Product classification
HS code for Nylon tow: 5501.19
Fibres, synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of other than aramids.
Classification of nylon tow under HS 5501.19
Nylon tow is classified under HS code 5501.19 based on its material composition and physical characteristics as defined in the Harmonized System's Section XI. This code specifically covers synthetic filament tow of nylon or other polyamides, excluding aramids. To qualify for this heading, the product must consist of a bundle of parallel filaments of a uniform length equal to the length of the tow. According to the Chapter 55 notes, the tow must meet four specific criteria: it must exceed 2 meters in length, have a twist of less than 5 turns per meter, consist of filaments measuring less than 67 decitex each, and have been drawn (meaning it cannot be stretched more than 100% of its length). Nylon tow is a primary raw material used in the production of synthetic staple fibers; it is essentially the intermediate stage before the filaments are cut into short lengths. The classification under 5501.19 is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which relies on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since nylon is a polyamide, and this specific subheading is a residual category for polyamides other than aramids (which are 5501.11), it is the most specific legal classification for standard nylon tow used in textile manufacturing.
- Covers
- Nylon 6 filament tow
- Nylon 6,6 filament tow
- Polyamide filament bundles for staple fiber production
- Drawn nylon tow for flocking
- Synthetic polyamide tow exceeding 2 meters in length
- Also under 5501.19
- Invista Nylon 6,6 tow
- BASF Ultramid tow
- Ascend Performance Materials nylon tow
- RadiciGroup Radipol tow
- UBE Nylon tow
Codes often confused with 5501.19
Common mistake. Nylon tow is frequently confused with HS code 5402, which covers synthetic filament yarn. The distinction lies in the twist and the length; yarn is typically twisted or processed for direct weaving, whereas tow is a bundle of untwisted filaments intended to be cut. Another common error is 5501.11, which is strictly reserved for aramids (aromatic polyamides). If the nylon has already been cut into short lengths, it must be classified under 5503.19 as synthetic staple fibers, not tow. Finally, waste nylon filaments are classified under 5505.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550119 (the code used for nylon tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550119 (the code used for nylon tow) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, 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 550119, not only nylon tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $10.0M 57% of world exports
- 2 China $3.6M 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.8M 10% of world exports
World total: $18M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $7.0M 25% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $4.6M 16% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $3.6M 13% of world imports
World total: $28M 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 nylon tow
Brazil classifies nylon tow under NCM 5501.19.00: HS 5501.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nylon tow
What is the HS code for Nylon tow?
The HS code for Nylon tow is 550119 (Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of other than aramids). The HS code for nylon tow (other than aramids) is 5501.19.
How do I classify Nylon tow for customs?
Nylon tow is classified under HS code 550119 — Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of other than aramids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include nylon waste?
No, nylon waste, including yarn waste and garnetted stock, is classified under HS code 5505.10, while 5501.19 is reserved for virgin filament tow.
Which countries are the top exporters of nylon tow (HS 550119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550119 (the code used for nylon tow) in UN Comtrade data were France ($10.0M, 57% of world exports), China ($3.6M) and the United States ($1.8M). World exports came to about $18M, 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 tow (HS 550119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550119 (the code used for nylon tow) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($7.0M, 25% of world imports), Thailand ($4.6M) and the United Kingdom ($3.6M). World imports came to about $28M, 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 tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550119 for Nylon 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 nylon tow in Brazil?
In Brazil, nylon tow (HS 550119) is classified under NCM 5501.19.00.