Product classification
HS code for Artificial filament tow: 5502.90
Fibres, artificial filament tow, other than cellulose acetate.
Classification of artificial filament tow under HS 5502.90
This HS code, 550290, specifically covers artificial filament tow, with the explicit exclusion of tow made from cellulose acetate. "Filament tow" refers to a large bundle of continuous, untwisted man-made filaments, typically used as a raw material for producing staple fibers (by cutting) or for direct processing into non-woven materials. The classification under 550290 hinges on the material being "artificial filament tow" and not being derived from cellulose acetate. Artificial fibers are those manufactured from natural polymers, such as regenerated cellulose (e.g., viscose rayon, modal, lyocell). This precise definition ensures that only specific types of artificial filament tow are categorized under this heading, differentiating them from other filament tows based on their chemical composition.
- Covers
- Viscose rayon filament tow
- Modal filament tow
- Lyocell filament tow
- Uncut bundles of continuous artificial fibers (non-acetate)
- Tow of regenerated protein fibers
- Also under 5502.90
- Bemberg Cupro (as tow precursor)
- Lenzing Lyocell (as tow precursor)
- SeaCell (alginate fiber)
- Milkofil (milk protein fiber)
Codes often confused with 5502.90
Common mistake. The most direct misclassification for artificial filament tow (other than cellulose acetate) is with HS 550210, which covers "Artificial filament tow, of cellulose acetate." The distinction is explicitly stated in the description for 550290: "other than cellulose acetate." If the tow is composed of cellulose acetate, it must be classified under 550210. Another common error is confusing it with HS 550130, which covers "Synthetic filament tow, of acrylic or modacrylic." This code is for synthetic filament tow, not artificial filament tow. The difference between artificial (regenerated natural polymer) and synthetic (synthetic polymer) fibers is crucial for correct classification within Chapter 55. Furthermore, HS 540310, "Artificial filament yarn, high tenacity, of viscose rayon," is a misclassification because it refers to yarn, which implies a twisted structure and is typically ready for weaving or knitting. Filament tow is an untwisted bundle of filaments, a precursor to yarn or staple fiber, and is not considered yarn itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550290 (the code used for artificial filament tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550290 (the code used for artificial filament tow) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 25% 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 550290, not only artificial filament tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $16M 61% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $6.0M 23% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $1.7M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $26M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $23M 25% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $23M 24% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$16M 17% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $95M 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 codes for artificial filament tow
Brazil splits HS 5502.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5502.90.10Viscose rayon filament tow
- 5502.90.90Other artificial filament tow
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about artificial filament tow
What is the HS code for Artificial filament tow?
The HS code for Artificial filament tow is 550290 (Fibres; artificial filament tow, other than cellulose acetate).
How do I classify Artificial filament tow for customs?
Artificial filament tow is classified under HS code 550290 — Fibres; artificial filament tow, other than cellulose acetate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for Artificial filament tow (excluding cellulose acetate)?
The HS code for artificial filament tow, other than cellulose acetate, is 550290. This code covers large, untwisted bundles of continuous artificial filaments that are not made from cellulose acetate.
What is the primary use of artificial filament tow?
Artificial filament tow is primarily used as an intermediate product in textile manufacturing. It can be cut into staple fibers for spinning into yarns, or it can be directly processed into non-woven fabrics, such as those used in wipes, medical textiles, or filtration media, due to its continuous filament structure.
Which countries are the top exporters of artificial filament tow (HS 550290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550290 (the code used for artificial filament tow) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($16M, 61% of world exports), South Africa ($6.0M) and Indonesia ($1.7M). World exports came to about $26M, 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 filament tow (HS 550290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550290 (the code used for artificial filament tow) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($23M, 25% of world imports), Indonesia ($23M) and Vietnam (about $16M). World imports came to about $95M, 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 filament tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550290 for Artificial filament 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 artificial filament tow in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 550290 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for artificial filament tow depends on the product's details: 5502.90.10 (Viscose rayon filament tow), 5502.90.90 (Other artificial filament tow).