Product classification
HS code for Modacrylic staple fibers: 5506.30
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, acrylic or modacrylic, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of modacrylic staple fibers under HS 5506.30
Modacrylic staple fibers are classified under HS code 5506.30 because they are synthetic fibers that have undergone mechanical processing such as carding, combing, or other preparations for spinning. Modacrylic is a synthetic copolymer consisting of acrylonitrile and other monomers, typically vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride, which provides inherent flame-retardant properties. The classification under heading 5506 is specific to fibers that are no longer in their raw, as-produced state (which would fall under 5503) but have been further refined to align the fibers for the production of yarn. This mechanical alignment is a critical distinction in the Harmonized System. To qualify for this code, the fibers must be discontinuous (staple) and the modacrylic content must be the defining synthetic component. These fibers are widely utilized in the production of high-performance technical textiles, including protective workwear, faux fur, and upholstery for public transport, where fire safety regulations are stringent. The carding or combing process ensures that the fibers are uniform and ready for industrial spinning machines, distinguishing them from waste or raw tow.
- Covers
- Carded modacrylic staple fibers
- Combed modacrylic staple fibers
- Modacrylic fibers prepared for spinning
- Flame-retardant synthetic staple fibers (processed)
- Acrylic-modacrylic blend staple fibers (carded/combed)
- Also under 5506.30
- Dralon (acrylic fibre)
- Kanecaron (modacrylic fibre)
- Courtelle (acrylic fibre)
- Fushun Petrochemical (acrylic fibre)
Codes often confused with 5506.30
Common mistake. Modacrylic staple fibers are frequently misclassified under HS code 5503.30. The distinction lies in the level of processing; 5503.30 is reserved for synthetic staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. Another common error is using HS code 5501.30, which is for modacrylic tow. Tow consists of continuous filament bundles, whereas 5506.30 is for discontinuous staple fibers. Additionally, if the fibers are considered waste, they should be classified under 5505.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550630 (the code used for modacrylic staple fibers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550630 (the code used for modacrylic staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bolivia, with 19% 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 550630, not only modacrylic staple fibers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Peru* ~$22M 40% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $11M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $7.3M 13% of world exports
World total: $56M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bolivia $15M 19% of world imports
- 2 Italy $9.5M 12% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $8.2M 11% of world imports
World total: $76M 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 modacrylic staple fibers
Brazil classifies modacrylic staple fibers under NCM 5506.30.00: HS 5506.30 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 fibers
What is the HS code for Modacrylic staple fibers?
The HS code for Modacrylic staple fibers is 550630 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, acrylic or modacrylic, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for modacrylic staple fibers that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning is 5506.30.
How do I classify Modacrylic staple fibers for customs?
Modacrylic staple fibers is classified under HS code 550630 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, acrylic or modacrylic, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does modacrylic differ from standard acrylic in classification?
While both fall under the same subheadings in many parts of Chapter 55, modacrylic is specifically defined by its copolymer content (between 35% and 85% acrylonitrile), whereas acrylic must contain at least 85% acrylonitrile.
Which countries are the top exporters of modacrylic staple fibers (HS 550630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550630 (the code used for modacrylic staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $22M, 40% of world exports), China ($11M) and France ($7.3M). World exports came to about $56M, 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 fibers (HS 550630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550630 (the code used for modacrylic staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Bolivia ($15M, 19% of world imports), Italy ($9.5M) and Egypt ($8.2M). World imports came to about $76M, 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 fibers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550630 for Modacrylic staple fibers 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 fibers in Brazil?
In Brazil, modacrylic staple fibers (HS 550630) is classified under NCM 5506.30.00.