HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5506.40 – Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
HS code 5506.40 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. It is used for polypropylene staple fibre (carded), UV-stabilized polypropylene fibre, hydrophobic polypropylene fibre, polypropylene fibre for geotextiles and polypropylene fibre for carpets.
What HS 5506.40 covers
This HS code covers synthetic staple fibres derived from polypropylene that have undergone initial processing steps like carding or combing, making them ready for spinning. Polypropylene fibres are highly valued for their low density, excellent chemical resistance, moisture-wicking properties, and strength-to-weight ratio. They are particularly prominent in technical textiles and non-woven applications where durability and specific performance characteristics are paramount. Importers are typically manufacturers of carpets, upholstery, geotextiles, automotive interiors, and hygiene products. Exporters are often petrochemical companies and specialized fibre producers. Key trade considerations include fibre denier, staple length, UV resistance, and whether the fibre is hydrophobic or hydrophilic, as these properties dictate its suitability for diverse applications. The market is driven by demand for lightweight, durable, and cost-effective materials across various industrial and consumer sectors, with a growing emphasis on sustainability.
- Covers
- Polypropylene staple fibre (carded)
- UV-stabilized polypropylene fibre
- Hydrophobic polypropylene fibre
- Polypropylene fibre for geotextiles
- Polypropylene fibre for carpets
- Polypropylene fibre for nonwovens
- Melt-blown polypropylene fibre (processed)
- Examples
- FiberVisions (polypropylene fibre)
- Sinopec (polypropylene fibre)
- ExxonMobil (polypropylene fibre)
- LyondellBasell (polypropylene fibre)
Codes often confused with 5506.40
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 550340 (unprocessed polypropylene staple fibres) or other processed synthetic fibres, but the key distinction is the fibre material (polypropylene) and its "carded, combed or otherwise processed" state.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550640, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550640 in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 23% 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 $3.7M 48% of world exports
- 2 France $1.7M 22% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $820K 11% of world exports
World total: $7.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Czechia $1.0M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $592K 13% of world imports
- 3 Romania $488K 11% of world imports
World total: $4.4M 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 5506.40
Brazil does not split HS 5506.40: its NCM code is 5506.40.00.
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 5506.40
What is HS code 550640?
HS code 550640 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This HS code covers synthetic staple fibres derived from polypropylene that have undergone initial processing steps like carding or combing, making them ready for spinning. Polypropylene fibres are highly valued for their low density, excellent chemical resistance, moisture-wicking properties, and strength-to-weight ratio. They are particularly prominent in technical textiles and non-woven applications where durability and specific performance characteristics are paramount. Importers are typically manufacturers of carpets, upholstery, geotextiles, automotive interiors, and hygiene products. Exporters are often petrochemical companies and specialized fibre producers. Key trade considerations include fibre denier, staple length, UV resistance, and whether the fibre is hydrophobic or hydrophilic, as these properties dictate its suitability for diverse applications. The market is driven by demand for lightweight, durable, and cost-effective materials across various industrial and consumer sectors, with a growing emphasis on sustainability.
What products fall under HS code 550640?
Polypropylene staple fibre (carded), UV-stabilized polypropylene fibre, Hydrophobic polypropylene fibre, Polypropylene fibre for geotextiles, Polypropylene fibre for carpets, Polypropylene fibre for nonwovens, Melt-blown polypropylene fibre (processed)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550640?
This code can be confused with 550340 (unprocessed polypropylene staple fibres) or other processed synthetic fibres, but the key distinction is the fibre material (polypropylene) and its "carded, combed or otherwise processed" state.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550640?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550640 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($3.7M, 48% of world exports), France ($1.7M) and Türkiye ($820K). World exports came to about $7.6M, 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 550640?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550640 in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($1.0M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($592K) and Romania ($488K). World imports came to about $4.4M, 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 550640 structured?
HS code 550640 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550640?
In Brazil, HS code 550640 is NCM 5506.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.