HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5501.90 – Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5501
HS code 5501.90 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic filament tow, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5501. It is used for polypropylene filament tow, polyethylene filament tow, polyurethane filament tow, elastomeric filament tow and high-performance synthetic tow.
What HS 5501.90 covers
This code covers synthetic filament tow made from materials not specifically mentioned elsewhere in heading 5501, acting as a catch-all for various advanced or niche synthetic polymers. These tows are bundles of continuous synthetic filaments, typically used as an intermediate product in the textile industry for manufacturing staple fibers, nonwovens, or directly spun into yarns. International trade in these materials is driven by textile manufacturers, automotive industries, and producers of technical textiles seeking specific performance characteristics like strength, heat resistance, or chemical inertness. Major importers are countries with robust textile manufacturing sectors, particularly in Asia, while exporters often include nations with advanced petrochemical and polymer production capabilities. Key considerations for trade include the specific polymer composition, denier, and end-use application, as these dictate quality and market value. The global demand for specialized synthetic fibers ensures a steady flow of these "not elsewhere specified" materials across borders, supporting innovation in various industrial and consumer products.
- Covers
- Polypropylene filament tow
- Polyethylene filament tow
- Polyurethane filament tow
- Elastomeric filament tow
- High-performance synthetic tow
- Specialty polymer filament tow
- Examples
- Generic industrial polypropylene tow
- Specialty elastane tow
- High-modulus polyethylene tow
- Polyurethane-based filament tow
Codes often confused with 5501.90
Common mistake. This code can be confused with specific synthetic filament tows like those of nylon (550110) or polyesters (550120) if the material composition is not clearly identified. It's also distinct from synthetic staple fibers (Chapter 5503) which are already cut.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550190, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550190 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kenya, with 24% 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 Spain $15M 27% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $12M 21% of world exports
- 3 United States $11M 20% of world exports
World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kenya $24M 24% of world imports
- 2 Germany $20M 19% of world imports
- 3 Tanzania $17M 17% of world imports
World total: $101M 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 5501.90
Brazil does not split HS 5501.90: its NCM code is 5501.90.00.
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 5501.90
What is HS code 550190?
HS code 550190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5501. This code covers synthetic filament tow made from materials not specifically mentioned elsewhere in heading 5501, acting as a catch-all for various advanced or niche synthetic polymers. These tows are bundles of continuous synthetic filaments, typically used as an intermediate product in the textile industry for manufacturing staple fibers, nonwovens, or directly spun into yarns. International trade in these materials is driven by textile manufacturers, automotive industries, and producers of technical textiles seeking specific performance characteristics like strength, heat resistance, or chemical inertness. Major importers are countries with robust textile manufacturing sectors, particularly in Asia, while exporters often include nations with advanced petrochemical and polymer production capabilities. Key considerations for trade include the specific polymer composition, denier, and end-use application, as these dictate quality and market value. The global demand for specialized synthetic fibers ensures a steady flow of these "not elsewhere specified" materials across borders, supporting innovation in various industrial and consumer products.
What products fall under HS code 550190?
Polypropylene filament tow, Polyethylene filament tow, Polyurethane filament tow, Elastomeric filament tow, High-performance synthetic tow, Specialty polymer filament tow
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550190?
This code can be confused with specific synthetic filament tows like those of nylon (550110) or polyesters (550120) if the material composition is not clearly identified. It's also distinct from synthetic staple fibers (Chapter 5503) which are already cut.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550190?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550190 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($15M, 27% of world exports), South Korea ($12M) and the United States ($11M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 550190?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550190 in UN Comtrade data were Kenya ($24M, 24% of world imports), Germany ($20M) and Tanzania ($17M). World imports came to about $101M, 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 550190 structured?
HS code 550190 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550190?
In Brazil, HS code 550190 is NCM 5501.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.