HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 55.05 – Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres
What HS 55.05 covers
Heading 5505 encompasses "Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres." This classification is crucial for the recycling and circular economy within the textile industry, covering all forms of unusable or discarded man-made fibers (both synthetic and artificial) that are suitable for reprocessing. The heading specifically includes 'noils' (short fibers removed during combing), 'yarn waste' (remnants from spinning, weaving, or knitting operations), and 'garnetted stock' (fibers obtained by tearing up textile fabrics or other textile waste). The defining characteristic is that these materials are by-products or waste from the manufacturing process, intended for reuse or recycling, not for their original purpose. This classification is distinct from virgin fibers (HS 5503, 5504) and finished textile waste products (Chapter 63). For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying man-made fiber waste is essential for managing duties, adhering to environmental regulations, and ensuring proper disposal or recycling pathways. It plays a significant role in reducing industrial waste and providing cost-effective raw materials for secondary products, contributing to sustainability efforts across the global textile and non-woven sectors. Understanding its scope within Section XI is vital for companies engaged in textile recycling and reprocessing.
- Covers
- Polyester yarn waste
- Nylon noils
- Acrylic garnetted stock
- Polypropylene fiber waste
- Viscose rayon yarn remnants
- Lyocell cutting waste
- Acetate tow waste
- Mixed synthetic fiber waste
- Mixed artificial fiber waste
- Industrial textile scrap (man-made)
- Post-consumer man-made fiber waste
- Shredded synthetic fabric waste
- Regenerated fiber stock (man-made)
- Non-woven production waste (man-made)
- Spunbond waste (man-made)
- Meltblown waste (man-made)
- Staple fiber production waste (man-made)
- Filament winding waste (man-made)
- Textile mill sweepings (man-made)
- Polyester bottle flakes (for fiber)
- Nylon carpet waste
- Acrylic sweater waste
- Viscose fabric selvage
- Mixed fiber blend waste
- Pre-consumer textile waste (man-made)
- Examples
A recycling facility in India frequently imports large volumes of polyester yarn waste from garment factories in Bangladesh and Vietnam, utilizing sea routes across the Bay of Bengal for reprocessing into recycled polyester staple fibers. Similarly, a Chinese company specializing in non-woven materials imports mixed synthetic fiber waste, including nylon noils and polypropylene scraps, from various European textile manufacturers to produce insulation and geotextiles. A US-based automotive supplier sources garnetted acrylic stock from Canadian textile mills for use in sound dampening and interior components, benefiting from cross-border trade agreements. Furthermore, Turkish recycling businesses often import viscose rayon cutting waste from European apparel producers for conversion into regenerated cellulose fibers. Lastly, a Brazilian firm imports acetate tow waste from Japan for specialized paper and filter applications, managing complex logistics for waste materials.
Subheadings under 55.05 2
Codes often confused with 55.05
Common mistake. A common error is classifying virgin man-made staple fibers (HS 5503 or 5504) as waste under HS 5505. The crucial distinction is whether the fibers are new, primary material or discarded/by-product material intended for recycling. Another frequent mistake is classifying finished textile articles or used clothing for recycling (e.g., Chapter 63) under 5505. Heading 5505 is specifically for fiber waste, yarn waste, or garnetted stock, not completed goods. Sometimes, traders might misclassify waste from natural fibers (e.g., cotton waste, HS 5202) as man-made fiber waste, overlooking the specific fiber composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 5505, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5505 in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, 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 Belgium $23M 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $14M 9.3% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $11M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $149M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $24M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $23M 15% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $12M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $153M 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.
Questions about HS 55.05
What is HS code 5505?
HS code 5505 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres. Heading 5505 encompasses "Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres." This classification is crucial for the recycling and circular economy within the textile industry, covering all forms of unusable or discarded man-made fibers (both synthetic and artificial) that are suitable for reprocessing. The heading specifically includes 'noils' (short fibers removed during combing), 'yarn waste' (remnants from spinning, weaving, or knitting operations), and 'garnetted stock' (fibers obtained by tearing up textile fabrics or other textile waste). The defining characteristic is that these materials are by-products or waste from the manufacturing process, intended for reuse or recycling, not for their original purpose. This classification is distinct from virgin fibers (HS 5503, 5504) and finished textile waste products (Chapter 63). For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying man-made fiber waste is essential for managing duties, adhering to environmental regulations, and ensuring proper disposal or recycling pathways. It plays a significant role in reducing industrial waste and providing cost-effective raw materials for secondary products, contributing to sustainability efforts across the global textile and non-woven sectors. Understanding its scope within Section XI is vital for companies engaged in textile recycling and reprocessing.
What products fall under HS code 5505?
Polyester yarn waste, nylon noils, acrylic garnetted stock, polypropylene fiber waste, viscose rayon yarn remnants, lyocell cutting waste, acetate tow waste, mixed synthetic fiber waste, mixed artificial fiber waste, industrial textile scrap (man-made), post-consumer man-made fiber waste, shredded synthetic fabric waste, regenerated fiber stock (man-made), non-woven production waste (man-made), spunbond waste (man-made), meltblown waste (man-made), staple fiber production waste (man-made), filament winding waste (man-made), textile mill sweepings (man-made), polyester bottle flakes (for fiber), nylon carpet waste, acrylic sweater waste, viscose fabric selvage, mixed fiber blend waste, pre-consumer textile waste (man-made)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5505?
A common error is classifying virgin man-made staple fibers (HS 5503 or 5504) as waste under HS 5505. The crucial distinction is whether the fibers are new, primary material or discarded/by-product material intended for recycling. Another frequent mistake is classifying finished textile articles or used clothing for recycling (e.g., Chapter 63) under 5505. Heading 5505 is specifically for fiber waste, yarn waste, or garnetted stock, not completed goods. Sometimes, traders might misclassify waste from natural fibers (e.g., cotton waste, HS 5202) as man-made fiber waste, overlooking the specific fiber composition.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5505?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5505 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($23M, 15% of world exports), the United States ($14M) and Türkiye ($11M). World exports came to about $149M, 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 5505?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5505 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($24M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($23M) and South Korea ($12M). World imports came to about $153M, 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 5505 structured?
HS code 5505 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.