Product classification
HS code for Nylon staple fiber: 5503.19
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides other than aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of nylon staple fiber under HS 5503.19
Nylon staple fiber that has not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning is classified under HS code 5503.19. This classification is found within Chapter 55, which covers man-made staple fibers. Staple fibers are produced by cutting synthetic filaments into short, discrete lengths, which allows them to be blended with natural fibers like cotton or wool or spun into yarn on traditional spinning systems. The subheading 5503.19 is a residual category for polyamides other than aramids (which are classified under 5503.11). The 'not carded or combed' status is the defining characteristic of this code, representing the raw state of the fiber after it has been extruded and cut but before it has undergone mechanical alignment. This material is typically compressed into large bales for transport to textile mills. Accurate classification depends on verifying that the fibers are synthetic, made of nylon/polyamide, and have not yet entered the preparatory stages of yarn production.
- Covers
- Nylon 6 staple fibers (unprocessed)
- Nylon 6,6 staple fibers (unprocessed)
- Polyamide staple fibers for non-woven applications
- Cut nylon fibers for flocking
- Synthetic staple fiber tow of nylon
- Also under 5503.19
- Invista CORDURA staple fiber
- Aquafil ECONYL staple fiber
- BASF Ultramid staple fiber
- Rhodia Polyamide staple fiber
Codes often confused with 5503.19
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 5506.10. The difference is purely mechanical: 5503.19 is for fibers that are 'not carded or combed,' while 5506.10 is for fibers that have been carded or combed. Another error is confusing these with aramid fibers under 5503.11; while aramids are technically polyamides, they are treated separately due to their high-performance heat-resistant properties. Finally, nylon waste should not be classified here; it belongs in 5505.10 if it is synthetic fiber waste.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550319 (the code used for nylon staple fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550319 (the code used for nylon staple fiber) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 550319, not only nylon staple fiber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $53M 25% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $44M 20% of world exports
- 3 Germany $40M 18% of world exports
World total: $217M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $45M 19% of world imports
- 2 Italy $26M 11% of world imports
- 3 India $17M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $236M 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 codes for nylon staple fiber
Brazil splits HS 5503.19 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5503.19.10Bicomponent polyamide staple, not carded or combed
- 5503.19.90Other polyamide staple, not carded or combed
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nylon staple fiber
What is the HS code for Nylon staple fiber?
The HS code for Nylon staple fiber is 550319 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides other than aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for nylon staple fiber that is not carded or combed is 5503.19.
How do I classify Nylon staple fiber for customs?
Nylon staple fiber is classified under HS code 550319 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides other than aramids, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 5503.19 and 5503.11?
HS code 5503.11 is specifically for aramid staple fibers (like Kevlar or Nomex), whereas 5503.19 covers all other types of nylon or polyamide staple fibers, such as standard Nylon 6 or 6,6.
Which countries are the top exporters of nylon staple fiber (HS 550319)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550319 (the code used for nylon staple fiber) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($53M, 25% of world exports), Switzerland ($44M) and Germany ($40M). World exports came to about $217M, 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 nylon staple fiber (HS 550319)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550319 (the code used for nylon staple fiber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($45M, 19% of world imports), Italy ($26M) and India ($17M). World imports came to about $236M, 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 Nylon staple fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550319 for Nylon 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 nylon staple fiber in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 550319 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for nylon staple fiber depends on the product's details: 5503.19.10 (Bicomponent polyamide staple, not carded or combed), 5503.19.90 (Other polyamide staple, not carded or combed).