HS 988050 Classified in Chapter 50
Quick Answer: Silk and silk waste imported under HS 988050 enters the UK at N/A, and the EU at N/A. This HS code specifically covers silk, including raw silk not carded or combed, silk waste, and noils. While specific duty rates are not readily available for all jurisdictions under this broad classification, importers and customs brokers must consult the relevant national tariff schedules for precise application. Trade considerations may include specific import licensing requirements or preferential trade agreements that could impact final duty liability. CustomTariffs aggregates this type of detailed tariff information to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880500000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880500000 | — | — | — |
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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 988050 cover?
This subheading covers products classified within Chapter 50 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). Chapter 50, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and detailed in national tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC, pertains to silk and products derived from silk, including raw silk, silk waste, and yarns and fabrics made from silk. The scope is broad, encompassing various forms of silk suitable for textile manufacturing.
What falls outside HS 988050?
The following products are excluded from HS 988050, as they are classified under different chapters or headings. This includes synthetic or artificial fibers, cotton, wool, and other animal or vegetable fibers not of silk. For instance, fabrics made from polyester or cotton, even if they mimic the appearance of silk, would be classified elsewhere, typically in chapters pertaining to those specific fiber types, and not under Chapter 50.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988050?
A common error is misclassifying blended fabrics. According to General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, if goods are composed of different materials or components, they are generally classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character. Importers may incorrectly classify a silk blend under HS 988050 if silk is not the predominant component by value or does not impart the essential character.
How should importers classify products under HS 988050?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988050 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and origin. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official HS Nomenclature and the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC) to determine if the product is indeed raw silk, silk waste, yarn, or fabric made predominantly or entirely of silk, adhering to the chapter notes and section information.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988050?
A bolt of 100% pure silk fabric weighing 50 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $10,000 USD would attract a US duty of $1,000.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 10% × $10,000 = $1,000.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for silk fabrics.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988050?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 988050, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating silk products from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free, provided a self-certified origin statement is submitted. Similarly, preferential rates may apply under other agreements for goods originating from countries like Vietnam, often requiring specific origin documentation such as a Certificate of Origin.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 988050, which is classified under Chapter 50 (Silk)?
HS code 988050 itself is not a specific tariff classification but rather a placeholder indicating that the goods fall within Chapter 50 of the Harmonized System, which covers silk and silk waste. Duty rates for products within Chapter 50 vary significantly by importing country and the specific subheadings. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), duties on raw silk (e.g., 5002.00) might be 0% MFN (Most Favored Nation), while duties on woven silk fabrics could range from 2% to over 10% ad valorem, depending on the composition and weave. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for precise rates. For instance, the EU's TARIC database or the UK's Trade Tariff will provide applicable rates for those regions.
What classification criteria determine if a product falls under Chapter 50 (HS code 988050)?
Products classified under Chapter 50 are generally those derived from silk, including raw silk, silk waste, and yarns, fabrics, and made-up articles thereof. The primary criterion is the presence of silk fibers, whether in their natural state or processed. The Harmonized System (HS) Explanatory Notes for Chapter 50 provide detailed definitions. For instance, raw silk (heading 5002) refers to the filament obtained directly from the cocoon, excluding degummed silk. Silk waste (heading 5003) includes cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste, and garnetted stock. Woven fabrics (heading 5007) must contain 85% or more by weight of silk or silk waste by weight, excluding those of heading 5006. Verification often involves fiber content analysis.
What documentation is typically required for imports classified under Chapter 50 (HS code 988050)?
While HS code 988050 is a broad indicator, imports falling under Chapter 50 generally require standard customs documentation. 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 specific product, additional documents may be necessary. For example, certificates of origin might be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some countries may also require specific declarations regarding fiber content or compliance with labeling regulations. It is crucial to check the specific import requirements of the destination country's customs authority.
How do trade agreements, such as the USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements, impact duty calculations for goods classified under Chapter 50 (HS code 988050)?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for goods classified under Chapter 50, provided they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, if silk fabric originates from a country that is party to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing country, and it meets the specific rules of origin (e.g., substantial transformation or regional value content requirements), it may qualify for preferential duty rates, often 0%. Importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter to claim these benefits. For instance, under the USMCA, certain textile and apparel goods may have specific origin rules that apply to silk products. Always verify the specific rules of origin for the relevant trade agreement and product.
Can you provide a numerical example of how import duty is calculated for a silk product classified under Chapter 50 (HS code 988050)?
Let's assume an importer is bringing 1,000 kilograms of a specific type of silk fabric into the United States, which falls under a US HTS subheading with a 5% ad valorem duty rate. The declared customs value of the fabric is $50,000 USD. The import duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = Customs Value × Ad Valorem Rate. In this case: Duty = $50,000 USD × 5% = $2,500 USD. If there were also a specific duty component, such as $0.50 per kilogram, the total duty would be the sum of the ad valorem duty and the specific duty: Total Duty = $2,500 USD + (1,000 kg × $0.50/kg) = $2,500 USD + $500 USD = $3,000 USD. This calculation assumes no preferential trade agreements apply and that the declared value is accepted by customs.