HS 551644 Printed
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, printed, imported under HS 5516.44 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at 8.5% under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification specifically covers fabrics made from man-made staple fibres that have undergone a printing process, imparting a pattern or design. Importers should note that the US offers duty-free entry for this classification from several Free Trade Agreement partner countries. Exporters should verify specific origin-based preferential rates. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the consistent MFN rates across major markets for this printed textile product.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516440000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516440000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55164400 | 8.5% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5516440070 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516440090 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516440022 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516440050 | — | — | ["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 5516.44?
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 551644 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, printed, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, and weighing more than 170 g/m². According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, "printed" refers to fabrics that have undergone a printing process to impart a design or pattern. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, specifying that the printing must be applied to the fabric after weaving and that the primary component must be synthetic staple fibers, excluding those primarily of cotton or man-made filament. This classification is determined by the fabric's composition, weight, and the printing application.
What falls outside HS 551644?
The following products are excluded from HS 551644: fabrics that are dyed but not printed, fabrics where the printing is achieved through the weaving process itself (e.g., jacquard patterns), fabrics made from synthetic filament yarns, or fabrics predominantly composed of other materials like cotton or wool. For instance, a woven fabric of polyester staple fibers that is dyed a solid color would fall under a different subheading, as would a fabric with a printed design achieved by knitting rather than weaving. Fabrics weighing less than or equal to 170 g/m² also fall outside this specific classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551644?
A common error is misinterpreting the weight requirement, classifying fabrics that are lighter than 170 g/m² under this code. Another frequent mistake involves confusing printed fabrics with those that are merely dyed or have patterns created during the weaving process. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify fabrics based solely on the fiber content without considering the printing and weight criteria, leading to misclassification under headings for unprinted or differently weighted fabrics.
How should importers classify products under HS 551644?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551644 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm the fabric's fiber composition, ensuring it contains 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers. Secondly, they must verify that the fabric has been printed after weaving. Thirdly, the fabric's weight must be accurately determined to confirm it exceeds 170 g/m². Finally, consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, for specific notes and definitions related to printed fabrics is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551644?
A bolt of printed polyester staple fiber fabric weighing 200 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 declared customs value ($1,500 USD × 10% = $150.00). This calculation is based on the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5516.44.0000, which specifies an MFN rate of 10% ad valorem for printed woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, weighing more than 170 g/m².
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551644?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551644, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for a duty-free rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for qualifying goods from designated developing countries, often requiring a GSP Form A. For goods originating from the European Union, preferential rates or duty-free entry may be available under specific trade arrangements, typically requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 5516.44, covering "other woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, printed"?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 5516.44 is typically 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, under certain agreements, rates can be as low as Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the applicable rate based on the origin of the goods.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 5516.44, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 5516.44 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the customs value of a shipment of printed synthetic staple fiber fabric is $10,000 USD and the MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 * 0.08 = $800 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, so always verify the duty calculation method in the relevant tariff.
What specific criteria define a fabric as "printed" under HS code 5516.44?
For a fabric to be classified under HS code 5516.44 as "printed," the printing must be the predominant decorative feature. This typically involves applying designs, patterns, or colors to the fabric surface after weaving, using methods such as screen printing, roller printing, or digital printing. The printing should be clearly visible and intended as a design element, distinguishing it from fabrics that may have inherent color variations from the spinning or weaving process or those that are dyed uniformly.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5516.44, and what documentation is needed?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 5516.44. Examples include agreements with 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. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin issued by the exporter or manufacturer, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Always check the specific requirements of the agreement and the importing country's customs authority.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a Certificate of Origin for importing goods under HS code 5516.44?
Beyond a Certificate of Origin for preferential duty claims, importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the fabric, additional documentation might be required, such as a declaration of conformity to safety standards or proof of the fiber content. It is advisable to consult the importing country's customs regulations or engage with a licensed customs broker for a comprehensive list of required documents.