Product classification
HS code for Recycled synthetic fibers: 5505.10
Fibres, waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of synthetic fibres.
Classification of recycled synthetic fibers under HS 5505.10
Recycled synthetic fibers are classified under HS code 5505.10. This classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System covers man-made staple fibers. Heading 5505 is specifically dedicated to waste (including noils, yarn waste, and garnetted stock) of man-made fibers. Within this heading, the code 5505.10 is reserved for waste of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. These materials are typically derived from post-industrial scraps or post-consumer waste, such as recycled PET bottles or discarded textiles, which have been processed back into a fibrous state. Because these fibers are considered waste or recovered materials rather than virgin staple fibers that have been carded or combed, they must be classified under 5505. The distinction between synthetic and artificial fibers is also crucial; synthetic fibers are polymers of organic monomers, whereas artificial fibers are derived from natural polymers like cellulose.
- Covers
- Recycled polyester staple fiber waste
- Nylon yarn waste and noils
- Garnetted stock of acrylic fibers
- Polypropylene fiber scraps
- Post-consumer recycled synthetic textile waste
- Also under 5505.10
- Repreve (recycled polyester fibre from waste)
- Econyl (recycled nylon from waste)
- Various industrial textile waste streams
- Post-consumer PET textile waste
Codes often confused with 5505.10
Common mistake. Recycled synthetic fibers are frequently misclassified under HS code 5503.20 or other subheadings of 5503. Heading 5503 covers synthetic staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. However, if the material is technically considered waste or garnetted stock, it must be placed in 5505.10. Another common error is using 5402, which is reserved for synthetic filament yarn; even if the waste comes from filament production, once it is reduced to waste or garnetted stock, it moves to Chapter 55.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550510 (the code used for recycled synthetic fibers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550510 (the code used for recycled synthetic fibers) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 17% 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 550510, not only recycled synthetic fibers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $23M 16% of world exports
- 2 United States $13M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $11M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $143M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $24M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $22M 15% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $12M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $146M 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 recycled synthetic fibers
Brazil classifies recycled synthetic fibers under NCM 5505.10.00: HS 5505.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about recycled synthetic fibers
What is the HS code for Recycled synthetic fibers?
The HS code for Recycled synthetic fibers is 550510 (Fibres; waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of synthetic fibres). The primary HS code for waste of synthetic fibers, which includes most recycled synthetic fibers, is 5505.10.
How do I classify Recycled synthetic fibers for customs?
Recycled synthetic fibers is classified under HS code 550510 — Fibres; waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of synthetic fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include garnetted stock?
Yes, HS code 5505.10 specifically includes garnetted stock of synthetic fibers, which is material obtained by tearing apart rags or yarn waste into individual fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of recycled synthetic fibers (HS 550510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550510 (the code used for recycled synthetic fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($23M, 16% of world exports), the United States ($13M) and Türkiye ($11M). World exports came to about $143M, 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 synthetic fibers (HS 550510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550510 (the code used for recycled synthetic fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($24M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($22M) and South Korea ($12M). World imports came to about $146M, 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 synthetic fibers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550510 for Recycled synthetic 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 synthetic fibers in Brazil?
In Brazil, recycled synthetic fibers (HS 550510) is classified under NCM 5505.10.00.