton. Importers and customs brokers should consult laboratory test reports or manufacturer declarations to verify fiber content before declaring the goods.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551641?
A specific product, a printed woven fabric of viscose staple fibre (less than 85%) and cotton (more than 15%), weighing 150 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($1,500 USD × 10% = $150.00). This rate is subject to change and specific country of origin considerations.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551641?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551641, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, fabrics meeting the rules of origin and originating in Canada or Mexico can achieve a duty rate of Free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or free entry for eligible products from designated developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 551641?
HS code 551641 specifically covers 'Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing less than 85 % by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton'. The key classification criteria are: 1. The fabric must be woven. 2. It must be composed of artificial staple fibers. 3. Artificial staple fibers must constitute less than 85% of the total weight. 4. The remaining fiber content must be mainly or solely cotton. Verification of the fiber composition through laboratory testing or manufacturer's declaration is crucial for accurate classification.
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 551641 under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 551641 can vary by importing country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the MFN rate is 8.00% ad valorem. In the European Union (EU), as per the TARIC database, the rate is also 8.00% ad valorem. The United Kingdom's Tariff also lists an 8.00% ad valorem duty. Always consult the specific national tariff schedule for the most current and precise rates.
How are preferential duty rates applied to HS code 551641 under trade agreements?
Many trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free or significantly reduced tariffs for goods originating from partner countries. For HS code 551641, preferential rates are available from numerous countries. For instance, under the USHTS, goods originating 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). To claim these preferential rates, importers must provide a valid Certificate of Origin and ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement. Always verify eligibility and required documentation with the specific trade agreement.
Can you provide a concrete example of how import duty is calculated for HS code 551641?
Certainly. Let's assume an importer brings 1,000 kilograms of fabric classified under HS code 551641 into the United States, and the declared value of the shipment is $5,000 USD. The MFN duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem. The duty calculation would be: Duty = Declared Value × Duty Rate. Duty = $5,000 USD × 8.00% = $400 USD. In this scenario, the importer would owe $400 USD in customs duties. If the fabric were subject to a specific duty (e.g., per kilogram), the calculation would differ, involving the quantity of goods.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 551641?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS code 551641 includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, value, and country of origin of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, for accurate classification and potential preferential treatment, a manufacturer's declaration or laboratory test report confirming the fiber composition (less than 85% artificial staple fibers, mixed mainly or solely with cotton) is highly recommended. If claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a valid Certificate of Origin is mandatory. Customs brokers should ensure all documentation accurately reflects the goods and complies with the importing country's regulations.