HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5506.90 – Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5506, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning

HS code 5506.90 is the 6-digit subheading for fibres, synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5506, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. It is used for spandex staple fibre (processed), aramid staple fibre (carded), carbon fibre staple (short cut, processed), polyethylene staple fibre (processed) and polyurethane staple fibre (processed).

What HS 5506.90 covers

This "not elsewhere specified" (n.e.c.) category within heading 5506 covers all other types of synthetic staple fibres that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, but are not specifically classified under nylon, polyester, acrylic, modacrylic, or polypropylene. This code is crucial for emerging and specialty synthetic fibres that offer unique performance characteristics. Importers are often niche textile manufacturers, innovators in technical textiles, or companies seeking advanced material properties for specific applications. Exporters are typically specialized chemical companies or research-driven fibre producers. Key things to know include the specific polymer composition (e.g., elastomeric, high-performance polymers), fibre denier, staple length, and unique functional properties such as extreme heat resistance, chemical inertness, or advanced moisture management. This category allows for the trade of cutting-edge synthetic fibres that cater to highly specialized industrial, medical, or protective textile markets.

Covers
  • Spandex staple fibre (processed)
  • Aramid staple fibre (carded)
  • Carbon fibre staple (short cut, processed)
  • Polyethylene staple fibre (processed)
  • Polyurethane staple fibre (processed)
  • PEEK staple fibre (processed)
  • High-performance synthetic blend fibre (processed)
Examples
  • Lycra (spandex fibre)
  • Kevlar (aramid fibre)
  • Nomex (aramid fibre)
  • Dyneema (polyethylene fibre)

Codes often confused with 5506.90

Common mistake. This code is often confused with other specific synthetic fibre codes (e.g., 550610-550640) if the fibre type is not clearly identified, or with 550390 (unprocessed other synthetic fibres), but the distinction is both the specific, less common synthetic polymer and the "carded, combed or otherwise processed" stage.

5506.10Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5506.40Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5503.90Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning

Top exporters and importers of HS code 550690, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550690 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Senegal, with 12% 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. 1 China $2.0M
  2. 2 United States $1.4M
  3. 3 Belgium $1.2M

World total: $9.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Senegal $1.6M
  2. 2 Israel $1.2M
  3. 3 Indonesia $1.1M

World total: $13M 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 5506.90

Brazil does not split HS 5506.90: its NCM code is 5506.90.00.

  1. 5506.90.00 Other synthetic staple, processed for spinningOutras

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 5506.90

What is HS code 550690?

HS code 550690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5506, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This "not elsewhere specified" (n.e.c.) category within heading 5506 covers all other types of synthetic staple fibres that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, but are not specifically classified under nylon, polyester, acrylic, modacrylic, or polypropylene. This code is crucial for emerging and specialty synthetic fibres that offer unique performance characteristics. Importers are often niche textile manufacturers, innovators in technical textiles, or companies seeking advanced material properties for specific applications. Exporters are typically specialized chemical companies or research-driven fibre producers. Key things to know include the specific polymer composition (e.g., elastomeric, high-performance polymers), fibre denier, staple length, and unique functional properties such as extreme heat resistance, chemical inertness, or advanced moisture management. This category allows for the trade of cutting-edge synthetic fibres that cater to highly specialized industrial, medical, or protective textile markets.

What products fall under HS code 550690?

Spandex staple fibre (processed), Aramid staple fibre (carded), Carbon fibre staple (short cut, processed), Polyethylene staple fibre (processed), Polyurethane staple fibre (processed), PEEK staple fibre (processed), High-performance synthetic blend fibre (processed)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 550690?

This code is often confused with other specific synthetic fibre codes (e.g., 550610-550640) if the fibre type is not clearly identified, or with 550390 (unprocessed other synthetic fibres), but the distinction is both the specific, less common synthetic polymer and the "carded, combed or otherwise processed" stage.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550690?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550690 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($1.4M) and Belgium ($1.2M). World exports came to about $9.4M, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 550690?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550690 in UN Comtrade data were Senegal ($1.6M, 12% of world imports), Israel ($1.2M) and Indonesia ($1.1M). World imports came to about $13M, 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 550690 structured?

HS code 550690 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550690?

In Brazil, HS code 550690 is NCM 5506.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.