HS 988053 Classified in Chapter 53
Quick Answer: Products classified under HS 988053 enter the UK with no specified tariff lines and the EU with no specified tariff lines, indicating potential duty-free treatment or specific national provisions not detailed in standard tariff schedules. This code, "Classified in Chapter 53," generally pertains to products within Chapter 53 of the Harmonized System, which covers "Other vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn." This includes materials like flax, ramie, and hemp, as well as their yarns and fabrics. Importers and customs brokers should consult specific national customs authorities or detailed tariff databases, such as those aggregated by CustomTariffs, to confirm precise duty rates and any applicable import regulations for these goods in each jurisdiction.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880530000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880530000 | — | — | — |
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 988053 cover?
This subheading covers products classified within Chapter 53 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). Chapter 53, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and further elaborated in national tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC, pertains to "Other vegetable textile materials; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn." This includes raw materials such as flax, ramie, and hemp, as well as their spun yarns and woven fabrics, excluding those specifically classified elsewhere in Chapter 53.
What falls outside HS 988053?
The following products are excluded from HS 988053: finished articles made from the vegetable textile materials or paper yarns of Chapter 53, such as apparel, household linens, or bags, which are typically classified in Chapters 61, 62, 63, or other relevant chapters based on their end-use. Also excluded are materials specifically covered in other chapters, such as cotton (Chapter 52) or man-made fibers (Chapter 55), and paper itself (Chapter 48) unless it is in the form of yarn or woven fabric.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988053?
A common error is misinterpreting the scope of "paper yarn" or "woven fabrics of paper yarn." Importers may mistakenly classify finished paper products or non-woven paper materials under this heading, when they should be classified in Chapter 48. Additionally, confusion can arise with other vegetable fibers; for instance, mistaking certain types of jute for flax or ramie, which would lead to incorrect classification under HS 988053 instead of their proper heading within Chapter 53 or elsewhere.
How should importers classify products under HS 988053?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988053 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and form. Importers and customs brokers must consult the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI) and the specific Section and Chapter Notes of the HS. They should identify the primary vegetable textile material or whether the product is a paper yarn or woven fabric of paper yarn, then cross-reference this with the detailed descriptions within Chapter 53 of the relevant national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988053?
A bale of raw ramie fiber weighing 100 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $50.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 10% = $50.00). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5305.00.00, which falls under the scope of Chapter 53.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988053?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 988053, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico may enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for originating goods from certain developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A for documentation.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for products classified under HS code 988053?
HS code 988053 is a special code often used for statistical purposes or specific trade programs, and it does not represent a distinct product category with a universal duty rate. The actual duty rates will depend on the specific classification of the goods within Chapter 53 of the Harmonized System (which covers "Other vegetable textile fibers; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn") and the importing country's tariff schedule. For example, under the US tariff schedule, goods falling under Chapter 53 might face rates ranging from 0% to over 10% depending on the specific fiber, processing, and country of origin. Importers must determine the correct 6-digit HS code for their product within Chapter 53 and then consult the relevant national tariff database (e.g., USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU's TARIC, or UK's Trade Tariff) for precise duty rates.
How is the import duty calculated for goods classified under HS 988053, and can you provide an example?
Since HS 988053 is a placeholder or statistical code, the duty calculation relies on the actual HS code determined for the product within Chapter 53. Let's assume a specific item within Chapter 53, such as woven fabric of flax, is subject to a 3.5% ad valorem duty rate in the importing country. If an importer brings in 1,000 kilograms of this fabric valued at $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: Duty Amount = Value × Duty Rate = $5,000 USD × 3.5% = $175 USD. If there were also a specific duty component, such as $0.20 per kilogram, the total duty would be the sum of the ad valorem and specific duties: ($5,000 USD × 3.5%) + (1,000 kg × $0.20/kg) = $175 USD + $200 USD = $375 USD. Always verify the specific duty types (ad valorem, specific, or compound) applicable to the correct HS code.
What documentation is typically required for imports falling under the scope of HS code 988053?
The documentation for imports classified under HS 988053 is dictated by the actual product classification within Chapter 53 and the importing country's regulations. Standard documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Depending on the specific vegetable textile fiber or paper yarn product, additional documents may be required, such as phytosanitary certificates (for certain raw fibers), quality inspection certificates, or declarations of conformity with safety standards. Importers should consult the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list.
Do preferential duty rates under trade agreements apply to goods classified under HS 988053?
Yes, preferential duty rates may apply, but only if the specific product classified within Chapter 53 meets the rules of origin stipulated by a relevant trade agreement and the importing country is a party to that agreement. For instance, if a fabric classified under a specific 6-digit HS code within Chapter 53 is manufactured in a country that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing country (e.g., USMCA for North America, or EU FTAs), and it satisfies the rules of origin (e.g., substantial transformation, regional value content), it may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates. Importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin issued under the specific trade agreement to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing between different products within Chapter 53 of the Harmonized System, which HS code 988053 references?
Chapter 53 covers 'Other vegetable textile fibers; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn.' Key classification criteria include: 1. Material: Whether the fiber is flax, ramie, hemp, jute, abaca, coir, or other vegetable fibers, or if it is paper yarn. 2. Processing Stage: Whether the material is raw, processed (e.g., hackled, carded, combed), spun into yarn, or woven into fabric. 3. Fabric Construction: For woven fabrics, criteria include the type of weave (plain, twill, satin), the number of threads per centimeter or inch, and the weight per square meter. 4. End-Use: While less common for primary classification, the intended use can sometimes be a secondary factor. Importers must accurately identify the specific vegetable fiber or paper yarn product and its form (raw, yarn, fabric) to determine the correct 6-digit HS code within Chapter 53, as HS 988053 itself is not a product classification.