HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 55.02 – Artificial filament tow
What HS 55.02 covers
Heading 5502 of the Harmonized System encompasses "Artificial filament tow," a critical intermediate product in the textile value chain. This classification specifically covers bundles of parallel artificial filaments, typically cellulose-based, such as viscose rayon, cellulose acetate, or cupro, before they are cut into staple fibers. The key characteristic is that these filaments remain continuous and are held together in a loose, untwisted rope-like form, distinct from individual filaments (Chapter 54) or yarns. The primary purpose of artificial filament tow is often to be converted into staple fibers, which are then spun into yarn, or used directly in non-woven applications. Importers and exporters must accurately classify this product to ensure compliance with customs regulations, as misclassification can lead to incorrect duties, penalties, and delays. This heading is crucial for manufacturers of cigarette filters (where cellulose acetate tow is predominant), non-woven fabrics, and various regenerated cellulose textile products. Its classification within Section XI, which covers textiles and textile articles, underscores its fundamental role as a raw material for downstream textile processing. The trade significance of artificial filament tow has evolved with the global textile industry's shifts towards sustainable and specialized fibers, making precise classification essential for market access and competitive pricing.
- Covers
- Cellulose acetate tow
- Viscose rayon tow
- Cupro filament tow
- Modal filament tow
- Lyocell filament tow
- Regenerated cellulose tow
- Triacetate filament tow
- High-tenacity rayon tow
- Low-shrinkage acetate tow
- Crimped rayon tow
- Tow for cigarette filters
- Tow for non-woven wipes
- Tow for textile staple fiber production
- Tow for specialty papers
- Tow for medical applications
- Biodegradable cellulose tow
- Flame-retardant rayon tow
- Hollow acetate tow
- Spunlace rayon tow
- Melt-blown acetate tow
- Tow for absorbent products
- Tow for filtration media
- Tow for industrial textiles
- Tow for apparel lining
- Tow for home furnishings
- Examples
A major cigarette filter manufacturer in Germany imports large quantities of cellulose acetate tow from a specialized producer in China, utilizing the efficient sea freight routes across the Suez Canal to Rotterdam. Another scenario involves an Indian textile company exporting viscose rayon tow to Bangladesh, where it is processed into staple fibers for local yarn spinning, leveraging regional trade agreements like SAFTA. Furthermore, a Japanese chemical firm might ship high-quality cellulose triacetate tow to a European non-woven producer for technical textiles, navigating complex customs procedures for advanced materials. Brazilian companies also frequently import specialty rayon tow from Indonesia for their domestic textile industries, often through direct container shipping routes. Lastly, a US-based firm may export specialized cupro filament tow to Mexico for high-end apparel lining production, benefiting from NAFTA/USMCA provisions.
Subheadings under 55.02 2
Codes often confused with 55.02
Common mistake. A common misclassification error for products under HS 5502 involves confusing artificial filament tow with synthetic filament tow (HS 5501). The distinction lies in the fiber's origin: 5502 is for regenerated cellulose (artificial), while 5501 is for polymers (synthetic). Another frequent mistake is classifying tow as artificial filament yarn (HS 5403). Tow is an untwisted bundle of filaments primarily for cutting into staple or direct non-woven use, whereas yarn is twisted, continuous, and ready for weaving or knitting. Improperly classifying tow as staple fibers (HS 5504) is also an error, as tow is continuous, while staple fibers are cut to a defined length.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 5502, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5502 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 15% 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 United States $722M 53% of world exports
- 2 Poland $184M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $91M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $396M 15% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $325M 13% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $184M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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.
Questions about HS 55.02
What is HS code 5502?
HS code 5502 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Artificial filament tow. Heading 5502 of the Harmonized System encompasses "Artificial filament tow," a critical intermediate product in the textile value chain. This classification specifically covers bundles of parallel artificial filaments, typically cellulose-based, such as viscose rayon, cellulose acetate, or cupro, before they are cut into staple fibers. The key characteristic is that these filaments remain continuous and are held together in a loose, untwisted rope-like form, distinct from individual filaments (Chapter 54) or yarns. The primary purpose of artificial filament tow is often to be converted into staple fibers, which are then spun into yarn, or used directly in non-woven applications. Importers and exporters must accurately classify this product to ensure compliance with customs regulations, as misclassification can lead to incorrect duties, penalties, and delays. This heading is crucial for manufacturers of cigarette filters (where cellulose acetate tow is predominant), non-woven fabrics, and various regenerated cellulose textile products. Its classification within Section XI, which covers textiles and textile articles, underscores its fundamental role as a raw material for downstream textile processing. The trade significance of artificial filament tow has evolved with the global textile industry's shifts towards sustainable and specialized fibers, making precise classification essential for market access and competitive pricing.
What products fall under HS code 5502?
Cellulose acetate tow, viscose rayon tow, cupro filament tow, modal filament tow, lyocell filament tow, regenerated cellulose tow, triacetate filament tow, high-tenacity rayon tow, low-shrinkage acetate tow, crimped rayon tow, tow for cigarette filters, tow for non-woven wipes, tow for textile staple fiber production, tow for specialty papers, tow for medical applications, biodegradable cellulose tow, flame-retardant rayon tow, hollow acetate tow, spunlace rayon tow, melt-blown acetate tow, tow for absorbent products, tow for filtration media, tow for industrial textiles, tow for apparel lining, tow for home furnishings
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5502?
A common misclassification error for products under HS 5502 involves confusing artificial filament tow with synthetic filament tow (HS 5501). The distinction lies in the fiber's origin: 5502 is for regenerated cellulose (artificial), while 5501 is for polymers (synthetic). Another frequent mistake is classifying tow as artificial filament yarn (HS 5403). Tow is an untwisted bundle of filaments primarily for cutting into staple or direct non-woven use, whereas yarn is twisted, continuous, and ready for weaving or knitting. Improperly classifying tow as staple fibers (HS 5504) is also an error, as tow is continuous, while staple fibers are cut to a defined length.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5502?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5502 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($722M, 53% of world exports), Poland ($184M) and China ($91M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 5502?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5502 in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($396M, 15% of world imports), Indonesia ($325M) and Türkiye ($184M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 5502 structured?
HS code 5502 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.