HS code · 4-digit heading

HS Code 55.03 – Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning

What HS 55.03 covers

Heading 5503 covers "Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning." This crucial classification defines raw, loose, and unaligned synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and polypropylene, that have been cut to a specific length but have not undergone any further processing like carding, combing, or drawing for yarn production. These fibers are essentially in their most basic, unprocessed staple form, serving as fundamental building blocks for a vast array of textile and non-textile applications. The 'not processed for spinning' aspect is paramount, distinguishing these bulk fibers from those ready for yarn manufacturing (HS 5506). This heading is vital for importers and exporters as it represents a primary raw material for industries ranging from apparel and home textiles to automotive, geotextiles, and filtration. Accurate classification ensures correct duty assessment, compliance with origin rules, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. The global trade in these fibers is significant, driven by their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to natural fibers. Understanding the scope of 5503 within Section XI is essential for navigating the complex supply chains of the modern synthetic fiber industry, from petrochemical derivatives to finished products.

Covers
  • Unprocessed polyester staple fibers (PSF)
  • Virgin nylon staple fibers
  • Raw acrylic staple fibers
  • Loose polypropylene staple fibers
  • Un-carded modacrylic staple fibers
  • Elastane staple fibers (uncrimped)
  • Crimped polyester staple fibers (unprocessed)
  • Hollow polyester staple fibers (loose)
  • Solid nylon staple fibers (raw)
  • Bicomponent staple fibers (unprocessed)
  • Low-melt polyester staple fibers
  • Flame-retardant polyester staple fibers
  • Anti-bacterial acrylic staple fibers
  • Recycled polyester staple fibers (unprocessed)
  • High-tenacity polypropylene staple fibers
  • Short-cut polyester fibers for paper
  • Short-cut nylon fibers for concrete
  • Polypropylene microfibers (raw)
  • Polyethylene staple fibers (unprocessed)
  • Un-dyed polyester staple fibers
  • Un-dyed nylon staple fibers
  • Un-dyed acrylic staple fibers
  • Un-dyed polypropylene staple fibers
  • Staple fibers for stuffing
  • Staple fibers for insulation
Examples

A large textile mill in Vietnam imports tons of unprocessed polyester staple fibers (PSF) from major producers in Taiwan and China via sea cargo routes for spinning into yarn used in apparel manufacturing. Similarly, a carpet manufacturer in the United States sources raw nylon staple fibers from South Korea, leveraging advanced logistics for timely delivery and integrating them into their carpet tufting processes. Furthermore, a European company specializing in geotextiles imports bulk polypropylene staple fibers from Saudi Arabia, where petrochemical feedstock is readily available, to produce durable non-woven fabrics for infrastructure projects. Indian textile companies frequently import various synthetic staple fibers from China and Southeast Asian nations to meet the demand for blended fabrics in their booming domestic market and for export. Lastly, a Mexican automotive supplier imports virgin polyester staple fibers from the US for use in car interior components, benefiting from regional trade agreements.

Subheadings under 55.03 6

5503.11Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5503.19Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides other than aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5503.20Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5503.30Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, acrylic or modacrylic, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5503.40Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5503.90Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning

10 Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.03 →

Codes often confused with 55.03

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs by confusing synthetic staple fibers (HS 5503) with artificial staple fibers (HS 5504). The key distinction lies in their origin: 5503 covers synthetic polymers (e.g., polyester, nylon), while 5504 covers regenerated cellulose (e.g., rayon, modal). Another common error is classifying these unprocessed fibers under HS 5506, which is specifically for synthetic staple fibers that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. The 'not processed' condition in 5503 is critical. Traders might also mistakenly classify waste fibers (HS 5505) as virgin fibers from this heading, overlooking the 'waste' characteristic.

55.04Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning55.06Synthetic staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning55.05Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres

Top exporters and importers of HS code 5503, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5503 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.8% of its imports here ($22M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.9B
  2. 2 South Korea $743M
  3. 3 Thailand $466M

World total: $6.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $731M
  2. 2 Germany $439M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$426M

Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.8% of its imports here ($22M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $6.9B 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.

Questions about HS 55.03

What is HS code 5503?

HS code 5503 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. Heading 5503 covers "Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning." This crucial classification defines raw, loose, and unaligned synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and polypropylene, that have been cut to a specific length but have not undergone any further processing like carding, combing, or drawing for yarn production. These fibers are essentially in their most basic, unprocessed staple form, serving as fundamental building blocks for a vast array of textile and non-textile applications. The 'not processed for spinning' aspect is paramount, distinguishing these bulk fibers from those ready for yarn manufacturing (HS 5506). This heading is vital for importers and exporters as it represents a primary raw material for industries ranging from apparel and home textiles to automotive, geotextiles, and filtration. Accurate classification ensures correct duty assessment, compliance with origin rules, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. The global trade in these fibers is significant, driven by their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to natural fibers. Understanding the scope of 5503 within Section XI is essential for navigating the complex supply chains of the modern synthetic fiber industry, from petrochemical derivatives to finished products.

What products fall under HS code 5503?

Unprocessed polyester staple fibers (PSF), virgin nylon staple fibers, raw acrylic staple fibers, loose polypropylene staple fibers, un-carded modacrylic staple fibers, elastane staple fibers (uncrimped), crimped polyester staple fibers (unprocessed), hollow polyester staple fibers (loose), solid nylon staple fibers (raw), bicomponent staple fibers (unprocessed), low-melt polyester staple fibers, flame-retardant polyester staple fibers, anti-bacterial acrylic staple fibers, recycled polyester staple fibers (unprocessed), high-tenacity polypropylene staple fibers, short-cut polyester fibers for paper, short-cut nylon fibers for concrete, polypropylene microfibers (raw), polyethylene staple fibers (unprocessed), un-dyed polyester staple fibers, un-dyed nylon staple fibers, un-dyed acrylic staple fibers, un-dyed polypropylene staple fibers, staple fibers for stuffing, staple fibers for insulation

What are common misclassifications for HS code 5503?

A frequent misclassification occurs by confusing synthetic staple fibers (HS 5503) with artificial staple fibers (HS 5504). The key distinction lies in their origin: 5503 covers synthetic polymers (e.g., polyester, nylon), while 5504 covers regenerated cellulose (e.g., rayon, modal). Another common error is classifying these unprocessed fibers under HS 5506, which is specifically for synthetic staple fibers that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. The 'not processed' condition in 5503 is critical. Traders might also mistakenly classify waste fibers (HS 5505) as virgin fibers from this heading, overlooking the 'waste' characteristic.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5503?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5503 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 31% of world exports), South Korea ($743M) and Thailand ($466M). World exports came to about $6.1B, 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 5503?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5503 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($731M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($439M) and Vietnam (about $426M). World imports came to about $6.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.8% of its imports here ($22M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

How is HS code 5503 structured?

HS code 5503 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.