Product classification
HS code for Polypropylene fiber: 5503.40
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of polypropylene fiber under HS 5503.40
Polypropylene fiber, specifically in the form of staple fibers that have not been carded or combed, is classified under HS code 5503.40. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to man-made staple fibers. Heading 5503 covers synthetic staple fibers that have not undergone the processes of carding, combing, or other preparations for spinning. The subheading 5503.40 is the specific designation for fibers made from polypropylene. Staple fibers are distinguished from filament yarns by their length; while filaments are continuous, staple fibers are produced by cutting filaments into short, discrete lengths, typically ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters. These fibers are widely used in the production of non-woven fabrics, carpets, and as reinforcement in concrete or other composite materials. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the product is a synthetic staple fiber of a specific polymer (polypropylene) in its raw, unprocessed state. It is important to note that once these fibers undergo carding or combing—processes that align the fibers in preparation for spinning into yarn—they must be reclassified under heading 5506. However, for the bulk fiber as it leaves the initial cutting stage, 5503.40 is the correct international standard for customs declaration.
- Covers
- Polypropylene staple fibers
- Cut polypropylene fibers for concrete reinforcement
- PP fibers for non-woven fabric production
- Synthetic staple fibers of polypropylene, raw
- Polypropylene tow (if cut to staple length)
- Also under 5503.40
- FiberVisions Polypropylene Fiber
- Indorama Ventures Polypropylene Fiber
- Sinopec Polypropylene Fiber
- Mitsui Chemicals Polypropylene Fiber
Codes often confused with 5503.40
Common mistake. Polypropylene fiber is frequently misclassified under HS code 5506.40. Heading 5506 is for synthetic staple fibers that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. If the fibers have been aligned or prepared for the textile mill, 5503.40 is no longer applicable. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with 5402.48, which covers polypropylene filament yarn. The distinction lies in the length: filaments are continuous, while staple fibers are short and cut.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550340 (the code used for polypropylene fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550340 (the code used for polypropylene fiber) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world imports. Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 550340, not only polypropylene fiber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $184M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $97M 18% of world exports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $39M 7.0% of world exports
Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $553M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $103M 16% of world imports
- 2 Italy $57M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 United States $41M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $622M 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 polypropylene fiber
Brazil classifies polypropylene fiber under NCM 5503.40.00: HS 5503.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polypropylene fiber
What is the HS code for Polypropylene fiber?
The HS code for Polypropylene fiber is 550340 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for Polypropylene fiber (staple, not carded or combed) is 5503.40.
How do I classify Polypropylene fiber for customs?
Polypropylene fiber is classified under HS code 550340 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include polypropylene waste?
No, polypropylene textile waste is classified under heading 5505, which specifically covers waste (including noils, yarn waste, and garnetted stock) of man-made fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of polypropylene fiber (HS 550340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550340 (the code used for polypropylene fiber) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($184M, 33% of world exports), China ($97M) and Saudi Arabia ($39M). World exports came to about $553M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of polypropylene fiber (HS 550340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550340 (the code used for polypropylene fiber) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($103M, 16% of world imports), Italy ($57M) and the United States ($41M). World imports came to about $622M, 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 Polypropylene fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550340 for Polypropylene 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 polypropylene fiber in Brazil?
In Brazil, polypropylene fiber (HS 550340) is classified under NCM 5503.40.00.