Product classification
HS code for Recycled artificial fibers: 5505.20
Fibres, waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of artificial fibres.
Classification of recycled artificial fibers under HS 5505.20
Recycled artificial fibers are classified under HS code 550520. This classification is designated for waste products derived from artificial fibers, including noils, yarn waste, and garnetted stock. In the context of the Harmonized System, "artificial" refers to fibers produced from organic polymers of natural origin, such as cellulose. Common examples include viscose rayon, acetate, and triacetate. This code is distinct from those covering synthetic fibers, which are derived from petroleum-based polymers. The classification is based on the material's status as waste or scrap resulting from the manufacturing process or from the mechanical pulling apart of textile fragments. Under Chapter 55, which deals with man-made staple fibers, heading 5505 specifically addresses waste. The sub-heading 20 is reserved for artificial fibers, ensuring that these recycled materials are tracked separately from synthetic ones. This distinction is vital for environmental regulations and trade statistics regarding the circular economy in the textile industry.
- Covers
- Viscose rayon waste
- Acetate yarn waste
- Garnetted stock of artificial fibers
- Noils of rayon
- Cupro fiber waste
- Regenerated cellulose fiber scrap
- Also under 5505.20
- Lenzing (recycled cellulosic fibres)
- Eastman (recycled acetate)
- Various industrial rayon waste streams
- Post-industrial viscose waste
Codes often confused with 5505.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 550510, which is used for waste of synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. It is critical to distinguish between "artificial" (natural polymer base) and "synthetic" (chemical polymer base). Additionally, importers sometimes mistakenly use 550320, which is for virgin polyester staple fibers. If the fiber is not waste but rather a processed staple fiber ready for spinning, it should not be in 5505 at all, but rather in headings 5503 or 5504 depending on the fiber type.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550520 (the code used for recycled artificial fibers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550520 (the code used for recycled artificial fibers) in UN Comtrade data was Honduras, with about 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 30% 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 550520, not only recycled artificial fibers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Honduras* ~$1.4M 26% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $807K 15% of world exports
- 3 Spain $738K 13% of world exports
World total: $5.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $1.9M 30% of world imports
- 2 Dominican Republic $1.4M 22% of world imports
- 3 Germany $584K 9.0% of world imports
World total: $6.5M 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. 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 recycled artificial fibers
Brazil classifies recycled artificial fibers under NCM 5505.20.00: HS 5505.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about recycled artificial fibers
What is the HS code for Recycled artificial fibers?
The HS code for Recycled artificial fibers is 550520 (Fibres; waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of artificial fibres). The HS code for waste and recycled artificial fibers is 550520.
How do I classify Recycled artificial fibers for customs?
Recycled artificial fibers is classified under HS code 550520 — Fibres; waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of artificial fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 550510 and 550520?
HS code 550510 is for waste of synthetic fibers (like polyester), while 550520 is for waste of artificial fibers (like viscose or acetate).
Which countries are the top exporters of recycled artificial fibers (HS 550520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550520 (the code used for recycled artificial fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Honduras (about $1.4M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($807K) and Spain ($738K). World exports came to about $5.6M, 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 recycled artificial fibers (HS 550520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550520 (the code used for recycled artificial fibers) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.9M, 30% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($1.4M) and Germany ($584K). World imports came to about $6.5M, 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 Recycled artificial fibers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550520 for Recycled artificial 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 recycled artificial fibers in Brazil?
In Brazil, recycled artificial fibers (HS 550520) is classified under NCM 5505.20.00.