Product classification
HS code for Synthetic fiber waste: 5505.10
Fibres, waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of synthetic fibres.
Classification of synthetic fiber waste under HS 5505.10
Synthetic fiber waste is classified under HS code 5505.10. This classification is situated within Chapter 55, which deals with man-made staple fibers. Heading 5505 specifically covers waste of man-made fibers, including noils, yarn waste, and garnetted stock. The subheading 5505.10 is dedicated to waste derived from synthetic fibers, as opposed to artificial fibers (like rayon). Waste in this context refers to by-products of the manufacturing process or the recovery of fibers from textile articles. Noils are the short fibers removed during the combing of staple fibers; yarn waste includes broken or tangled yarns from spinning or weaving; and garnetted stock is fiber obtained by tearing apart rags or yarn scraps. This classification is essential for the recycling industry and is determined by the chemical nature of the polymer and the physical state of the material as 'waste' rather than usable primary fiber.
- Covers
- Polyester yarn waste from weaving mills
- Nylon noils from the combing process
- Garnetted stock from synthetic textile rags
- Acrylic fiber scraps from staple fiber production
- Tangled synthetic filament 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. Synthetic fiber waste is often confused with 5505.20, which is reserved for artificial fiber waste (e.g., viscose or acetate). It is also frequently misclassified under 3915, which covers waste, parings, and scrap of plastics. The distinction lies in the form: if the material is in a textile form (fibers, yarns, or shredded fabric), it belongs in Chapter 55; if it is in the form of primary plastic scrap (pellets, lumps, or non-textile shapes), it belongs in Chapter 39. Additionally, usable staple fibers that are not waste are classified in 5503.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550510 (the code used for synthetic fiber waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550510 (the code used for synthetic fiber waste) 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 synthetic fiber waste.
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 synthetic fiber waste
Brazil classifies synthetic fiber waste 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 synthetic fiber waste
What is the HS code for Synthetic fiber waste?
The HS code for Synthetic fiber waste is 550510 (Fibres; waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of synthetic fibres). The HS code for waste of synthetic fibers, including noils and yarn waste, is 5505.10.
How do I classify Synthetic fiber waste for customs?
Synthetic fiber waste 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.
What is garnetted stock?
Garnetted stock is a type of waste produced by a garnetting machine, which shreds textile scraps, rags, or yarns back into a fibrous state so they can be reused in nonwovens or spinning.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic fiber waste (HS 550510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550510 (the code used for synthetic fiber waste) 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 synthetic fiber waste (HS 550510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550510 (the code used for synthetic fiber waste) 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 Synthetic fiber waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550510 for Synthetic fiber waste 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 synthetic fiber waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic fiber waste (HS 550510) is classified under NCM 5505.10.00.