HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5503.90 – Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
HS code 5503.90 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. It is used for elastane staple fibers, aramid staple fibers (non-specific), polyurethane staple fibers, polyethylene staple fibers and specialty high-performance staple fibers.
What HS 5503.90 covers
This HS code is a residual category covering synthetic staple fibers made from materials not specifically enumerated in other subheadings of 5503, and which have not undergone further processing like carding or combing. These are short, discontinuous fibers, distinct from continuous filament tow, and serve as raw materials for a diverse range of textile and non-textile products. This category might include fibers like elastane (spandex), aramid staple fibers (if not covered elsewhere), or specialty high-performance synthetic fibers. Major importers are typically countries with advanced textile manufacturing, non-woven industries, or specialized technical textile production, such as the EU, USA, and Japan. Exporters often include nations with sophisticated chemical industries and specialized fiber production, like China, Japan, and the USA. The trade in these "other" synthetic staple fibers is driven by niche applications requiring specific performance characteristics, innovation in polymer science, and the demand for specialized blends.
- Covers
- Elastane staple fibers
- Aramid staple fibers (non-specific)
- Polyurethane staple fibers
- Polyethylene staple fibers
- Specialty high-performance staple fibers
- Bi-component staple fibers
- Flame-retardant specialty staple fibers
- Examples
- Invista Lycra (staple form)
- Teijin Aramid (staple form)
- Kuraray Vectran (staple form)
- DSM Dyneema (staple form)
- Toray specialty fibers (staple form)
Codes often confused with 5503.90
Common mistake. This "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified) code is a catch-all, making misclassification common with other specific synthetic staple fiber codes (e.g., 550311 for aramid staple, 550320 for polyester staple) if the fiber type is not clearly defined. It's crucial to ensure the fiber isn't explicitly covered by another 5503 subheading.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550390, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550390 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world imports. Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $183M 31% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $83M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $75M 13% of world exports
Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $584M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $82M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $58M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $52M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $650M 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 codes for 5503.90 3
Brazil splits HS 5503.90 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5503.90.10 Other bicomponent staple, not carded or combedBicomponentes, de diferentes pontos de fusão
- 5503.90.20 Poly(vinyl alcohol) staple, not carded or combedDe poli(álcool vinílico)
- 5503.90.90 Other synthetic staple, not carded or combedOutras
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 5503.90
What is HS code 550390?
HS code 550390 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This HS code is a residual category covering synthetic staple fibers made from materials not specifically enumerated in other subheadings of 5503, and which have not undergone further processing like carding or combing. These are short, discontinuous fibers, distinct from continuous filament tow, and serve as raw materials for a diverse range of textile and non-textile products. This category might include fibers like elastane (spandex), aramid staple fibers (if not covered elsewhere), or specialty high-performance synthetic fibers. Major importers are typically countries with advanced textile manufacturing, non-woven industries, or specialized technical textile production, such as the EU, USA, and Japan. Exporters often include nations with sophisticated chemical industries and specialized fiber production, like China, Japan, and the USA. The trade in these "other" synthetic staple fibers is driven by niche applications requiring specific performance characteristics, innovation in polymer science, and the demand for specialized blends.
What products fall under HS code 550390?
Elastane staple fibers, Aramid staple fibers (non-specific), Polyurethane staple fibers, Polyethylene staple fibers, Specialty high-performance staple fibers, Bi-component staple fibers, Flame-retardant specialty staple fibers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550390?
This "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified) code is a catch-all, making misclassification common with other specific synthetic staple fiber codes (e.g., 550311 for aramid staple, 550320 for polyester staple) if the fiber type is not clearly defined. It's crucial to ensure the fiber isn't explicitly covered by another 5503 subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550390?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550390 in UN Comtrade data were China ($183M, 31% of world exports), South Korea ($83M) and Japan ($75M). World exports came to about $584M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 550390?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550390 in UN Comtrade data were China ($82M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($58M) and Germany ($52M). World imports came to about $650M, 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 550390 structured?
HS code 550390 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550390?
Brazil splits HS code 550390 into 3 NCM codes: 5503.90.10 (Other bicomponent staple, not carded or combed), 5503.90.20 (Poly(vinyl alcohol) staple, not carded or combed), 5503.90.90 (Other synthetic staple, not carded or combed). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.