Product classification

HS code for Polyester fiber: 5503.20

Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.

Classification of polyester fiber under HS 5503.20

Polyester fiber, specifically in the form of staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, is classified under HS code 5503.20. This classification is found within Chapter 55, which deals with man-made staple fibers. The code 5503.20 is specific to synthetic staple fibers of polyesters. These fibers are typically produced by cutting continuous filaments into short, discrete lengths. Because these fibers are in their raw, unspun state and have not undergone the mechanical alignment processes of carding or combing, they are distinct from yarns or processed "tops." This code is used for both virgin polyester staple fibers and recycled polyester fibers (often derived from PET bottles) provided they meet the physical criteria of being staple fibers and are not yet prepared for the spinning process. The classification is strictly based on the chemical nature of the polymer and the physical state of the fiber. If the fibers were processed further, such as being carded for spinning, they would move to heading 5506. The simplicity of the 5503.20 code makes it the primary entry point for bulk polyester fiber used in the textile, automotive, and filling industries.

Covers
  • Polyester staple fibers (PSF)
  • Recycled polyester staple fibers
  • Virgin polyester staple fibers
  • Polyester tow cut into short lengths (staple)
Also under 5503.20
  • Reliance Recron PSF
  • Indorama Ventures PSF
  • Far Eastern New Century (FENC) PSF
  • Huvis PSF

Codes often confused with 5503.20

Common mistake. Polyester fiber is often confused with 5402.20, which covers high tenacity polyester filament yarn. The key difference is that 5503.20 is for short, discontinuous fibers, while 5402 is for continuous filaments. It is also confused with 5506.20, which covers polyester staple fibers that have been carded or combed. If the product is a continuous "tow" for the manufacture of staple fibers, it should be under 5501.20.

5402.20Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, not for retail sale, not sewing thread54.02Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex5506.20Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5501.20Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polyesters

Top exporters and importers of HS 550320 (the code used for polyester fiber), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550320 (the code used for polyester fiber) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 550320, not only polyester fiber.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.6B
  2. 2 South Korea $574M
  3. 3 Thailand $319M

World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $492M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$389M
  3. 3 Pakistan $263M

World total: $4.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 polyester fiber

Brazil splits HS 5503.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 5503.20.10Bicomponent polyester staple, not carded or combed
  • 5503.20.90Other polyester 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 polyester fiber

What is the HS code for Polyester fiber?

The HS code for Polyester fiber is 550320 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for polyester staple fibers that are not carded or combed is 5503.20.

How do I classify Polyester fiber for customs?

Polyester fiber is classified under HS code 550320 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between staple fiber and filament in classification?

Staple fibers (5503.20) are short, cut lengths used for spinning or stuffing, while filaments (Chapter 54) are continuous strands of indefinite length.

Which countries are the top exporters of polyester fiber (HS 550320)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550320 (the code used for polyester fiber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 40% of world exports), South Korea ($574M) and Thailand ($319M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 polyester fiber (HS 550320)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 550320 (the code used for polyester fiber) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($492M, 11% of world imports), Vietnam (about $389M) and Pakistan ($263M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 Polyester fiber the same in all countries?

The base HS code 550320 for Polyester 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 polyester fiber in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 550320 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for polyester fiber depends on the product's details: 5503.20.10 (Bicomponent polyester staple, not carded or combed), 5503.20.90 (Other polyester staple, not carded or combed).