Product classification
HS code for Polyester staple fiber: 5503.20
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of polyester staple fiber under HS 5503.20
Polyester staple fiber is classified under HS code 5503.20. This code is designated for synthetic staple fibers that have not undergone the mechanical processes of carding or combing. These fibers are typically produced by extruding molten polymer through spinnerets to form filaments, which are then stretched, crimped, and cut into specific lengths. Because these fibers are in their raw, "as-cut" state and are intended for subsequent textile processing, they are categorized under Chapter 55. The classification specifically identifies polyesters as the base material. This code is essential for manufacturers of non-woven fabrics, fillings, and spinning mills that purchase raw fiber to create blended yarns. The classification is based on the material being a synthetic staple fiber and the lack of further processing beyond cutting and crimping.
- Covers
- Virgin polyester staple fiber (PSF)
- Recycled polyester staple fiber (RPSF)
- Hollow conjugated siliconized polyester fiber
- Solid polyester staple fiber for non-wovens
- Flame retardant polyester staple fibers
- 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. Which other HS codes get confused with this one and why. Mention specific code numbers. 5506.20 is the most common misclassification, which applies once the fiber has been carded or combed. 5402.33 is often confused when the material is actually a textured filament yarn rather than a staple fiber. Additionally, 5501.20 refers to polyester filament tow, which is a continuous bundle of filaments before they are cut into staple lengths.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550320 (the code used for polyester staple fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550320 (the code used for polyester staple 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 staple fiber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.6B 40% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $574M 15% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $319M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $492M 11% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$389M 8.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Pakistan $263M 6.0% of world imports
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 staple 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 staple fiber
What is the HS code for Polyester staple fiber?
The HS code for Polyester staple fiber is 550320 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for polyester staple fiber that has not been carded or combed is 5503.20.
How do I classify Polyester staple fiber for customs?
Polyester staple 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.
Is recycled polyester fiber classified differently?
No, recycled polyester staple fiber is classified under the same HS code (5503.20) as virgin fiber, provided it has not been carded or combed.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyester staple fiber (HS 550320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550320 (the code used for polyester staple 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 staple fiber (HS 550320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550320 (the code used for polyester staple 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 staple fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550320 for Polyester 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 polyester staple fiber in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 550320 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for polyester staple 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).