Product classification
HS code for Polyamide tow: 5501.19
Fibres, synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of other than aramids.
Classification of polyamide tow under HS 5501.19
Polyamide tow is classified under HS code 5501.19 because it consists of synthetic filament tow of nylon or other polyamides, excluding aramids. According to the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 55, filament tow must meet specific criteria: it must exceed 2 meters in length, have a twist of less than 5 turns per meter, and the filaments must be of a decitex of less than 67. This specific subheading is reserved for polyamides that do not fall under the aramid category, which is 5501.11. The classification is determined by the material composition and the physical state of the fibers, which are intended to be cut into staple fibers for further processing in the textile industry. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here, as the product is specifically named in the nomenclature. The tow is a collection of parallel filaments of a uniform length, which distinguishes it from bundles of waste or staple fibers that have already been cut. Polyamide, commonly known as nylon, provides high strength and elasticity, making this tow a vital raw material for producing spun yarns used in carpets, apparel, and industrial textiles. Furthermore, the tow must be capable of being drawn to at least three times its original length to be considered synthetic filament tow under this chapter. If the tow is made of artificial fibers like rayon, it would be classified under 5502. The distinction between 5501.11 and 5501.19 is purely based on the chemical structure of the polyamide, where aramids are separated due to their high heat resistance.
- Covers
- Nylon 6 filament tow
- Nylon 6,6 filament tow
- Polyamide filament tow for staple fiber production
- Synthetic filament tow of other polyamides (non-aramid)
- 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. Polyamide tow is frequently confused with HS code 5501.11, which is specifically for aramids (aromatic polyamides). While both are polyamides, aramids have distinct chemical properties and are classified separately. It is also often misclassified under 5402, which covers synthetic filament yarn. The distinction lies in the length and the lack of twist; tow is a bundle of filaments intended to be cut, whereas yarn is intended for weaving or knitting directly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550119 (the code used for polyamide tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550119 (the code used for polyamide 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 polyamide 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 polyamide tow
Brazil classifies polyamide 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 polyamide tow
What is the HS code for Polyamide tow?
The HS code for Polyamide tow is 550119 (Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides, of other than aramids). The HS code for polyamide tow (other than aramids) is 5501.19.
How do I classify Polyamide tow for customs?
Polyamide 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.
How does tow differ from staple fiber?
Tow consists of continuous, parallel filaments that have not yet been cut, while staple fibers (classified in 5503) are fibers of a specific, finite length produced by cutting the tow.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyamide tow (HS 550119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550119 (the code used for polyamide 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 polyamide tow (HS 550119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550119 (the code used for polyamide 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 Polyamide tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550119 for Polyamide 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 polyamide tow in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyamide tow (HS 550119) is classified under NCM 5501.19.00.