HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5501.40 – Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene
HS code 5501.40 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene. It is used for polypropylene filament tow, PP carpet tow, PP nonwoven tow, high-tenacity PP tow and UV-stabilized PP tow.
What HS 5501.40 covers
This HS code covers synthetic filament tow made from polypropylene, a versatile and cost-effective polymer. Polypropylene tow consists of continuous, untwisted bundles of filaments, widely used as a raw material in various industrial and textile applications. It is particularly valued for its low density, excellent chemical resistance, moisture wicking properties, and strength. This tow is processed into yarns for carpets, upholstery, ropes, non-woven fabrics, and geotextiles. Major importers are typically countries with strong manufacturing sectors in flooring, automotive interiors, and technical textiles, such as the United States, Germany, and China. Exporters often include nations with robust petrochemical industries and advanced polymer processing capabilities, like China, the USA, and Saudi Arabia. Trade in polypropylene tow is driven by its cost-effectiveness, performance attributes, and growing demand in specialized industrial applications, as well as its use in sustainable non-woven products.
- Covers
- Polypropylene filament tow
- PP carpet tow
- PP nonwoven tow
- High-tenacity PP tow
- UV-stabilized PP tow
- Spunbond PP precursor
- Meltblown PP precursor
- Examples
- LyondellBasell polypropylene tow
- Braskem polypropylene tow
- Sinopec polypropylene tow
- ExxonMobil polypropylene tow
- SABIC polypropylene tow
Codes often confused with 5501.40
Common mistake. This code is specifically for polypropylene tow, distinguishing it from other synthetic filament tows like polyester (550120) or nylon (550119). It might be confused with 550340 (polypropylene staple fibers) if the tow is cut into shorter lengths.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550140, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550140 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kenya, with 18% 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 South Korea $12M 64% of world exports
- 2 China $3.8M 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.6M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kenya $2.5M 18% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $1.9M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $1.7M 12% of world imports
World total: $14M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 5501.40
Brazil does not split HS 5501.40: its NCM code is 5501.40.00.
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 5501.40
What is HS code 550140?
HS code 550140 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene. This HS code covers synthetic filament tow made from polypropylene, a versatile and cost-effective polymer. Polypropylene tow consists of continuous, untwisted bundles of filaments, widely used as a raw material in various industrial and textile applications. It is particularly valued for its low density, excellent chemical resistance, moisture wicking properties, and strength. This tow is processed into yarns for carpets, upholstery, ropes, non-woven fabrics, and geotextiles. Major importers are typically countries with strong manufacturing sectors in flooring, automotive interiors, and technical textiles, such as the United States, Germany, and China. Exporters often include nations with robust petrochemical industries and advanced polymer processing capabilities, like China, the USA, and Saudi Arabia. Trade in polypropylene tow is driven by its cost-effectiveness, performance attributes, and growing demand in specialized industrial applications, as well as its use in sustainable non-woven products.
What products fall under HS code 550140?
Polypropylene filament tow, PP carpet tow, PP nonwoven tow, High-tenacity PP tow, UV-stabilized PP tow, Spunbond PP precursor, Meltblown PP precursor
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550140?
This code is specifically for polypropylene tow, distinguishing it from other synthetic filament tows like polyester (550120) or nylon (550119). It might be confused with 550340 (polypropylene staple fibers) if the tow is cut into shorter lengths.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550140?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550140 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($12M, 64% of world exports), China ($3.8M) and the United States ($1.6M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 550140?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550140 in UN Comtrade data were Kenya ($2.5M, 18% of world imports), Nigeria ($1.9M) and the United States ($1.7M). World imports came to about $14M, 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 550140 structured?
HS code 550140 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550140?
In Brazil, HS code 550140 is NCM 5501.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.