Product classification
HS code for Polyester staple fibers: 5506.20
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of polyester staple fibers under HS 5506.20
HS code 5506.20 is applied to polyester staple fibers that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. Unlike raw staple fibers, these materials have undergone mechanical alignment to ensure the fibers are parallel and free of impurities, preparing them directly for the spinning process into yarn. This processing step is the primary differentiator between heading 5503 and 5506. The classification covers fibers that have been transformed into "tops" or "sliver" through carding machines. This stage of production is critical in the textile value chain, as it represents the transition from raw bulk fiber to a semi-finished textile material ready for the production of high-quality polyester or blended yarns. The classification is determined by the physical state of the fiber and the specific mechanical treatment it has received.
- Covers
- Carded polyester staple fiber
- Combed polyester tops
- Polyester sliver for spinning
- Gilled polyester fibers
- Processed polyester fibers ready for yarn production
- Also under 5506.20
- DuPont Sorona (PTT fibre)
- Indorama Ventures (polyester fibre)
- Reliance Industries (polyester fibre)
- Unifi Repreve (recycled polyester fibre)
Codes often confused with 5506.20
Common mistake. Which other HS codes get confused with this one and why. Mention specific code numbers. 5503.20 is frequently used in error for fibers that have already been carded; 5503.20 is strictly for unprocessed staple fibers. 5509.21 is another common mistake, which refers to the finished yarn made from these fibers. 5601.22 may be confused if the fiber is being used as wadding or padding rather than for spinning.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550620 (the code used for polyester staple fibers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550620 (the code used for polyester staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 12% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 550620, not only polyester staple fibers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $28M 47% of world exports
- 2 France $6.7M 11% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $3.4M 5.8% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $60M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$9.8M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Türkiye $8.7M 11% of world imports
- 3 Italy $7.2M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $79M 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 code for polyester staple fibers
Brazil classifies polyester staple fibers under NCM 5506.20.00: HS 5506.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyester staple fibers
What is the HS code for Polyester staple fibers?
The HS code for Polyester staple fibers is 550620 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning).
How do I classify Polyester staple fibers for customs?
Polyester staple fibers is classified under HS code 550620 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polyesters, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for processed polyester staple fibers?
The HS code for polyester staple fibers that have been carded, combed, or processed for spinning is 5506.20.
What does "processed for spinning" mean in HS classification?
It refers to mechanical processes like carding, combing, or gilling that align the fibers into a continuous strand (sliver or top) suitable for the spinning machine.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyester staple fibers (HS 550620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550620 (the code used for polyester staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($28M, 47% of world exports), France ($6.7M) and Belgium ($3.4M). World exports came to about $60M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 32% of its exports here ($1.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of polyester staple fibers (HS 550620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550620 (the code used for polyester staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $9.8M, 12% of world imports), Türkiye ($8.7M) and Italy ($7.2M). World imports came to about $79M, 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 fibers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550620 for Polyester 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 polyester staple fibers in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyester staple fibers (HS 550620) is classified under NCM 5506.20.00.