Chapter 53 HS Codes: Chapter 53 Commodities
CHAPTER DEFINITION & SCOPE
HS Chapter 53 of the WCO Harmonized System covers chapter 53 commodities. It groups 10 4-digit WCO headings and 23 6-digit subheadings under the official 2026 customs nomenclature [USITC HTS 2026].
Chapter
Ch 53
Headings
10 Headings
Subheadings
23 HS6
US Tariff Status
Active 2026
Chapter 53 4-Digit Headings Directory
| Heading | WCO Heading Description | Subheading Count | Directory Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading 5301 | Flax, raw or processed but not spun; flax tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) | 4 subheadings | Browse Heading 5301 → |
| Heading 5302 | True hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), raw or processed but not spun; tow and waste of true hemp (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5302 → |
| Heading 5303 | Jute and other textile bast fibers (excluding flax, true hemp and ramie), raw or processed but not spun; tow and waste of these fibers (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5303 → |
| Heading 5305 | Coconut, abaca (Manila hemp or Musa textilis Nee), ramie and other vegetable textile fibers, not elsewhere specified or included, raw or processed but not spun; tow, noils and waste of these fibers (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 5305 → |
| Heading 5306 | Flax yarn | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5306 → |
| Heading 5307 | Yarn of jute or of other textile bast fibers of heading 5303 | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5307 → |
| Heading 5308 | Yarn of other vegetable textile fibers; paper yarn | 3 subheadings | Browse Heading 5308 → |
| Heading 5309 | Woven fabrics of flax | 4 subheadings | Browse Heading 5309 → |
| Heading 5310 | Woven fabrics of jute or of other textile bast fibers of heading 5303 | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5310 → |
| Heading 5311 | Woven fabrics of other vegetable textile fibers; woven fabrics of paper yarn | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 5311 → |
Chapter 53 Subheading Sample & MFN Duty Rates
| HS Code | Subheading Description | Heading | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5301.10 | Flax, raw or retted | 5301 | View 5301.10 → |
| 5301.21 | Flax, broken, scutched, hackled or otherwise processed, but not spun, Broken or scutched | 5301 | View 5301.21 → |
| 5301.29 | Flax, broken, scutched, hackled or otherwise processed, but not spun, Other | 5301 | View 5301.29 → |
| 5301.30 | Flax tow and waste | 5301 | View 5301.30 → |
| 5302.10 | True hemp, raw or retted | 5302 | View 5302.10 → |
| 5302.90 | True hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), raw or processed but not spun; tow and waste of true hemp (including yarn waste and garnetted stock), Other | 5302 | View 5302.90 → |
| 5303.10 | Jute and other textile bast fibers, raw or retted | 5303 | View 5303.10 → |
| 5303.90 | Other | 5303 | View 5303.90 → |
| 5305.00 | Coconut, abaca (Manila hemp or Musa textilis Nee), ramie and other vegetable textile fibers, not elsewhere specified or included, raw or processed but not spun; tow, noils and waste of these fibers (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) | 5305 | View 5305.00 → |
| 5306.10 | Flax yarn, Single (800) | 5306 | View 5306.10 → |
| 5306.20 | Flax yarn, Multiple (folded) or cabled (800) | 5306 | View 5306.20 → |
| 5307.10 | Yarn of jute or of other textile bast fibers of heading 5303, Single | 5307 | View 5307.10 → |
| 5307.20 | Yarn of jute or of other textile bast fibers of heading 5303, Multiple (folded) or cabled | 5307 | View 5307.20 → |
| 5308.10 | Coir yarn | 5308 | View 5308.10 → |
| 5308.20 | True hemp yarn (800) | 5308 | View 5308.20 → |
EXPERT CLASSIFICATION PRO TIPS
Common Pitfalls When Classifying Chapter 53 Goods
- Always review WCO Section and Chapter Legal Notes before assigning 4-digit headings.
- Distinguish carefully between unprocessed raw materials and further prepared or processed articles.
- Verify Partner Government Agency (PGA) flags for agriculture, food, or chemical items.
- Cross-reference official CBP CROSS rulings for binding precedents on mixed or composite goods.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 53 Tariff ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
Customs Rulings Online Search System for Chapter 53 binding classification precedents.
WCO HS Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization international 6-digit Harmonized System backbone standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau trade statistics and Schedule B concordance portal.
Chapter 53 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commodities are covered under HS Chapter 53?
Chapter 53 (Chapter 53 Commodities) covers WCO Harmonized System 4-digit headings from 5301 upward, encompassing primary goods, raw materials, and manufactured articles within this nomenclature section.
How many 4-digit headings exist in HS Chapter 53?
Chapter 53 contains 10 official 4-digit WCO headings and 23 6-digit tariff subheadings.
What is the US general import duty range for Chapter 53 commodities?
Base customs duties under Chapter 53 range from 0.0% (Duty-Free) up to representative MFN rate limits depending on 10-digit HTS statistical suffix extensions.
Do Section 301 China tariffs apply to Chapter 53 imports?
Section 301 tariffs depend on specific 8-digit HTS subheadings. Importers must verify if their exact HTS code appears on USTR Lists 1 through 4A.
Are Partner Government Agency (PGA) permits required for Chapter 53?
PGA message-set flags (such as FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA, or CITES) apply conditionally depending on the commodity classification within Chapter 53.
How are products classified between adjacent headings in Chapter 53?
Classification follows WCO General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 through 6, prioritizing specific heading terms over general descriptions.
Can Chapter 53 goods enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in USMCA member states (US, Mexico, Canada) or FTA partners enter duty-free under SPI code P, KR, AU, or CL with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Chapter 53 shipments?
Eligible commercial shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day may enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal entry of Chapter 53 goods?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and entry summary CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP ruling for Chapter 53?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling application under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division.