HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5503.11 – Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
HS code 5503.11 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. It is used for para-aramid staple fiber, meta-aramid staple fiber, high-strength aramid fiber, heat-resistant aramid fiber and ballistic-grade aramid fiber.
What HS 5503.11 covers
This HS code covers synthetic staple fibers made from aramids, which are high-performance synthetic polymers known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, heat resistance, and impact resistance. These fibers are traded in their raw, unprocessed staple form, meaning they haven't undergone further textile preparation like carding or combing. International trade is primarily driven by industries requiring advanced materials for protective gear, aerospace components, automotive parts, and industrial applications. Major importers include countries with strong manufacturing sectors in defense, automotive, and specialized textiles, while exporters are typically nations with advanced chemical and polymer production capabilities. The high cost and specialized nature of aramid fibers mean trade volumes are lower than commodity fibers, but their strategic importance is significant. Key considerations include fiber length, denier, and specific aramid type (e.g., para-aramid vs. meta-aramid), which dictate performance and application.
- Covers
- Para-aramid staple fiber
- Meta-aramid staple fiber
- High-strength aramid fiber
- Heat-resistant aramid fiber
- Ballistic-grade aramid fiber
- Examples
- DuPont Kevlar staple fiber
- Teijin Twaron staple fiber
- Teijin Technora staple fiber
- Hyosung Aramid staple fiber
Codes often confused with 5503.11
Common mistake. This code is specifically for aramid staple fibers and should not be confused with aramid filament tow (550130) or aramid yarns (5402xx), as the form factor is crucial for classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550311, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550311 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 Spain $84M 19% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $56M 13% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $53M 12% of world exports
World total: $434M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $74M 16% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $46M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $42M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $453M 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 5503.11
Brazil does not split HS 5503.11: its NCM code is 5503.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5503.11
What is HS code 550311?
HS code 550311 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This HS code covers synthetic staple fibers made from aramids, which are high-performance synthetic polymers known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, heat resistance, and impact resistance. These fibers are traded in their raw, unprocessed staple form, meaning they haven't undergone further textile preparation like carding or combing. International trade is primarily driven by industries requiring advanced materials for protective gear, aerospace components, automotive parts, and industrial applications. Major importers include countries with strong manufacturing sectors in defense, automotive, and specialized textiles, while exporters are typically nations with advanced chemical and polymer production capabilities. The high cost and specialized nature of aramid fibers mean trade volumes are lower than commodity fibers, but their strategic importance is significant. Key considerations include fiber length, denier, and specific aramid type (e.g., para-aramid vs. meta-aramid), which dictate performance and application.
What products fall under HS code 550311?
Para-aramid staple fiber, Meta-aramid staple fiber, High-strength aramid fiber, Heat-resistant aramid fiber, Ballistic-grade aramid fiber
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550311?
This code is specifically for aramid staple fibers and should not be confused with aramid filament tow (550130) or aramid yarns (5402xx), as the form factor is crucial for classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550311?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550311 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($84M, 19% of world exports), Belgium ($56M) and South Korea ($53M). World exports came to about $434M, 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 550311?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550311 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($74M, 16% of world imports), Türkiye ($46M) and Germany ($42M). World imports came to about $453M, 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 550311 structured?
HS code 550311 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550311?
In Brazil, HS code 550311 is NCM 5503.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.