HS code · 2-digit chapter

HS Code 55 – Man-made staple fibres

What HS 55 covers

Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to "Man-made staple fibres," encompassing all types of synthetic and artificial fibres that have been cut or broken into definite, relatively short lengths, as opposed to the continuous filaments covered in Chapter 54. This classification is crucial for the global textile and nonwoven industries, providing the raw material for a vast array of products from apparel and home furnishings to industrial textiles and automotive components. The scope of Chapter 55 primarily includes man-made staple fibres in their various unprocessed or semi-processed forms: filament tow (a collection of parallel filaments, crimped or not, intended to be cut into staple fibres), staple fibres not carded or combed, staple fibres carded or combed, and waste of man-made fibres. It also extends to yarn made from these staple fibres, both put up for retail sale and not. Key sub-categories differentiate between synthetic staple fibres (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic, polypropylene) and artificial staple fibres (e.g., viscose rayon, modal, lyocell, acetate), reflecting their chemical composition and manufacturing processes. Further distinctions are made based on whether the fibres are raw, carded, combed, or processed into tow or waste. Accurate classification under Chapter 55 is paramount for trade compliance. It directly impacts applicable customs duties, eligibility for preferential trade agreements (such as Free Trade Agreements or GSP schemes), and adherence to import/export regulations. Misclassification can lead to costly penalties, delays, and supply chain disruptions. Historically, man-made fibres revolutionized the textile industry, offering properties like durability, wrinkle resistance, and cost-effectiveness, making them indispensable in modern manufacturing. The chapter's major headings systematically categorize these fibres, reflecting their form and type, from raw materials to spun yarns, ensuring a precise framework for international trade statistics and customs administration.

Covers
  • Polyester staple fibres (uncarded)
  • Nylon 6 staple fibres (carded)
  • Acrylic staple fibres (for spinning)
  • Viscose rayon staple fibres (bleached)
  • Modal staple fibres (undyed)
  • Lyocell staple fibres (raw)
  • Polypropylene staple fibres (for nonwovens)
  • Polyester filament tow (crimped)
  • Acetate staple fibres (cut)
  • Cuprammonium rayon staple fibres
  • Synthetic staple fibre waste (garnetted stock)
  • Artificial staple fibre yarn waste
  • Carded synthetic staple fibres (for felting)
  • Combed artificial staple fibres (for spinning)
  • High-tenacity polyester staple fibres
  • Flame-retardant acrylic staple fibres
  • Hollow polyester staple fibres (for filling)
  • Microfiber polyester staple fibres
  • Recycled polyester staple fibres
  • Blended synthetic staple fibres (polyester/viscose mix)
  • Sewing thread of synthetic staple fibres (not retail)
  • Yarn of acrylic staple fibres (not retail)
  • Yarn of viscose staple fibres (retail packaging)
Examples

A large textile mill in Bangladesh imports several containers of raw polyester staple fibres (HS 5503.20) from China, which are then spun into yarn and woven into fabrics for apparel manufacturing destined for European markets. This trade route is common due to China's large-scale production capabilities and Bangladesh's competitive textile industry. Another scenario involves a German specialty chemicals company exporting high-performance flame-retardant acrylic staple fibres (HS 5503.30) to India, where they are used in technical textiles for industrial safety wear and automotive interiors, leveraging specialized product attributes. Furthermore, a US-based nonwoven manufacturer imports recycled viscose rayon staple fibres (HS 5504.10) from Indonesia, often utilizing preferential tariffs under free trade agreements to produce sustainable hygiene products and wipes, highlighting the growing importance of circular economy materials in global trade. A Japanese trading firm might export polyester filament tow (HS 5501.20) to Vietnam for local processors to cut and convert into staple fibres, which are then used in the production of filling materials for bedding and cushions. Finally, a Turkish yarn producer imports bulk quantities of uncombed synthetic staple fibres (HS 5503.40) from Taiwan to spin into yarn for carpet manufacturing, reflecting a robust supply chain between Asian raw material suppliers and European textile finishers.

Headings in chapter 55 16

55.01Synthetic filament tow55.02Artificial filament tow55.03Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning55.04Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning55.05Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres55.06Synthetic staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning55.07Artificial staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning55.08Sewing thread of man-made staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale55.09Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale55.10Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale55.11Yarn (not sewing thread), of man-made staple fibres, put up for retail sale55.12Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres55.13Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170g/m255.14Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight exceeding 170g/m255.15Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 5555.16Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres

