HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5502.10 – Fibres; artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate
HS code 5502.10 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate. It is used for cellulose acetate tow for textiles, cigarette filter tow, acetate fiber for linings, acetate tow for nonwovens and biodegradable textile tow.
What HS 5502.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers artificial filament tow made from cellulose acetate, a semi-synthetic fiber derived from cellulose. This material is highly valued in international trade for its unique properties, including a silky feel, good drape, and excellent dyeability, making it a popular choice for luxury textiles and specialized applications. Major importers are typically countries with established textile and apparel manufacturing industries, particularly those focusing on high-end fashion, linings, and cigarette filters. Exporters are often nations with strong chemical processing capabilities and access to cellulose pulp. The trade in cellulose acetate tow is influenced by environmental regulations, as it is a biodegradable alternative to some fully synthetic fibers, and by demand from the tobacco industry for cigarette filter production. Its versatility also sees it used in non-textile applications, making it a niche but significant commodity in global fiber markets.
- Covers
- Cellulose acetate tow for textiles
- Cigarette filter tow
- Acetate fiber for linings
- Acetate tow for nonwovens
- Biodegradable textile tow
- Examples
- Eastman Estron Acetate Tow
- Celanese Clarifoil
- Daicel Acetate Tow
- Mitsubishi Rayon Acetate Tow
Codes often confused with 5502.10
Common mistake. This code is distinct from other artificial filament tows (550290) which are not cellulose acetate, and from regenerated cellulose fibers like viscose (550410) which have different chemical structures.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550210, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550210 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 16% 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 54% of world exports
- 2 Poland $184M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $90M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $396M 16% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $302M 12% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $184M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 5502.10
Brazil does not split HS 5502.10: its NCM code is 5502.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5502.10
What is HS code 550210?
HS code 550210 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate. This HS code specifically covers artificial filament tow made from cellulose acetate, a semi-synthetic fiber derived from cellulose. This material is highly valued in international trade for its unique properties, including a silky feel, good drape, and excellent dyeability, making it a popular choice for luxury textiles and specialized applications. Major importers are typically countries with established textile and apparel manufacturing industries, particularly those focusing on high-end fashion, linings, and cigarette filters. Exporters are often nations with strong chemical processing capabilities and access to cellulose pulp. The trade in cellulose acetate tow is influenced by environmental regulations, as it is a biodegradable alternative to some fully synthetic fibers, and by demand from the tobacco industry for cigarette filter production. Its versatility also sees it used in non-textile applications, making it a niche but significant commodity in global fiber markets.
What products fall under HS code 550210?
Cellulose acetate tow for textiles, Cigarette filter tow, Acetate fiber for linings, Acetate tow for nonwovens, Biodegradable textile tow
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550210?
This code is distinct from other artificial filament tows (550290) which are not cellulose acetate, and from regenerated cellulose fibers like viscose (550410) which have different chemical structures.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550210?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550210 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($722M, 54% of world exports), Poland ($184M) and China ($90M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 550210?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550210 in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($396M, 16% of world imports), Indonesia ($302M) and Türkiye ($184M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 550210 structured?
HS code 550210 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550210?
In Brazil, HS code 550210 is NCM 5502.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.