Product classification
HS code for Polyamide 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 polyamide staple fiber under HS 5503.19
Polyamide staple fiber is classified under HS code 5503.19. This heading covers synthetic staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. These are discontinuous fibers, typically produced by extruding filaments and then cutting them to specific lengths (staple length). The subheading 5503.19 specifically excludes aramids (which are classified under 5503.11) and focuses on other polyamides such as Nylon 6 or Nylon 6,6. The classification is determined by the chemical composition of the polymer and the physical state of the fiber. Because these fibers are in their raw, unprocessed state, they are considered primary materials for the textile industry, intended to be spun into yarn, used in non-woven applications, or mixed with other fibers. The absence of carding or combing is a strict requirement; once the fiber undergoes these mechanical processes to align them for spinning, they move to a different heading within Chapter 55.
- Covers
- Nylon 6 staple fibers, unprocessed
- Nylon 6,6 staple fibers, not carded or combed
- Discontinuous polyamide fibers for non-woven use
- Raw synthetic polyamide fibers for yarn spinning
- 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 common misclassification is with HS code 5503.11, which is exclusively for aramid fibers (a specific type of high-performance polyamide). Another error is classifying these under 5506.10, which is for polyamide staple fibers that *have* been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. Additionally, if the material is in the form of continuous filaments rather than cut staple fibers, it must be classified under 5402. Confusion can also occur with waste fibers, which are classified under 5505.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550319 (the code used for polyamide staple fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550319 (the code used for polyamide 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 polyamide 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 polyamide 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 polyamide staple fiber
What is the HS code for Polyamide staple fiber?
The HS code for Polyamide 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 synthetic staple fibers of nylon or other polyamides (excluding aramids), not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, is 5503.19.
How do I classify Polyamide staple fiber for customs?
Polyamide 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.
Why are aramids classified differently from other polyamides?
Aramids (aromatic polyamides) have distinct chemical structures and high-heat resistance properties that warrant a specific subheading (5503.11) separate from standard aliphatic polyamides like Nylon 6.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyamide staple fiber (HS 550319)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550319 (the code used for polyamide 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 polyamide staple fiber (HS 550319)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550319 (the code used for polyamide 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 Polyamide staple fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550319 for Polyamide 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 polyamide staple fiber in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 550319 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for polyamide 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).