Product classification
HS code for Polyamide staple fibers: 5506.10
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of polyamide staple fibers under HS 5506.10
Polyamide staple fibers are classified under HS code 5506.10 because they represent synthetic staple fibers that have undergone specific mechanical processing, namely carding or combing, to prepare them for the spinning process. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to man-made staple fibers, which are discontinuous fibers as opposed to continuous filaments. Within this chapter, heading 5506 specifically addresses synthetic staple fibers that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning into yarn. This distinguishes them from raw staple fibers that have not yet reached this stage of preparation. The classification depends on the material composition—in this case, nylon or other polyamides—and the specific industrial process applied to the fibers. These fibers are typically used in the textile industry to produce blended yarns or non-woven materials where a specific fiber alignment is required for strength and texture. The carding process involves disentangling and aligning the fibers into a continuous web or sliver, while combing further refines this by removing shorter fibers and impurities, resulting in a high-quality input for fine yarn production. This classification is essential for customs authorities to distinguish between raw materials and semi-processed goods, as the latter often carry different duty rates. The technical specifications for these fibers often include denier, cut length, and tenacity, all of which must align with the definitions provided in the Section XI notes of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
- Covers
- Carded nylon 6 staple fibers
- Combed nylon 6,6 staple fibers
- Polyamide fibers processed for worsted spinning
- Synthetic staple fibers prepared for yarn manufacturing
- Also under 5506.10
- Invista CORDURA (nylon fibre)
- Ascend Performance Materials (nylon fibre)
- Aquafil ECONYL (recycled nylon fibre)
- Toray (nylon fibre)
Codes often confused with 5506.10
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these fibers under HS code 5503.11 or 5503.19. These codes are reserved for polyamide staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. The transition from 5503 to 5506 occurs the moment the fibers undergo mechanical alignment processes. Additionally, some importers confuse these with filament yarns under heading 5402; however, staple fibers are discontinuous lengths, whereas filaments are continuous.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550610 (the code used for polyamide staple fibers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550610 (the code used for polyamide staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data was Senegal, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Senegal, with 46% 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 550610, not only polyamide staple fibers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Senegal $39M 51% of world exports
- 2 Italy $9.0M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $7.4M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $77M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Senegal $45M 46% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $7.4M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Italy $7.0M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $97M 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 polyamide staple fibers
Brazil classifies polyamide staple fibers under NCM 5506.10.00: HS 5506.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyamide staple fibers
What is the HS code for Polyamide staple fibers?
The HS code for Polyamide staple fibers is 550610 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for polyamide staple fibers that have been carded or combed is 5506.10.
How do I classify Polyamide staple fibers for customs?
Polyamide staple fibers is classified under HS code 550610 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of nylon or other polyamides, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 5503 and 5506?
HS code 5503 covers raw staple fibers, while 5506 covers fibers that have been mechanically processed (carded or combed) to prepare them for the spinning process.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyamide staple fibers (HS 550610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550610 (the code used for polyamide staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Senegal ($39M, 51% of world exports), Italy ($9.0M) and the United States ($7.4M). World exports came to about $77M, 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 fibers (HS 550610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550610 (the code used for polyamide staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Senegal ($45M, 46% of world imports), Türkiye ($7.4M) and Italy ($7.0M). World imports came to about $97M, 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 fibers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550610 for Polyamide 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 polyamide staple fibers in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyamide staple fibers (HS 550610) is classified under NCM 5506.10.00.