HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5503.40 – Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
HS code 5503.40 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. It is used for polypropylene staple fiber for nonwovens, polypropylene staple fiber for carpets, UV-stabilized polypropylene fiber, hydrophobic polypropylene fiber and geotextile-grade polypropylene fiber.
What HS 5503.40 covers
This HS code covers synthetic staple fibers made from polypropylene, traded in their raw, unprocessed form. Polypropylene staple fibers (PPSF) are highly valued in international trade for their low density, excellent chemical resistance, moisture-wicking properties, and affordability. They are widely used in nonwovens, carpets, automotive interiors, and geotextiles. Major importers are countries with robust manufacturing sectors for nonwovens (diapers, wipes), automotive components, and construction materials. Exporters are typically nations with strong petrochemical industries and advanced fiber production facilities. The global trade in PPSF is influenced by demand for cost-effective, durable, and functional materials across various industrial and consumer applications. Key considerations include fiber denier, cut length, and specific additives for UV resistance or flame retardancy, which determine their suitability for different end-uses and market value. Its versatility and low cost ensure a consistent demand in global markets.
- Covers
- Polypropylene staple fiber for nonwovens
- Polypropylene staple fiber for carpets
- UV-stabilized polypropylene fiber
- Hydrophobic polypropylene fiber
- Geotextile-grade polypropylene fiber
- Examples
- FiberVisions Polypropylene Fiber
- Indorama Ventures Polypropylene Fiber
- Sinopec Polypropylene Fiber
- Mitsui Chemicals Polypropylene Fiber
Codes often confused with 5503.40
Common mistake. This code is specifically for polypropylene staple fibers and should not be confused with polypropylene filament tow (550190, if specified as PP) or polypropylene yarns (5402xx), as the form factor is crucial.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550340, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550340 in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world imports. Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $184M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $97M 18% of world exports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $39M 7.0% of world exports
Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $553M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $103M 16% of world imports
- 2 Italy $57M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 United States $41M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $622M 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 5503.40
Brazil does not split HS 5503.40: its NCM code is 5503.40.00.
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 5503.40
What is HS code 550340?
HS code 550340 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This HS code covers synthetic staple fibers made from polypropylene, traded in their raw, unprocessed form. Polypropylene staple fibers (PPSF) are highly valued in international trade for their low density, excellent chemical resistance, moisture-wicking properties, and affordability. They are widely used in nonwovens, carpets, automotive interiors, and geotextiles. Major importers are countries with robust manufacturing sectors for nonwovens (diapers, wipes), automotive components, and construction materials. Exporters are typically nations with strong petrochemical industries and advanced fiber production facilities. The global trade in PPSF is influenced by demand for cost-effective, durable, and functional materials across various industrial and consumer applications. Key considerations include fiber denier, cut length, and specific additives for UV resistance or flame retardancy, which determine their suitability for different end-uses and market value. Its versatility and low cost ensure a consistent demand in global markets.
What products fall under HS code 550340?
Polypropylene staple fiber for nonwovens, Polypropylene staple fiber for carpets, UV-stabilized polypropylene fiber, Hydrophobic polypropylene fiber, Geotextile-grade polypropylene fiber
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550340?
This code is specifically for polypropylene staple fibers and should not be confused with polypropylene filament tow (550190, if specified as PP) or polypropylene yarns (5402xx), as the form factor is crucial.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550340?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550340 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($184M, 33% of world exports), China ($97M) and Saudi Arabia ($39M). World exports came to about $553M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 550340?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550340 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($103M, 16% of world imports), Italy ($57M) and the United States ($41M). World imports came to about $622M, 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 550340 structured?
HS code 550340 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550340?
In Brazil, HS code 550340 is NCM 5503.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.