Product classification
HS code for Polypropylene staple fiber: 5503.40
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of polypropylene staple fiber under HS 5503.40
Polypropylene staple fiber is classified under HS code 5503.40. This code is situated within Chapter 55, which is dedicated to man-made staple fibers. The 5503 heading specifically covers synthetic staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. These fibers are produced by extruding polypropylene into continuous filaments, which are then cut into specific lengths (staples). Because these fibers are in their raw, "as-cut" state and have not undergone mechanical alignment or cleaning processes like carding, they fall under this specific subheading. They are widely used as raw materials for the production of nonwoven fabrics, needle-punched carpets, and as reinforcement additives in concrete and other construction materials.
- Covers
- Raw polypropylene staple fibers
- Cut PP fibers for nonwoven geotextiles
- Polypropylene fibers for concrete reinforcement
- Short-cut PP fibers for paper making
- Virgin polypropylene staple fiber for upholstery filling
- 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. The most common misclassification is with HS code 5506.40, which covers polypropylene staple fibers that *have* been carded or combed. The distinction lies entirely in the stage of processing. Another error involves HS code 5505.10, which is reserved for waste (including noils, yarn waste, and garnetted stock) of synthetic fibers. If the fiber is a byproduct of manufacturing rather than a primary product, it must be moved to the waste category. Finally, continuous filament yarn is classified under 5402, not 5503.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550340 (the code used for polypropylene staple fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550340 (the code used for polypropylene staple 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 staple 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 staple fiber
Brazil classifies polypropylene staple 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 staple fiber
What is the HS code for Polypropylene staple fiber?
The HS code for Polypropylene staple fiber is 550340 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for polypropylene staple fiber that has not been carded or combed is 5503.40.
How do I classify Polypropylene staple fiber for customs?
Polypropylene staple 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.
What is the difference between 5503.40 and 5506.40?
HS code 5503.40 is for raw, unprocessed staple fibers, while 5506.40 is for fibers that have undergone carding or combing to align them for spinning into yarn.
Which countries are the top exporters of polypropylene staple fiber (HS 550340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550340 (the code used for polypropylene staple 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 staple fiber (HS 550340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550340 (the code used for polypropylene staple 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 staple fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550340 for Polypropylene 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 polypropylene staple fiber in Brazil?
In Brazil, polypropylene staple fiber (HS 550340) is classified under NCM 5503.40.00.