Product classification
HS code for Acetate tow: 5502.10
Fibres, artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate.
Classification of acetate tow under HS 5502.10
Acetate tow is classified under HS code 5502.10. This classification is found in Chapter 55, which covers man-made staple fibers. Heading 5502 is dedicated to artificial filament tow, and subheading 5502.10 specifically identifies tow made of cellulose acetate. Tow consists of a continuous bundle of filaments that are intended to be cut into staple fibers or used in specialized applications like filtration. The classification is determined by the length of the filaments (continuous), the material (cellulose acetate), and the specific assembly of the fibers into a tow format. This product is distinct from filament yarn because it is not twisted and is generally intended for further processing or specific industrial use, most notably in the manufacture of cigarette filters. The filaments in tow are usually crimped and bundled in a way that allows for high-volume processing.
- Covers
- Cellulose acetate tow for cigarette filters
- Artificial filament tow for staple fiber production
- Crimped acetate fiber bundles
- Continuous acetate filament tow
- Also under 5502.10
- Eastman Estron Acetate Tow
- Celanese Clarifoil
- Daicel Acetate Tow
- Mitsubishi Rayon Acetate Tow
Codes often confused with 5502.10
Common mistake. Acetate tow is often misclassified under 5403.33 (filament yarn). The distinction is that tow consists of a large bundle of filaments intended for cutting or filtration, whereas yarn is intended for weaving or knitting. Another error is using 5504.10, which is for artificial staple fibers that have already been cut to length. Tow must be continuous. Finally, if the tow is made of synthetic materials like polypropylene, it must be classified under heading 5501 instead of 5502.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550210 (the code used for acetate tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550210 (the code used for acetate tow) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 550210, not only acetate tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $722M 54% of world exports
- 2 Poland $184M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $90M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $396M 16% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $302M 12% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $184M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 acetate tow
Brazil classifies acetate tow under NCM 5502.10.00: HS 5502.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about acetate tow
What is the HS code for Acetate tow?
The HS code for Acetate tow is 550210 (Fibres; artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate). The HS code for artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate is 5502.10.
How do I classify Acetate tow for customs?
Acetate tow is classified under HS code 550210 — Fibres; artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is acetate tow the same as acetate staple fiber?
No, tow (5502.10) consists of continuous filaments, while staple fibers (5504.10) are filaments that have been cut into short, discrete lengths.
Which countries are the top exporters of acetate tow (HS 550210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550210 (the code used for acetate tow) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($722M, 54% of world exports), Poland ($184M) and China ($90M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 acetate tow (HS 550210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550210 (the code used for acetate tow) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($396M, 16% of world imports), Indonesia ($302M) and Türkiye ($184M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for Acetate tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550210 for Acetate tow is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for acetate tow in Brazil?
In Brazil, acetate tow (HS 550210) is classified under NCM 5502.10.00.