HS 591131 Textile fabrics and felts, endless or fitted with linking devices, of a kind used in paper-making or similar machines (for example, for pulp or asbestos-cement)

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 591131, covering textile fabrics and felts for paper-making or similar machines, can vary. For example, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) data indicates a rate of 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under various trade agreements can significantly alter this. For instance, goods from Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), the European Union (E*), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others may enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and any applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for precise rates. The UK Trade Tariff, for instance, lists a 5.80% duty for non-preferential imports, while the EU TARIC might show different rates depending on the origin and specific product characteristics.

The duty for HS code 591131 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and you import a shipment valued at $10,000 USD, the calculated duty would be $10,000 USD * 0.04 = $400 USD. If the duty were based on a specific rate (e.g., per unit), the calculation would be rate per unit × quantity. Always verify the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the relevant customs authority or your customs broker.

To be classified under HS code 591131, textile fabrics and felts must meet specific criteria. They must be 'endless' (forming a continuous loop) or 'fitted with linking devices' (such as clasps or fasteners) to enable them to be joined. Crucially, their intended use must be for paper-making machines or similar industrial machinery, such as those used for processing pulp or asbestos-cement. The material composition (e.g., synthetic fibers, wool) and construction of the fabric are also considered. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on the interpretation of these criteria.

Standard import documentation is generally required for HS code 591131. This 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 importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under FTAs. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or product literature that confirms the fabric's construction and intended use in paper-making or similar machinery, especially if customs authorities require verification of classification. Compliance with any specific import regulations or standards of the destination country is also essential.

Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often leading to duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS 591131. Examples include the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), agreements between the EU and various countries (e.g., EFTA, Mercosur), and bilateral FTAs such as those between the US and countries like South Korea (KORUS) or Chile (US-Chile FTA). To benefit, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant FTA. This typically involves verifying that a sufficient percentage of the product's value was added in the beneficiary country or that specific manufacturing processes occurred there. A valid Certificate of Origin, issued by the exporter or manufacturer, is usually required to substantiate the claim for preferential treatment at the time of import.