Product classification
HS code for Polyester tow: 5501.20
Fibres, synthetic filament tow, of polyesters.
Classification of polyester tow under HS 5501.20
Polyester tow is classified under HS code 550120. This classification falls within Chapter 55, which covers man-made staple fibers. According to the Chapter Notes, heading 5501 applies only to synthetic filament tow that meets specific criteria: the length of the assembly must exceed 2 meters, the twist must be less than 5 turns per meter, and the filaments must measure less than 67 decitex each. Furthermore, the total measurement of the tow must be more than 20,000 decitex. Polyester tow consists of a large number of parallel filaments gathered together without significant twist. It is an intermediate product used in the textile industry, primarily intended to be cut into staple fibers for spinning into yarn or for use in non-woven applications. Subheading 550120 specifically identifies tow made from polyester filaments, distinguishing it from nylon, acrylic, or other synthetic polymers. This material is essential for the production of synthetic yarns and is often traded in large bales for industrial processing.
- Covers
- Continuous polyester filament tow
- Polyester tow for conversion into staple fibers
- Industrial polyester tow meeting Chapter 55 specifications
- Polyester tow for cigarette filters (if meeting filament criteria)
- Also under 5501.20
- Indorama Ventures polyester tow
- Reliance Industries polyester tow
- Far Eastern New Century (FENC) polyester tow
- Toray polyester tow
- Hyosung polyester tow
Codes often confused with 5501.20
Common mistake. Polyester tow is frequently misclassified as 5402, which covers synthetic filament yarn. The distinction lies in the twist and the total decitex; tow has almost no twist and a very high total decitex. Another common error is 550320, which is for polyester staple fibers. If the tow has already been cut into short lengths (usually less than 2 meters), it is no longer tow and must be classified as staple fiber.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550120 (the code used for polyester tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550120 (the code used for polyester tow) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 29% 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 550120, not only polyester tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $39M 45% of world exports
- 2 China $14M 17% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$7.7M 9.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $85M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $41M 29% of world imports
- 2 France $19M 13% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $17M 12% of world imports
World total: $142M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 tow
Brazil classifies polyester tow under NCM 5501.20.00: HS 5501.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyester tow
What is the HS code for Polyester tow?
The HS code for Polyester tow is 550120 (Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polyesters). The HS code for polyester tow is 550120, assuming it meets the technical requirements for length, twist, and decitex.
How do I classify Polyester tow for customs?
Polyester tow is classified under HS code 550120 — Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polyesters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does tow differ from staple fiber in HS classification?
Tow (5501) is a continuous assembly of filaments, while staple fiber (5503) consists of filaments that have been cut to specific short lengths.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyester tow (HS 550120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550120 (the code used for polyester tow) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($39M, 45% of world exports), China ($14M) and Taiwan (about $7.7M). World exports came to about $85M, 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 tow (HS 550120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550120 (the code used for polyester tow) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($41M, 29% of world imports), France ($19M) and Brazil ($17M). World imports came to about $142M, 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 tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550120 for Polyester 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 polyester tow in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyester tow (HS 550120) is classified under NCM 5501.20.00.