HS 551691 Other
Quick Answer: Fabrics of other synthetic staple fibres, not of Carded or Combed cotton, imported under HS 551691 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at a standard 12% ad valorem rate, with numerous preferential rates available. This classification applies to woven fabrics made from synthetic staple fibres, such as polyester or nylon, that do not fall into more specific categories within Chapter 55. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate variations, particularly the higher US rates, and investigate potential free trade agreement benefits. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to avoid overpayment of duties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516910000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516910000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5516910010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516910050 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5516910090 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 55169100 | 12% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5516910020 | — | — | ["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 5516.91?
Imports of Other 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 551691 cover?
This subheading covers other woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, not specified or included elsewhere in heading 5516. According to the WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes fabrics made from discontinuous synthetic fibres like polyester, polyamide, or acrylic, which are not primarily of silk, wool, fine animal hair, cotton, or man-made staple fibres of heading 5503 to 5507. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC database further clarify that these are typically plain weave, twill, or satin weaves, and can be dyed, printed, or otherwise finished, provided they do not meet the criteria for more specific subheadings within 5516.
What falls outside HS 551691?
The following products are excluded from HS 551691: woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres that are specifically classified under other subheadings of heading 5516, such as those containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres (5516.11), or those containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres (5516.12). Also excluded are fabrics of artificial staple fibres (heading 5512), fabrics of continuous synthetic filament (heading 5407), and fabrics of silk, wool, cotton, or other vegetable fibres, even if they incorporate some synthetic staple fibres. For instance, 100% cotton poplin would be classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 551691?
A common error is misinterpreting the "other" designation, leading to the incorrect classification of fabrics that should fall under more specific subheadings within heading 5516 or even other headings entirely. For example, mistaking a fabric primarily composed of polyester staple fibres for "other" when it should be classified under 5516.11 or 5516.12 based on its fibre content percentage. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures and GRI 1 for the basic classification of goods is crucial to avoid these errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 551691?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 551691 involves a systematic approach. First, determine the constituent fibres and their respective percentages by weight, as per Chapter 55 notes. Then, consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff). If the fabric is woven, made from synthetic staple fibres, and not specifically covered by other subheadings of 5516 or other headings, then 551691 is likely applicable. Verification of weave type and finishing processes is also important.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 551691?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of plain weave polyester staple fibre fabric, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.03 = $150.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5516.91.9000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 551691?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 551691, 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 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for goods from member countries like Vietnam. Documentation required to claim preference typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a certificate of origin for CPTPP, depending on the specific rules of origin and the importing country's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary import duty rates for HS code 551691?
HS code 551691 covers 'Other woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres'. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates apply under various 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 (S) may enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your origin country.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 551691, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 551691 is generally calculated as a percentage of the declared value of the goods (ad valorem). For instance, if you import 1,000 kilograms of fabric valued at $5,000 USD, and the applicable MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the duty calculation would be: $5,000 (value) × 8.00% (duty rate) = $400 USD. If a specific duty rate (e.g., per kilogram) were applicable, the calculation would be rate per unit × quantity. Always verify the basis of duty assessment (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the relevant customs authority.
What classification criteria distinguish HS code 551691 from other codes within Chapter 55?
HS code 551691 falls under 'Other woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres'. The key differentiator is that it applies to woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres that are not specifically covered by preceding headings within Section XI, such as those made from continuous filament or specific types of synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester. The defining characteristics are the material (synthetic staple fibres), the weave construction, and the absence of specific enumerations elsewhere in the tariff schedule. Referencing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (WCO) and the specific national tariff schedule is essential for precise classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 551691?
Standard import documentation for HS code 551691 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or fabric composition details if requested by customs to verify classification. Compliance with any specific import regulations or standards for textiles in the destination country is also mandatory.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 551691, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry, for HS code 551691. Notable examples include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), as indicated by the 'Free (AU,BH, CL,CO,IL,JO,KR, MA,OM,P, PA,PE,S,SG)' notation. To benefit, importers must ensure the goods originate from a partner country and possess a valid Certificate of Origin. This document certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement. Customs brokers play a vital role in verifying eligibility and ensuring correct documentation is submitted to claim these reduced or eliminated duties.