Product classification

HS code for Polypropylene tow: 5501.40

Fibres, synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene.

Classification of polypropylene tow under HS 5501.40

Polypropylene tow is classified under HS code 550140 because it meets the specific technical criteria for synthetic filament tow defined in the Harmonized System. According to the Chapter 55 notes, synthetic filament tow must consist of parallel filaments of a uniform length exceeding 2 meters. Furthermore, the tow must have a twist of less than five turns per meter and the filaments must be of a decitex of less than 67. HS code 550140 is specifically reserved for tow composed of polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer. This classification is essential for distinguishing bulk filament assemblies intended for further processing, such as being cut into staple fibers, from finished yarns or monofilaments. The classification process involves verifying the chemical composition through laboratory analysis and confirming the physical dimensions and filament arrangement to ensure it does not fall under Chapter 54.

Covers
  • Polypropylene filament tow for staple fiber production
  • High-tenacity polypropylene tow
  • Parallel polypropylene filament bundles exceeding 2 meters
  • Polypropylene tow for cigarette filter manufacture
  • Unprocessed polypropylene filament assemblies for textile spinning
Also under 5501.40
  • LyondellBasell polypropylene tow
  • Braskem polypropylene tow
  • Sinopec polypropylene tow
  • ExxonMobil polypropylene tow
  • SABIC polypropylene tow

Codes often confused with 5501.40

Common mistake. Polypropylene tow is frequently confused with HS code 5402, which covers synthetic filament yarn. The primary distinction is that 5402 includes yarn intended for immediate textile use, whereas 550140 is a precursor material. Another common error is classifying it under 550340, which is for polypropylene staple fibers. The difference lies in the length; 550340 applies to fibers that have already been cut to specific lengths (staple), while 550140 applies to continuous tow. Additionally, if the filaments exceed 67 decitex, the product may be classified as synthetic monofilament under 5404.

54.02Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex5503.40Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning54.04Synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more, of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm; strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw) of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm

Top exporters and importers of HS 550140 (the code used for polypropylene tow), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550140 (the code used for polypropylene tow) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kenya, with 18% 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 550140, not only polypropylene tow.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Korea $12M
  2. 2 China $3.8M
  3. 3 United States $1.6M

World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Kenya $2.5M
  2. 2 Nigeria $1.9M
  3. 3 United States $1.7M

World total: $14M 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 tow

Brazil classifies polypropylene tow under NCM 5501.40.00: HS 5501.40 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about polypropylene tow

What is the HS code for Polypropylene tow?

The HS code for Polypropylene tow is 550140 (Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene). The HS code for Polypropylene tow is 550140, which specifically covers synthetic filament tow of polypropylene.

How do I classify Polypropylene tow for customs?

Polypropylene tow is classified under HS code 550140 — Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include cut staple fibers?

No, cut polypropylene staple fibers are classified under HS code 550340. HS code 550140 is strictly for continuous filament tow exceeding 2 meters in length.

Which countries are the top exporters of polypropylene tow (HS 550140)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550140 (the code used for polypropylene tow) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($12M, 64% of world exports), China ($3.8M) and the United States ($1.6M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 tow (HS 550140)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 550140 (the code used for polypropylene tow) in UN Comtrade data were Kenya ($2.5M, 18% of world imports), Nigeria ($1.9M) and the United States ($1.7M). World imports came to about $14M, 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 tow the same in all countries?

The base HS code 550140 for Polypropylene 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 polypropylene tow in Brazil?

In Brazil, polypropylene tow (HS 550140) is classified under NCM 5501.40.00.