Product classification
HS code for Acrylic tow: 5501.30
Fibres, synthetic filament tow, acrylic or modacrylic.
Classification of acrylic tow under HS 5501.30
HS code 550130 specifically classifies synthetic filament tow of acrylic or modacrylic. This classification is distinct because "tow" refers to a continuous, untwisted bundle of synthetic filaments, which are typically parallel and of indefinite length. Unlike staple fibres, which are cut to specific lengths, tow represents an intermediate product in the manufacturing process of synthetic fibres, often intended for cutting into staple fibres or for direct processing into non-woven materials. The inclusion of "acrylic or modacrylic" specifies the chemical composition of these synthetic filaments. This subheading is crucial for identifying these continuous bundles of raw material before they are further processed into yarns or fabrics, highlighting their form as a primary input for various textile and industrial applications.
- Covers
- Continuous acrylic filament bundles
- Modacrylic filament tow
- Untwisted acrylic fibre bundles
- Acrylic tow for cutting into staple fibres
- Also under 5501.30
- Dralon acrylic tow
- Kaneka Modacrylic tow
- Mitsubishi Rayon acrylic tow
- Toraylan acrylic tow
- Sinopec acrylic tow
Codes often confused with 5501.30
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 550330, which covers synthetic staple fibres of acrylic or modacrylic that are not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. The fundamental distinction is that 550130 refers to continuous filament tow, whereas 550330 refers to discontinuous, cut staple fibres. Another potential area of confusion is with HS code 550961, which classifies yarn of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres mixed with wool. While both involve acrylic materials, 550130 is a raw filament tow, while 550961 is a spun yarn, representing a significantly more processed product. Correct classification hinges on whether the product is a continuous bundle of filaments or cut, discontinuous fibres, or a spun yarn.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550130 (the code used for acrylic tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550130 (the code used for acrylic tow) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 11% 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 550130, not only acrylic tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $279M 47% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $87M 15% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $77M 13% of world exports
World total: $596M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $59M 11% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $44M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$43M 7.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $541M 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 acrylic tow
Brazil classifies acrylic tow under NCM 5501.30.00: HS 5501.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about acrylic tow
What is the HS code for Acrylic tow?
The HS code for Acrylic tow is 550130 (Fibres; synthetic filament tow, acrylic or modacrylic). The Harmonized System (HS) code for acrylic tow, specifically synthetic filament tow of acrylic or modacrylic, is 550130.
How do I classify Acrylic tow for customs?
Acrylic tow is classified under HS code 550130 — Fibres; synthetic filament tow, acrylic or modacrylic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the distinction between acrylic tow and acrylic staple fibers?
The primary distinction is their physical form. Acrylic tow (HS 550130) consists of continuous, untwisted bundles of synthetic filaments. In contrast, acrylic staple fibers (e.g., HS 550330 or HS 550630) are discontinuous fibers that have been cut to a specific, shorter length, making them suitable for spinning into yarn.
Which countries are the top exporters of acrylic tow (HS 550130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550130 (the code used for acrylic tow) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($279M, 47% of world exports), South Korea ($87M) and Thailand ($77M). World exports came to about $596M, 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 acrylic tow (HS 550130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550130 (the code used for acrylic tow) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($59M, 11% of world imports), Indonesia ($44M) and Bangladesh (about $43M). World imports came to about $541M, 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 Acrylic tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550130 for Acrylic 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 acrylic tow in Brazil?
In Brazil, acrylic tow (HS 550130) is classified under NCM 5501.30.00.