Section XI · Textiles and textile articles
Chapter 50: Silk
Chapter 50 of the Harmonized System has 7 four-digit headings, from 50.01 to 50.07. Each heading is split further into six-digit subheadings, then into national 8- and 10-digit commodity codes.
Headings in chapter 50
| Heading | Description |
|---|---|
| 50.01 | Silkworm cocoons suitable for reeling |
| 50.02 | Raw silk (not thrown) |
| 50.03 | Silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste and garnetted stock) |
| 50.04 | Silk yarn (other than yarn spun from silk waste) not put up for retail sale |
| 50.05 | Yarn spun from silk waste, not put up for retail sale |
| 50.06 | Silk yarn and yarn spun from silk waste, put up for retail sale; silkworm gut |
| 50.07 | Woven fabrics of silk or of silk waste |
Classifying goods in chapter 50
Start with the chapter and section notes: they are legally binding and often decide what is included or excluded. Then choose the heading whose wording best describes your product (GRI 1), and work down to the six-digit subheading before choosing the national commodity code.
The six-digit code is shared internationally. The UK and EU add digits for their own tariffs and statistics, and the US uses its own 10-digit HTS lines, so always confirm the final code in the tariff of the country you are importing into.
Official sources
Check chapter 50 in the UK Trade Tariff, the EU TARIC and the US HTS.