HS 631010 Sorted
Quick Answer: Rags and other used textile articles imported under HS 631010 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US with rates varying from Free to 10% ad valorem or 39.7¢/kg. This classification specifically applies to sorted rags and cordage, rope, and cables of textile materials that are of a kind used for retail sale in bundles or in balls, or that are otherwise put up for retail sale. Importers should be aware of potential specific weight-based duties in the US. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to ensure compliance and optimal duty rates across different markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6310100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6310100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 631010 | — | — | — |
| 6310101000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 63101020 | Free | — | — |
| 6310102010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 6310102020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 631010 cover?
This subheading covers used or new rags of textile materials, specifically those that have been sorted. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes sorted rags of cotton, wool, synthetic fibers, and artificial fibers. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key criterion for classification under 631010 is the sorting of these textile waste materials into specific categories, such as by fiber type or color, for subsequent reuse or recycling.
What falls outside HS 631010?
The following products are excluded from HS 631010: unsorted textile waste, which is classified under 631090; textile articles that, while worn, are still fit for their original purpose and not considered waste (e.g., used clothing for resale); and textile materials that have undergone significant processing beyond simple sorting, such as shredding into fibers for re-spinning, which might fall under other headings depending on the specific form and intended use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 631010?
A common error is misinterpreting the term "sorted." Importers may incorrectly classify unsorted textile waste under 631010, or conversely, classify sorted rags that are still fit for their original use as used clothing. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. The crucial distinction for 631010 is the deliberate sorting of textile waste for specific purposes, not merely the condition of the material.
How should importers classify products under HS 631010?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 631010 involves verifying that the textile waste has been sorted into distinct categories based on fiber type, color, or intended end-use. Importers and customs brokers must examine the commercial documentation, such as invoices and packing lists, to confirm the sorting process and the intended disposition of the material. If the material is unsorted or still suitable for its original use, it should be classified elsewhere.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 631010?
A bale of sorted cotton rags weighing 100 kg and declared at a customs value of $200 USD would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is because the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 631010 in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is 0% ad valorem. Therefore, the duty calculation is 0% × $200 USD = $0.00 USD. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 631010?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 631010, 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. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in various jurisdictions, potentially offering a Free duty rate. To claim preference under USMCA, a valid origin declaration on the invoice or a certificate of origin is typically required. For GSP, a Form A is often necessary.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 631010 (Sorted textile waste)?
Import duty rates for HS code 631010, which covers sorted textile waste, vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is Free. In the European Union, as per the TARIC database, the rate can be 0.00% ad valorem. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a rate of Free for this classification. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.
How is textile waste classified under HS code 631010?
HS code 631010 specifically applies to 'Sorted textile waste.' This means the waste materials must have been sorted into distinct types of fibers or fabrics. Unsorted textile waste falls under a different subheading (631090). The sorting process is a key criterion for classification. Importers must ensure that their goods are indeed sorted by composition (e.g., cotton, wool, synthetic) or by fabric type to correctly use this code.
What documentation is typically required for importing sorted textile waste under HS code 631010?
When importing sorted textile waste (HS 631010), standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations and the origin of the goods, you may need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some countries may also require declarations regarding the composition of the waste or its intended use to ensure compliance with environmental or safety regulations.
How are duties calculated for HS code 631010 if a specific duty rate applies, such as 39.7¢/kg?
If a specific duty rate like 39.7¢/kg is applicable (this rate is an example and may not be current for all countries), the duty is calculated based on the net weight of the imported goods. For instance, if you import 1,000 kilograms of sorted textile waste subject to a duty of 39.7¢/kg, the calculation would be: 1,000 kg * 39.7¢/kg = 39,700¢. Converting cents to dollars (100¢ = $1), the total duty would be $397.00. It's essential to verify the exact rate and currency with the importing country's customs authority.
Do trade agreements, such as the USMCA or EU trade deals, offer preferential duty rates for HS code 631010?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 631010 under trade agreements depend on the specific agreement and the origin of the goods. For example, while the general MFN rate into the US is Free, goods originating from countries with preferential trade agreements might still need to meet specific rules of origin to qualify for any further benefits, though often the base rate is already zero. Similarly, the EU and UK have numerous trade agreements that could affect duties on textile waste. Importers should always verify the origin of their goods and consult the relevant trade agreement annexes to determine eligibility for preferential treatment.