149 Brazil NCM codes in chapter 55 →

Codes often confused with 55

Common mistake. Traders often make crucial errors when classifying products under Chapter 55, primarily confusing staple fibres with continuous filaments or more processed textile articles. The most common mistake is misclassifying man-made continuous filaments (Chapter 54) as staple fibres, or vice-versa. The key distinction is length: staple fibres are cut or broken into short, discrete lengths, while filaments are continuous. Another frequent error is classifying nonwoven fabrics, wadding, or felts (Chapter 56) as staple fibres. If the fibres have already been mechanically or thermally bonded into a sheet or mat, they no longer fall under Chapter 55, even if composed of staple fibres. Similarly, finished yarns, fabrics, or articles (Chapters 50-63) made from staple fibres are often confused; Chapter 55 is strictly for the fibres themselves, filament tow, waste, and yarns *made from* staple fibres, before being woven or knitted into fabrics or further processed into finished goods. Understanding the degree of processing and physical form is critical to avoid these errors.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 55, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 55 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 5.8% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $14.1B
  2. 2 United States $2.0B
  3. 3 Türkiye $1.6B

World total: $35.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$2.1B
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$2.1B
  3. 3 Morocco $1.9B

World total: $37.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Questions about HS 55

What is HS code 55?

HS code 55 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Man-made staple fibres. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to "Man-made staple fibres," encompassing all types of synthetic and artificial fibres that have been cut or broken into definite, relatively short lengths, as opposed to the continuous filaments covered in Chapter 54. This classification is crucial for the global textile and nonwoven industries, providing the raw material for a vast array of products from apparel and home furnishings to industrial textiles and automotive components. The scope of Chapter 55 primarily includes man-made staple fibres in their various unprocessed or semi-processed forms: filament tow (a collection of parallel filaments, crimped or not, intended to be cut into staple fibres), staple fibres not carded or combed, staple fibres carded or combed, and waste of man-made fibres. It also extends to yarn made from these staple fibres, both put up for retail sale and not. Key sub-categories differentiate between synthetic staple fibres (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic, polypropylene) and artificial staple fibres (e.g., viscose rayon, modal, lyocell, acetate), reflecting their chemical composition and manufacturing processes. Further distinctions are made based on whether the fibres are raw, carded, combed, or processed into tow or waste. Accurate classification under Chapter 55 is paramount for trade compliance. It directly impacts applicable customs duties, eligibility for preferential trade agreements (such as Free Trade Agreements or GSP schemes), and adherence to import/export regulations. Misclassification can lead to costly penalties, delays, and supply chain disruptions. Historically, man-made fibres revolutionized the textile industry, offering properties like durability, wrinkle resistance, and cost-effectiveness, making them indispensable in modern manufacturing. The chapter's major headings systematically categorize these fibres, reflecting their form and type, from raw materials to spun yarns, ensuring a precise framework for international trade statistics and customs administration.

What products fall under HS code 55?

Polyester staple fibres (uncarded), Nylon 6 staple fibres (carded), Acrylic staple fibres (for spinning), Viscose rayon staple fibres (bleached), Modal staple fibres (undyed), Lyocell staple fibres (raw), Polypropylene staple fibres (for nonwovens), Polyester filament tow (crimped), Acetate staple fibres (cut), Cuprammonium rayon staple fibres, Synthetic staple fibre waste (garnetted stock), Artificial staple fibre yarn waste, Carded synthetic staple fibres (for felting), Combed artificial staple fibres (for spinning), High-tenacity polyester staple fibres, Flame-retardant acrylic staple fibres, Hollow polyester staple fibres (for filling), Microfiber polyester staple fibres, Recycled polyester staple fibres, Blended synthetic staple fibres (polyester/viscose mix), Sewing thread of synthetic staple fibres (not retail), Yarn of acrylic staple fibres (not retail), Yarn of viscose staple fibres (retail packaging)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 55?

Traders often make crucial errors when classifying products under Chapter 55, primarily confusing staple fibres with continuous filaments or more processed textile articles. The most common mistake is misclassifying man-made continuous filaments (Chapter 54) as staple fibres, or vice-versa. The key distinction is length: staple fibres are cut or broken into short, discrete lengths, while filaments are continuous. Another frequent error is classifying nonwoven fabrics, wadding, or felts (Chapter 56) as staple fibres. If the fibres have already been mechanically or thermally bonded into a sheet or mat, they no longer fall under Chapter 55, even if composed of staple fibres. Similarly, finished yarns, fabrics, or articles (Chapters 50-63) made from staple fibres are often confused; Chapter 55 is strictly for the fibres themselves, filament tow, waste, and yarns *made from* staple fibres, before being woven or knitted into fabrics or further processed into finished goods. Understanding the degree of processing and physical form is critical to avoid these errors.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 55?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 55 in UN Comtrade data were China ($14.1B, 40% of world exports), the United States ($2.0B) and Türkiye ($1.6B). World exports came to about $35.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 55?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 55 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $2.1B, 5.8% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $2.1B) and Morocco ($1.9B). World imports came to about $37.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 55 structured?

HS code 55 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.