Product classification
HS code for Aramid staple fiber: 5503.11
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of aramid staple fiber under HS 5503.11
Aramid staple fiber is classified under HS code 550311, which specifically denotes "Synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning." This classification falls within Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System, dedicated to "Man-made staple fibres." The initial digits "55" identify the material as man-made staple fibers. The "03" heading further specifies "Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning," indicating that these are synthetic fibers in their raw, short-length form, not yet prepared for textile manufacturing processes like spinning. The final "11" precisely identifies the chemical composition as "of aramids," a class of strong, heat-resistant synthetic fibers. This detailed classification is essential for distinguishing raw aramid staple fibers from continuous aramid filaments (tow), processed aramid fibers, or finished aramid yarns, ensuring accurate customs duties, trade statistics, and regulatory compliance.
- Covers
- Raw aramid staple fibers, unprocessed
- Unprocessed meta-aramid staple fibers
- Unprocessed para-aramid staple fibers
- Short-cut aramid fibers, not carded or combed
- Aramid staple fibers in bales, not processed for spinning
- 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. Several other HS codes are frequently confused with 550311 due to similar material composition or processing stages: 550111 (Synthetic filament tow, of aramids): This is a common point of confusion. HS 550111 covers "Synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of aramids." The critical difference lies in the physical form: "tow" refers to continuous bundles of filaments, whereas "staple fibres" are short, cut lengths. While both are aramid, their distinct physical structures lead to different classifications. 550610 (Synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning): This code covers aramid staple fibers that *have* been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. The distinction from 550311 is the level of processing. 550311 is for unprocessed staple fibers, while 550610 is for those that have undergone initial textile preparation, such as carding or combing, making them ready for spinning. 540211 (High tenacity filament yarn of aramids): This code is for *yarn* made from aramid filaments, which represents a much more advanced stage of processing than raw staple fibers. The form (finished yarn versus raw fiber) is the critical differentiator, as yarn is a product ready for weaving or knitting, unlike raw staple fibers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550311 (the code used for aramid staple fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550311 (the code used for aramid staple 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 staple fiber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $84M 19% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $56M 13% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $53M 12% of world exports
World total: $434M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $74M 16% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $46M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $42M 9.3% of world imports
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 staple fiber
Brazil classifies aramid staple 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 staple fiber
What is the HS code for Aramid staple fiber?
The HS code for Aramid staple fiber is 550311 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for aramid staple fiber, specifically when it is not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, is 550311. This code identifies the raw, short-length aramid fibers.
How do I classify Aramid staple fiber for customs?
Aramid staple 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 aramid staple fiber and aramid filament tow for HS classification?
Aramid staple fiber (HS 550311) refers to short, cut lengths of aramid fibers. Aramid filament tow (HS 550111) refers to continuous bundles of aramid filaments. The physical form – short, discontinuous fibers versus long, continuous bundles – is the primary distinction for classification, reflecting different stages in the textile manufacturing process.
Which countries are the top exporters of aramid staple fiber (HS 550311)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550311 (the code used for aramid staple 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 staple fiber (HS 550311)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550311 (the code used for aramid staple 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 staple fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550311 for Aramid staple 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 staple fiber in Brazil?
In Brazil, aramid staple fiber (HS 550311) is classified under NCM 5503.11.00.