Product classification
HS code for Modacrylic staple fiber: 5503.30
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, acrylic or modacrylic, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of modacrylic staple fiber under HS 5503.30
Modacrylic staple fiber is classified under HS code 5503.30. This code is part of Chapter 55, which covers man-made staple fibers. Heading 5503 is dedicated to synthetic staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. This means the fiber is in its raw, bulk form, often referred to as tow that has been cut into specific lengths. Modacrylic is a specific type of synthetic fiber defined by having at least 35% but less than 85% acrylonitrile units. It is prized for its flame retardancy, which is an inherent property of the polymer itself. The classification 5503.30 is used for the bulk fiber, often shipped in large bales, before it undergoes the mechanical processes (carding or combing) that align the fibers for spinning into yarn. If the fibers were carded or combed, they would move to heading 5506. If the fibers were continuous filaments rather than cut staple lengths, they would be classified under heading 5501 (synthetic filament tow). Accurate classification under 5503.30 requires technical documentation specifying the chemical composition of the fiber and its physical state. Customs officials may use laboratory testing to verify that the acrylonitrile content falls within the modacrylic range.
- Covers
- Raw modacrylic staple fibers
- Cut modacrylic tow for spinning
- Flame-retardant synthetic staple fibers (modacrylic)
- Modacrylic fibers for non-woven applications
- Bulk modacrylic fiber bales
- Also under 5503.30
- Dralon Acrylic Fiber
- Kanecaron Modacrylic Fiber
- Fisipe Acrylic Fiber
- Toraylon Acrylic Fiber
Codes often confused with 5503.30
Common mistake. Modacrylic staple fiber is often misclassified under 5501.30 (synthetic filament tow) or 5506.30 (synthetic staple fibers, carded or combed). The distinction is based on the stage of processing; 5503.30 is only for raw, unprocessed staple fibers. It is also sometimes confused with 5503.20 (polyester staple fibers).
Top exporters and importers of HS 550330 (the code used for modacrylic staple fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550330 (the code used for modacrylic staple fiber) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 550330, not only modacrylic staple fiber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $153M 47% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $77M 24% of world exports
- 3 China $21M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $326M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $138M 27% of world imports
- 2 United States $58M 12% of world imports
- 3 Spain $44M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $502M 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 modacrylic staple fiber
Brazil classifies modacrylic staple fiber under NCM 5503.30.00: HS 5503.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about modacrylic staple fiber
What is the HS code for Modacrylic staple fiber?
The HS code for Modacrylic staple fiber is 550330 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, acrylic or modacrylic, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for acrylic or modacrylic synthetic staple fibers, not carded or combed, is 5503.30.
How do I classify Modacrylic staple fiber for customs?
Modacrylic staple fiber is classified under HS code 550330 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, acrylic or modacrylic, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between acrylic and modacrylic staple fiber?
While both are under 5503.30, modacrylic contains higher levels of other polymers (like vinyl chloride) to enhance flame resistance, whereas standard acrylic is primarily acrylonitrile.
Which countries are the top exporters of modacrylic staple fiber (HS 550330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550330 (the code used for modacrylic staple fiber) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($153M, 47% of world exports), Thailand ($77M) and China ($21M). World exports came to about $326M, 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 modacrylic staple fiber (HS 550330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550330 (the code used for modacrylic staple fiber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($138M, 27% of world imports), the United States ($58M) and Spain ($44M). World imports came to about $502M, 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 Modacrylic staple fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550330 for Modacrylic 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 modacrylic staple fiber in Brazil?
In Brazil, modacrylic staple fiber (HS 550330) is classified under NCM 5503.30.00.