Sewing thread of man-made staple fibers, whether or not put up for retail sale
2 declarable lines
Heading 5508 covers sewing thread made from man-made staple fibers, whether or not put up for retail sale. It is split by fiber type: synthetic staple fibers under 5508.10 and artificial staple fibers under 5508.20. The general (MFN) rates are 11.4% for 5508.10.00.00 and 11% for 5508.20.00.00.
Products in this heading
- Polyester staple fiber sewing thread on retail spools
- Industrial polyester sewing thread for apparel
- Quilting thread made from synthetic staple fibers
- Viscose or rayon staple fiber sewing thread
- Upholstery thread made from synthetic staple fibers
- Thread for leather goods made from synthetic staple fibers
How to choose the right subheading
- Confirm the item is sewing thread, not yarn for weaving, knitting or other use.
- Identify the fiber as synthetic staple fibers or artificial staple fibers, which decides 5508.10 or 5508.20.
- Check that the fiber is staple fiber, not filament; filament sewing thread goes outside this heading.
- Use fiber type as the deciding subheading fact; retail put-up does not split the 5508 lines.
Often confused with
- Heading 5401Sewing thread of synthetic filaments
Filament sewing thread is not staple fiber thread.
- Heading 5509Yarn of synthetic staple fibers, not sewing thread
This heading covers yarn other than sewing thread.
- Heading 5510Yarn of artificial staple fibers, not sewing thread
This heading covers yarn other than sewing thread.
- Heading 5511Yarn of man-made staple fibers put up for retail sale, not sewing thread
Retail put-up alone does not make an item sewing thread.
- Heading 5204Cotton sewing thread
Cotton thread is classified in chapter 52, not man-made staple fibers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for polyester sewing thread?
Sewing thread of synthetic staple fibers is 5508.10.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 11.4%.
What is the duty on viscose sewing thread?
Sewing thread of artificial staple fibers is 5508.20.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 11%.
How do I classify sewing thread put up for retail sale?
Heading 5508 covers sewing thread whether or not put up for retail sale. Use 5508.10.00.00 for synthetic staple fibers at 11.4% general (MFN) or 5508.20.00.00 for artificial staple fibers at 11% general (MFN).
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.