HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5506.20 – Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
HS code 5506.20 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. It is used for polyester staple fibre (carded), recycled PET staple fibre (combed), hollow conjugated polyester fibre, flame-retardant polyester fibre and micro-denier polyester fibre.
What HS 5506.20 covers
This HS code covers synthetic staple fibres made from polyesters that have been prepared for spinning through processes like carding or combing. Polyester is one of the most widely used synthetic fibres globally, prized for its versatility, strength, wrinkle resistance, and quick-drying properties. These processed fibres are essential raw materials for a vast array of textile products. Importers are typically spinning mills, fabric manufacturers, and producers of apparel, home textiles, and industrial goods. Exporters are large-scale chemical and fibre manufacturing companies, often integrated with petrochemical industries. Key considerations in trade include the specific type of polyester (e.g., PET, PTT), fibre denier, staple length, lustre (bright, semi-dull), and whether it's virgin or recycled, as these characteristics determine its suitability for applications ranging from clothing and bedding to non-woven fabrics and automotive interiors. The market is influenced by fashion trends, technological advancements in fibre modification, and increasing demand for recycled content.
- Covers
- Polyester staple fibre (carded)
- Recycled PET staple fibre (combed)
- Hollow conjugated polyester fibre
- Flame-retardant polyester fibre
- Micro-denier polyester fibre
- Polyester fibre for nonwovens
- Polyester fibre for spinning
- Examples
- DuPont Sorona (PTT fibre)
- Indorama Ventures (polyester fibre)
- Reliance Industries (polyester fibre)
- Unifi Repreve (recycled polyester fibre)
Codes often confused with 5506.20
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 550320 (unprocessed polyester staple fibres) or other processed synthetic fibres like 550610 (nylon), but the key differentiator is the fibre material (polyester) and its "carded, combed or otherwise processed" state.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550620, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550620 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 12% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $28M 47% of world exports
- 2 France $6.7M 11% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $3.4M 5.8% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $60M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$9.8M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Türkiye $8.7M 11% of world imports
- 3 Italy $7.2M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $79M 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 code for 5506.20
Brazil does not split HS 5506.20: its NCM code is 5506.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5506.20
What is HS code 550620?
HS code 550620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This HS code covers synthetic staple fibres made from polyesters that have been prepared for spinning through processes like carding or combing. Polyester is one of the most widely used synthetic fibres globally, prized for its versatility, strength, wrinkle resistance, and quick-drying properties. These processed fibres are essential raw materials for a vast array of textile products. Importers are typically spinning mills, fabric manufacturers, and producers of apparel, home textiles, and industrial goods. Exporters are large-scale chemical and fibre manufacturing companies, often integrated with petrochemical industries. Key considerations in trade include the specific type of polyester (e.g., PET, PTT), fibre denier, staple length, lustre (bright, semi-dull), and whether it's virgin or recycled, as these characteristics determine its suitability for applications ranging from clothing and bedding to non-woven fabrics and automotive interiors. The market is influenced by fashion trends, technological advancements in fibre modification, and increasing demand for recycled content.
What products fall under HS code 550620?
Polyester staple fibre (carded), Recycled PET staple fibre (combed), Hollow conjugated polyester fibre, Flame-retardant polyester fibre, Micro-denier polyester fibre, Polyester fibre for nonwovens, Polyester fibre for spinning
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550620?
This code is often confused with 550320 (unprocessed polyester staple fibres) or other processed synthetic fibres like 550610 (nylon), but the key differentiator is the fibre material (polyester) and its "carded, combed or otherwise processed" state.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550620?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550620 in UN Comtrade data were China ($28M, 47% of world exports), France ($6.7M) and Belgium ($3.4M). World exports came to about $60M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 550620?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550620 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $9.8M, 12% of world imports), Türkiye ($8.7M) and Italy ($7.2M). World imports came to about $79M, 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 550620 structured?
HS code 550620 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550620?
In Brazil, HS code 550620 is NCM 5506.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.