HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5502.90 – Fibres; artificial filament tow, other than cellulose acetate
HS code 5502.90 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, artificial filament tow, other than cellulose acetate. It is used for cuprammonium filament tow, alginate fiber tow, protein-based fiber tow, regenerated protein tow and lyocell filament tow.
What HS 5502.90 covers
This category encompasses artificial filament tow made from various materials other than cellulose acetate, serving as a broad classification for other regenerated or modified natural polymer fibers in tow form. These can include tows made from cuprammonium, alginate, or protein-based fibers, each offering distinct properties for specialized applications. International trade in these "other" artificial tows is driven by industries requiring specific performance characteristics, such as biodegradability, unique hand-feel, or specialized filtration properties. Importers are often textile manufacturers, medical product producers, or companies in the nonwovens sector looking for sustainable or high-performance alternatives. Exporters typically possess advanced chemical and fiber manufacturing technologies. Key factors in trade include the specific polymer type, denier, and intended end-use, as these dictate market value and regulatory compliance. This code highlights the diversity within artificial fibers beyond the more common cellulose acetate.
- Covers
- Cuprammonium filament tow
- Alginate fiber tow
- Protein-based fiber tow
- Regenerated protein tow
- Lyocell filament tow
- Modal filament tow
- Examples
- Bemberg Cupro (as tow precursor)
- Lenzing Lyocell (as tow precursor)
- SeaCell (alginate fiber)
- Milkofil (milk protein fiber)
Codes often confused with 5502.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with cellulose acetate tow (550210) due to both being artificial filament tows, but the chemical composition is the key differentiator. It also differs from synthetic filament tows (5501xx) which are entirely man-made from synthetic polymers.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550290 in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 25% 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 Singapore $16M 61% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $6.0M 23% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $1.7M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $26M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $23M 25% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $23M 24% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$16M 17% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $95M 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 codes for 5502.90 2
Brazil splits HS 5502.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5502.90.10 Viscose rayon filament towDe raiom viscose
- 5502.90.90 Other artificial filament towOutros
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 5502.90
What is HS code 550290?
HS code 550290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; artificial filament tow, other than cellulose acetate. This category encompasses artificial filament tow made from various materials other than cellulose acetate, serving as a broad classification for other regenerated or modified natural polymer fibers in tow form. These can include tows made from cuprammonium, alginate, or protein-based fibers, each offering distinct properties for specialized applications. International trade in these "other" artificial tows is driven by industries requiring specific performance characteristics, such as biodegradability, unique hand-feel, or specialized filtration properties. Importers are often textile manufacturers, medical product producers, or companies in the nonwovens sector looking for sustainable or high-performance alternatives. Exporters typically possess advanced chemical and fiber manufacturing technologies. Key factors in trade include the specific polymer type, denier, and intended end-use, as these dictate market value and regulatory compliance. This code highlights the diversity within artificial fibers beyond the more common cellulose acetate.
What products fall under HS code 550290?
Cuprammonium filament tow, Alginate fiber tow, Protein-based fiber tow, Regenerated protein tow, Lyocell filament tow, Modal filament tow
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550290?
This code is often confused with cellulose acetate tow (550210) due to both being artificial filament tows, but the chemical composition is the key differentiator. It also differs from synthetic filament tows (5501xx) which are entirely man-made from synthetic polymers.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550290 in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($16M, 61% of world exports), South Africa ($6.0M) and Indonesia ($1.7M). World exports came to about $26M, 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 550290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550290 in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($23M, 25% of world imports), Indonesia ($23M) and Vietnam (about $16M). World imports came to about $95M, 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 550290 structured?
HS code 550290 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550290?
Brazil splits HS code 550290 into 2 NCM codes: 5502.90.10 (Viscose rayon filament tow), 5502.90.90 (Other artificial filament tow). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.