Product classification

HS code for Aramid fiber: 5503.11

Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.

Classification of aramid fiber under HS 5503.11

Aramid fiber, in the form of synthetic staple fibers that have not been carded or combed, is classified under HS code 5503.11. This classification is found within Section XI (Textiles and Textile Articles) and Chapter 55 (Man-made staple fibers). The classification process follows GRI 1 and GRI 6. Heading 5503 specifically covers synthetic staple fibers that are not processed for spinning. The subheading 5503.11 is dedicated to aramids, which are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers. Chemically, aramids are aromatic polyamides where at least 85% of the amide linkages are attached directly to two aromatic rings. To qualify for this specific code, the fibers must be "staple fibers," meaning they are of a discrete, limited length (often produced by cutting continuous filaments). If the aramid were in the form of a continuous filament, it would be classified in Chapter 54. Furthermore, the fibers must not have undergone carding, combing, or other preparatory processes for spinning, as those processes would move the product to heading 5506.

Covers
  • Kevlar staple fibers (not carded or combed)
  • Nomex staple fibers (not carded or combed)
  • Chopped aramid fibers
  • Para-aramid staple fibers
  • Meta-aramid staple fibers
  • Aramid fiber waste (if meeting staple fiber definitions)
Also under 5503.11
  • DuPont Kevlar staple fiber
  • Teijin Twaron staple fiber
  • Teijin Technora staple fiber
  • Hyosung Aramid staple fiber

Codes often confused with 5503.11

Common mistake. Aramid fibers are often confused with HS code 5402.11, which covers high tenacity aramid filament yarn. The distinction lies in the length: 5402 is for continuous filaments, while 5503 is for cut staple fibers. Another common misclassification is 5501.11, which covers aramid filament tow. Additionally, if the fibers have been carded or combed in preparation for spinning, they must be classified under 5506.10 rather than 5503.11.

5402.11Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of nylon or other polyamides, textured or not; of aramids, not for retail sale, not sewing thread54.02Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex55.03Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5501.11Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of aramids5506.10Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning

Top exporters and importers of HS 550311 (the code used for aramid fiber), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550311 (the code used for aramid fiber) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 550311, not only aramid fiber.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Spain $84M
  2. 2 Belgium $56M
  3. 3 South Korea $53M

World total: $434M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $74M
  2. 2 Türkiye $46M
  3. 3 Germany $42M

World total: $453M 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 aramid fiber

Brazil classifies aramid fiber under NCM 5503.11.00: HS 5503.11 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about aramid fiber

What is the HS code for Aramid fiber?

The HS code for Aramid fiber is 550311 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for aramid staple fibers that are not carded or combed is 5503.11.

How do I classify Aramid fiber for customs?

Aramid fiber is classified under HS code 550311 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 5402 and 5503 for aramids?

HS code 5402 is for continuous filament yarn, whereas 5503 is for short, cut staple fibers used for spinning or non-woven applications.

Which countries are the top exporters of aramid fiber (HS 550311)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550311 (the code used for aramid fiber) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($84M, 19% of world exports), Belgium ($56M) and South Korea ($53M). World exports came to about $434M, 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 aramid fiber (HS 550311)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 550311 (the code used for aramid fiber) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($74M, 16% of world imports), Türkiye ($46M) and Germany ($42M). World imports came to about $453M, 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 Aramid fiber the same in all countries?

The base HS code 550311 for Aramid fiber 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 aramid fiber in Brazil?

In Brazil, aramid fiber (HS 550311) is classified under NCM 5503.11.00.