HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5504.90 – Fibres; artificial staple fibres, other than of viscose, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
HS code 5504.90 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, artificial staple fibres, other than of viscose, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. It is used for acetate staple fibres, cupro staple fibres, modal staple fibres (non-viscose), lyocell staple fibres (non-viscose) and acrylic staple fibres (unprocessed).
What HS 5504.90 covers
This code encompasses raw, unprocessed artificial staple fibres, excluding those made from viscose, that are not yet prepared for spinning into yarn. These are foundational materials in the textile industry, serving as intermediates for a vast array of products. Importers are typically large textile mills, yarn manufacturers, and non-woven fabric producers in countries with significant manufacturing capabilities. Exporters are often chemical companies or fibre producers that specialize in synthetic fibre production. Key things to know include the importance of fibre denier, length, and crimp, as these properties dictate the end-use applications, from apparel and home furnishings to industrial textiles and filtration media. The global trade in these fibres is driven by demand for cost-effective and performance-enhanced alternatives to natural fibres, with a strong focus on sustainability and recyclability in modern production. The market is highly competitive, with technological advancements constantly introducing new fibre types and improved characteristics.
- Covers
- Acetate staple fibres
- Cupro staple fibres
- Modal staple fibres (non-viscose)
- Lyocell staple fibres (non-viscose)
- Acrylic staple fibres (unprocessed)
- Modacrylic staple fibres (unprocessed)
- Polypropylene staple fibres (unprocessed)
- Examples
- Tencel Lyocell (raw fibre)
- Acetate fibre (raw)
- Cupro fibre (raw)
- Modal fibre (raw)
Codes often confused with 5504.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 550390 (synthetic staple fibres, not carded) or 550410 (viscose staple fibres, not carded) due to the similar "not carded" processing stage, but the distinction lies in the fibre's origin (artificial vs. synthetic) and specific type (non-viscose).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550490, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550490 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% 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 China $199M 43% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $192M 42% of world exports
- 3 United States $52M 11% of world exports
World total: $460M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $232M 33% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $125M 18% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$117M 17% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $706M 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 5504.90 2
Brazil splits HS 5504.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5504.90.10 Lyocell staple fibres, not carded or combedDe liocel
- 5504.90.90 Other artificial staple, not carded or combedOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5504.90
What is HS code 550490?
HS code 550490 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; artificial staple fibres, other than of viscose, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This code encompasses raw, unprocessed artificial staple fibres, excluding those made from viscose, that are not yet prepared for spinning into yarn. These are foundational materials in the textile industry, serving as intermediates for a vast array of products. Importers are typically large textile mills, yarn manufacturers, and non-woven fabric producers in countries with significant manufacturing capabilities. Exporters are often chemical companies or fibre producers that specialize in synthetic fibre production. Key things to know include the importance of fibre denier, length, and crimp, as these properties dictate the end-use applications, from apparel and home furnishings to industrial textiles and filtration media. The global trade in these fibres is driven by demand for cost-effective and performance-enhanced alternatives to natural fibres, with a strong focus on sustainability and recyclability in modern production. The market is highly competitive, with technological advancements constantly introducing new fibre types and improved characteristics.
What products fall under HS code 550490?
Acetate staple fibres, Cupro staple fibres, Modal staple fibres (non-viscose), Lyocell staple fibres (non-viscose), Acrylic staple fibres (unprocessed), Modacrylic staple fibres (unprocessed), Polypropylene staple fibres (unprocessed)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550490?
This code is often confused with 550390 (synthetic staple fibres, not carded) or 550410 (viscose staple fibres, not carded) due to the similar "not carded" processing stage, but the distinction lies in the fibre's origin (artificial vs. synthetic) and specific type (non-viscose).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550490?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550490 in UN Comtrade data were China ($199M, 43% of world exports), Thailand ($192M) and the United States ($52M). World exports came to about $460M, 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 550490?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550490 in UN Comtrade data were China ($232M, 33% of world imports), Pakistan ($125M) and Bangladesh (about $117M). World imports came to about $706M, 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 550490 structured?
HS code 550490 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) 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 550490?
Brazil splits HS code 550490 into 2 NCM codes: 5504.90.10 (Lyocell staple fibres, not carded or combed), 5504.90.90 (Other artificial staple, not carded or combed). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.