Product classification

HS code for Polypropylene staple fibers: 5506.40

Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.

Classification of polypropylene staple fibers under HS 5506.40

Polypropylene staple fibers that have undergone mechanical processing are classified under HS code 5506.40. While also part of Chapter 55, heading 5506 is reserved for synthetic staple fibers that have been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. This distinction is critical in the textile industry, as carding and combing align the fibers into a parallel arrangement and remove impurities, preparing them for the subsequent spinning process into yarn. The classification 5506.40 specifically identifies polypropylene as the base polymer. This stage of production represents a higher level of value-add compared to the raw staple fibers found in heading 5503. These processed fibers are typically found in the form of sliver or top, ready for the spinning frame.

Covers
  • Carded polypropylene fiber sliver
  • Combed polypropylene tops
  • Processed PP fibers for yarn spinning
  • Aligned polypropylene fibers for industrial textiles
  • Gilled polypropylene fiber bundles
Also under 5506.40
  • FiberVisions (polypropylene fibre)
  • Sinopec (polypropylene fibre)
  • ExxonMobil (polypropylene fibre)
  • LyondellBasell (polypropylene fibre)

Codes often confused with 5506.40

Common mistake. This product is often misclassified under 5503.40, which is the code for raw, unprocessed staple fibers. Customs authorities distinguish between the two based on whether the fibers show evidence of mechanical alignment (carding). It may also be confused with 5509.11, which is the actual spun yarn made from these fibers. Once the fibers are twisted into a continuous strand, they move from 5506 to 5509. Additionally, if the fibers are waste material that has been carded, they might still be viewed as waste under 5505 depending on the degree of recovery.

5503.40Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5509.11Yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale55.06Synthetic staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning55.09Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale55.05Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres

Top exporters and importers of HS 550640 (the code used for polypropylene staple fibers), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550640 (the code used for polypropylene staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 23% 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 550640, not only polypropylene staple fibers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Belgium $3.7M
  2. 2 France $1.7M
  3. 3 Türkiye $820K

World total: $7.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Czechia $1.0M
  2. 2 Germany $592K
  3. 3 Romania $488K

World total: $4.4M 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 fibers

Brazil classifies polypropylene staple fibers under NCM 5506.40.00: HS 5506.40 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 fibers

What is the HS code for Polypropylene staple fibers?

The HS code for Polypropylene staple fibers is 550640 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). For polypropylene staple fibers that have been carded or combed, the correct HS code is 5506.40.

How do I classify Polypropylene staple fibers for customs?

Polypropylene staple fibers is classified under HS code 550640 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Why is carding important for classification?

Carding is a specific industrial process that changes the HS heading from 5503 (unprocessed) to 5506 (processed), as it indicates the material is prepared for textile spinning.

Which countries are the top exporters of polypropylene staple fibers (HS 550640)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550640 (the code used for polypropylene staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($3.7M, 48% of world exports), France ($1.7M) and Türkiye ($820K). World exports came to about $7.6M, 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 polypropylene staple fibers (HS 550640)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 550640 (the code used for polypropylene staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($1.0M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($592K) and Romania ($488K). World imports came to about $4.4M, 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 fibers the same in all countries?

The base HS code 550640 for Polypropylene 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 polypropylene staple fibers in Brazil?

In Brazil, polypropylene staple fibers (HS 550640) is classified under NCM 5506.40.00.