HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5501.20 – Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polyesters
HS code 5501.20 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic filament tow, of polyesters. It is used for PET filament tow, PBT filament tow, recycled polyester tow, high-tenacity polyester tow and polyester staple fiber precursor.
What HS 5501.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers synthetic filament tow made from polyesters, a widely used and versatile synthetic fiber. Polyester tow consists of continuous, untwisted bundles of polyester filaments, serving as a fundamental raw material for a vast array of textile products. It is further processed into yarns for apparel, home textiles, non-woven fabrics, and industrial applications. Major importers are typically countries with large-scale textile manufacturing and garment production, such as China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, where the tow is converted into finished goods. Exporters often include nations with robust petrochemical industries and advanced polyester polymerization capabilities, like China, Taiwan, South Korea, and India. Key characteristics of polyester tow include excellent strength, wrinkle resistance, dimensional stability, and good dyeability, making it highly desirable for both fashion and functional textiles. Trade in this commodity is driven by global demand for textiles, technological advancements in fiber production, and raw material costs.
- Covers
- PET filament tow
- PBT filament tow
- Recycled polyester tow
- High-tenacity polyester tow
- Polyester staple fiber precursor
- Polyester carpet tow
- Polyester nonwoven tow
- Examples
- Indorama Ventures polyester tow
- Reliance Industries polyester tow
- Far Eastern New Century (FENC) polyester tow
- Toray polyester tow
- Hyosung polyester tow
Codes often confused with 5501.20
Common mistake. This code is specifically for polyester tow, distinguishing it from other synthetic filament tows like nylon (550119) or acrylic (550130). It might be confused with 550320 (polyester staple fibers) if the tow is cut into shorter lengths.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550120 in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 29% 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 Malaysia $39M 45% of world exports
- 2 China $14M 17% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$7.7M 9.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $85M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $41M 29% of world imports
- 2 France $19M 13% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $17M 12% of world imports
World total: $142M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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.
Brazil NCM code for 5501.20
Brazil does not split HS 5501.20: its NCM code is 5501.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5501.20
What is HS code 550120?
HS code 550120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polyesters. This HS code specifically covers synthetic filament tow made from polyesters, a widely used and versatile synthetic fiber. Polyester tow consists of continuous, untwisted bundles of polyester filaments, serving as a fundamental raw material for a vast array of textile products. It is further processed into yarns for apparel, home textiles, non-woven fabrics, and industrial applications. Major importers are typically countries with large-scale textile manufacturing and garment production, such as China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, where the tow is converted into finished goods. Exporters often include nations with robust petrochemical industries and advanced polyester polymerization capabilities, like China, Taiwan, South Korea, and India. Key characteristics of polyester tow include excellent strength, wrinkle resistance, dimensional stability, and good dyeability, making it highly desirable for both fashion and functional textiles. Trade in this commodity is driven by global demand for textiles, technological advancements in fiber production, and raw material costs.
What products fall under HS code 550120?
PET filament tow, PBT filament tow, Recycled polyester tow, High-tenacity polyester tow, Polyester staple fiber precursor, Polyester carpet tow, Polyester nonwoven tow
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550120?
This code is specifically for polyester tow, distinguishing it from other synthetic filament tows like nylon (550119) or acrylic (550130). It might be confused with 550320 (polyester staple fibers) if the tow is cut into shorter lengths.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550120 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($39M, 45% of world exports), China ($14M) and Taiwan (about $7.7M). World exports came to about $85M, 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 550120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550120 in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($41M, 29% of world imports), France ($19M) and Brazil ($17M). World imports came to about $142M, 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 550120 structured?
HS code 550120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550120?
In Brazil, HS code 550120 is NCM 5501.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.