Product classification
HS code for Aramid tow: 5501.11
Fibres, synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of aramids.
Classification of aramid tow under HS 5501.11
Aramid tow is classified under HS code 5501.11 as a synthetic filament tow of aramids (aromatic polyamides). Tow consists of a large number of continuous filaments of a length equal to the length of the tow, which are intended to be cut into staple fibers for spinning into yarn. To qualify under heading 5501, the tow must meet specific technical criteria: it must be a bundle of parallel filaments of a length exceeding 2 meters, the total weight of the bundle must be more than 20,000 decitex (2g/m), and the filaments must be drawn (stretched) so they cannot be stretched more than 100% of their length. Furthermore, the twist in the tow must be less than 5 turns per meter. Aramid fibers, such as Kevlar or Nomex, are known for their exceptional strength, high modulus, and heat resistance. This classification is specific to the "tow" form, which is an intermediate stage in textile manufacturing before the filaments are converted into staple fibers or specialized yarns.
- Covers
- Para-aramid filament tow
- Meta-aramid filament tow
- Kevlar tow for fiber processing
- Nomex tow for flame-resistant textiles
- Continuous aramid filament bundles for cutting
- Also under 5501.11
- DuPont Kevlar tow
- Teijin Twaron tow
- Teijin Technora tow
- Hyosung Aramid tow
- Kolon Heracron tow
Codes often confused with 5501.11
Common mistake. Aramid tow is often misclassified under HS code 5402, which covers synthetic filament yarn. The distinction lies in the decitex and the intended use; tow is a massive bundle of filaments (over 20,000 decitex) meant for further processing into staple fibers, whereas yarn is ready for weaving or knitting. It may also be confused with 5503.11 (aramid staple fibers), but 5503 applies only after the tow has been cut into short lengths.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550111 (the code used for aramid tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550111 (the code used for aramid tow) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 81% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 85% 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 550111, not only aramid tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $44M 81% of world exports
- 2 China $6.8M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $2.1M 3.8% of world exports
World total: $55M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $52M 85% of world imports
- 2 United States $2.1M 3.5% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $1.4M 2.3% of world imports
World total: $61M 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 tow
Brazil classifies aramid tow under NCM 5501.11.00: HS 5501.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about aramid tow
What is the HS code for Aramid tow?
The HS code for Aramid tow is 550111 (Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of aramids). The HS code for synthetic filament tow made of aramids is 5501.11.
How do I classify Aramid tow for customs?
Aramid tow is classified under HS code 550111 — Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of aramids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between aramid tow and aramid yarn?
Aramid tow (5501.11) is a large, untwisted bundle of continuous filaments exceeding 20,000 decitex, while aramid yarn (5402) is a smaller, twisted or processed strand ready for textile production.
Which countries are the top exporters of aramid tow (HS 550111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550111 (the code used for aramid tow) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($44M, 81% of world exports), China ($6.8M) and the Netherlands ($2.1M). World exports came to about $55M, 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 tow (HS 550111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550111 (the code used for aramid tow) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($52M, 85% of world imports), the United States ($2.1M) and Belgium ($1.4M). World imports came to about $61M, 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 tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550111 for Aramid 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 aramid tow in Brazil?
In Brazil, aramid tow (HS 550111) is classified under NCM 5501.11.00.