Product classification
HS code for Synthetic filament tow: 5501.90
Fibres, synthetic filament tow, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5501.
Classification of synthetic filament tow under HS 5501.90
Synthetic filament tow is classified under HS code 5501.90. This product is a precursor in the production of staple fibers and is governed by the specific notes of Chapter 55. According to the Chapter 55 Note 1, 'tow' must consist of parallel filaments of a uniform length equal to the length of the tow. It must meet several technical criteria: the length must exceed 2 meters, the twist must be less than 5 turns per meter, the filaments must measure less than 67 decitex each, and the total weight of the tow must be more than 20,000 decitex. Subheading 5501.90 is the residual category for tow made of synthetic materials other than those specified in 5501.10 through 5501.40 (nylon, polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene). This includes specialty polymers like aramids or elastomeric fibers. The classification is based on the physical dimensions and the chemical composition of the filaments.
- Covers
- Aramid filament tow for high-strength fibers
- Modacrylic filament tow for flame-retardant textiles
- Synthetic filament tow of vinyl polymers
- Elastomeric filament tow exceeding 2 meters in length
- Specialty synthetic tow for technical textile applications
- Also under 5501.90
- Generic industrial polypropylene tow
- Specialty elastane tow
- High-modulus polyethylene tow
- Polyurethane-based filament tow
Codes often confused with 5501.90
Common mistake. Synthetic filament tow is often misclassified as synthetic filament yarn (Chapter 54). However, yarn is intended for direct use in weaving or knitting and usually has a higher twist or different packaging. It is also confused with artificial filament tow (5502), which is made from cellulose-based polymers like rayon. Furthermore, if the tow is cut into short lengths (less than 2 meters), it is no longer classified as tow but as synthetic staple fibers under heading 5503. Finally, if it does not meet the decitex (weight/thickness) requirements, it may be classified as a bundle of filaments in Chapter 54.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550190 (the code used for synthetic filament tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550190 (the code used for synthetic filament tow) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kenya, with 24% 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 550190, not only synthetic filament tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $15M 27% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $12M 21% of world exports
- 3 United States $11M 20% of world exports
World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kenya $24M 24% of world imports
- 2 Germany $20M 19% of world imports
- 3 Tanzania $17M 17% of world imports
World total: $101M 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 filament tow
Brazil classifies synthetic filament tow under NCM 5501.90.00: HS 5501.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic filament tow
What is the HS code for Synthetic filament tow?
The HS code for Synthetic filament tow is 550190 (Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5501). The HS code for synthetic filament tow of materials other than nylon, polyester, acrylic, or polypropylene is 5501.90.
How do I classify Synthetic filament tow for customs?
Synthetic filament tow is classified under HS code 550190 — Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5501. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between tow and staple fiber?
Tow (5501) consists of continuous, parallel filaments in a large bundle, whereas staple fiber (5503) consists of tow that has been cut into short, discrete lengths for spinning into yarn.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic filament tow (HS 550190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550190 (the code used for synthetic filament tow) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($15M, 27% of world exports), South Korea ($12M) and the United States ($11M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 filament tow (HS 550190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550190 (the code used for synthetic filament tow) in UN Comtrade data were Kenya ($24M, 24% of world imports), Germany ($20M) and Tanzania ($17M). World imports came to about $101M, 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 filament tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550190 for Synthetic filament 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 synthetic filament tow in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic filament tow (HS 550190) is classified under NCM 5501.90.00.