Product classification
HS code for Artificial fiber waste: 5505.20
Fibres, waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of artificial fibres.
Classification of artificial fiber waste under HS 5505.20
This HS code, 550520, is specifically designated for waste materials derived from artificial fibers. The term "waste" encompasses various forms, including noils (short fibers removed during combing), yarn waste (remnants from spinning or weaving processes), and garnetted stock (fibers recovered by tearing apart fabric or yarn waste). The critical elements for classification under 550520 are that the material must be unequivocally "waste" and composed of "artificial fibers." This distinguishes it from virgin fibers, primary fiber products, or waste originating from other fiber types, such as synthetic or natural fibers. The classification focuses on the material's state as a byproduct or remnant and its specific fiber composition.
- Covers
- Viscose rayon yarn waste
- Modal fiber noils
- Lyocell garnetted stock
- Waste fibers from the production of regenerated cellulose filaments
- Scrap material from artificial fiber textile manufacturing processes
- Also under 5505.20
- Lenzing (recycled cellulosic fibres)
- Eastman (recycled acetate)
- Various industrial rayon waste streams
- Post-industrial viscose waste
Codes often confused with 5505.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for artificial fiber waste is with HS 550510, which covers "Waste of synthetic fibres." The distinction is fundamental: 550510 is for waste from synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon), while 550520 is exclusively for waste from artificial fibers (e.g., rayon, modal). Correct identification of the fiber's origin (regenerated natural polymer versus synthetic polymer) is essential for accurate classification. Another potential misclassification is with HS 550410, which covers "Artificial staple fibres, not carded or combed, of viscose rayon." This code is for virgin, unworked artificial staple fibers, not waste materials. Waste products are distinct from primary fiber products intended for direct further processing. Furthermore, HS 6310, covering "Used or new rags, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of textile materials," might be confused, but 550520 specifically targets fiber waste, yarn waste, and garnetted stock, which are typically raw materials for recycling into new fibers or non-woven products, rather than general textile rags or worn-out articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550520 (the code used for artificial fiber waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550520 (the code used for artificial fiber waste) in UN Comtrade data was Honduras, with about 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 30% 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 550520, not only artificial fiber waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Honduras* ~$1.4M 26% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $807K 15% of world exports
- 3 Spain $738K 13% of world exports
World total: $5.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $1.9M 30% of world imports
- 2 Dominican Republic $1.4M 22% of world imports
- 3 Germany $584K 9.0% of world imports
World total: $6.5M 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 artificial fiber waste
Brazil classifies artificial fiber waste under NCM 5505.20.00: HS 5505.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about artificial fiber waste
What is the HS code for Artificial fiber waste?
The HS code for Artificial fiber waste is 550520 (Fibres; waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of artificial fibres). The HS code for artificial fiber waste is 550520. This classification includes various forms of waste, such as noils, yarn waste, and garnetted stock, provided they are composed of artificial fibers.
How do I classify Artificial fiber waste for customs?
Artificial fiber waste is classified under HS code 550520 — Fibres; waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of artificial fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is "garnetted stock" in the context of fiber waste?
Garnetted stock refers to fibers that have been recovered from textile waste, such as fabric scraps or yarn waste, through a mechanical process called garnetting. This process involves tearing the material apart to separate the individual fibers, preparing them for reuse, often in non-woven applications or for spinning into lower-grade yarns.
Which countries are the top exporters of artificial fiber waste (HS 550520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550520 (the code used for artificial fiber waste) in UN Comtrade data were Honduras (about $1.4M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($807K) and Spain ($738K). World exports came to about $5.6M, 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 artificial fiber waste (HS 550520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550520 (the code used for artificial fiber waste) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.9M, 30% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($1.4M) and Germany ($584K). World imports came to about $6.5M, 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 Artificial fiber waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550520 for Artificial fiber waste 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 artificial fiber waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, artificial fiber waste (HS 550520) is classified under NCM 5505.20.00.