HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5501.30 – Fibres; synthetic filament tow, acrylic or modacrylic
HS code 5501.30 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic filament tow, acrylic or modacrylic. It is used for acrylic filament tow, modacrylic filament tow, high-bulk acrylic tow, flame-retardant modacrylic tow and acrylic carpet tow.
What HS 5501.30 covers
This HS code covers synthetic filament tow made from acrylic or modacrylic fibers. This tow comprises continuous, untwisted bundles of filaments, serving as a key intermediate product in the textile industry. Acrylic and modacrylic tows are valued for their wool-like feel, bulkiness, warmth, and resistance to sunlight and chemicals. They are primarily used to produce yarns for sweaters, blankets, carpets, and outdoor fabrics, as well as for specialized applications like flame-retardant textiles. Major importers are typically countries with significant textile and apparel manufacturing, particularly those specializing in knitwear and home furnishings, such as China, Turkey, and India. Exporters often include nations with advanced chemical and fiber production capabilities, like Japan, the USA, and China. The trade in these tows is influenced by fashion trends, demand for synthetic alternatives to natural fibers, and the specific performance requirements of end-use products.
- Covers
- Acrylic filament tow
- Modacrylic filament tow
- High-bulk acrylic tow
- Flame-retardant modacrylic tow
- Acrylic carpet tow
- Acrylic blanket tow
- Outdoor fabric acrylic tow
- Examples
- Dralon acrylic tow
- Kaneka Modacrylic tow
- Mitsubishi Rayon acrylic tow
- Toraylan acrylic tow
- Sinopec acrylic tow
Codes often confused with 5501.30
Common mistake. This code is specifically for acrylic or modacrylic tow, differentiating it from other synthetic filament tows like polyester (550120) or nylon (550119). It could be confused with 550330 (acrylic or modacrylic staple fibers) if the tow is cut into shorter lengths.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550130, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550130 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 11% 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 Japan $279M 47% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $87M 15% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $77M 13% of world exports
World total: $596M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $59M 11% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $44M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$43M 7.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $541M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 5501.30
Brazil does not split HS 5501.30: its NCM code is 5501.30.00.
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 5501.30
What is HS code 550130?
HS code 550130 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic filament tow, acrylic or modacrylic. This HS code covers synthetic filament tow made from acrylic or modacrylic fibers. This tow comprises continuous, untwisted bundles of filaments, serving as a key intermediate product in the textile industry. Acrylic and modacrylic tows are valued for their wool-like feel, bulkiness, warmth, and resistance to sunlight and chemicals. They are primarily used to produce yarns for sweaters, blankets, carpets, and outdoor fabrics, as well as for specialized applications like flame-retardant textiles. Major importers are typically countries with significant textile and apparel manufacturing, particularly those specializing in knitwear and home furnishings, such as China, Turkey, and India. Exporters often include nations with advanced chemical and fiber production capabilities, like Japan, the USA, and China. The trade in these tows is influenced by fashion trends, demand for synthetic alternatives to natural fibers, and the specific performance requirements of end-use products.
What products fall under HS code 550130?
Acrylic filament tow, Modacrylic filament tow, High-bulk acrylic tow, Flame-retardant modacrylic tow, Acrylic carpet tow, Acrylic blanket tow, Outdoor fabric acrylic tow
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550130?
This code is specifically for acrylic or modacrylic tow, differentiating it from other synthetic filament tows like polyester (550120) or nylon (550119). It could be confused with 550330 (acrylic or modacrylic staple fibers) if the tow is cut into shorter lengths.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550130?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550130 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($279M, 47% of world exports), South Korea ($87M) and Thailand ($77M). World exports came to about $596M, 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 550130?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550130 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($59M, 11% of world imports), Indonesia ($44M) and Bangladesh (about $43M). World imports came to about $541M, 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 550130 structured?
HS code 550130 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550130?
In Brazil, HS code 550130 is NCM 5501.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.