Product classification
HS code for Synthetic staple fiber: 5503.90
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of synthetic staple fiber under HS 5503.90
HS code 5503.90 is utilized for synthetic staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. These fibers are man-made and cut to specific lengths, distinguishing them from continuous filaments. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to man-made staple fibers. Heading 5503 specifically addresses synthetic staple fibers that remain in their raw, unprocessed state following the initial extrusion and cutting process. Subheading 5503.90 is the "other" category, intended for synthetic fibers that do not meet the definitions of more specific subheadings, such as nylon or other polyamides (5503.11/5503.19), polyesters (5503.20), acrylic or modacrylic (5503.30), or polypropylene (5503.40). This code is essential for classifying specialized synthetic fibers like aramid or vinylal fibers when they are imported or exported in bulk form before undergoing mechanical textile processing. The classification is strictly for fibers that have not yet been prepared for the spinning process.
- Covers
- Polypropylene staple fibers
- Aramid staple fibers
- Vinylal staple fibers
- P-Aramid fibers (unprocessed)
- M-Aramid fibers (unprocessed)
- Synthetic fibers not elsewhere specified
- Also under 5503.90
- Invista Lycra (staple form)
- Teijin Aramid (staple form)
- Kuraray Vectran (staple form)
- DSM Dyneema (staple form)
- Toray specialty fibers (staple form)
Codes often confused with 5503.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5503.20 if the material is polyester, or 5501.00 if the material is a continuous filament tow. Furthermore, if the fibers have already been carded or combed, they must be classified under heading 5506 (specifically 5506.90) instead of 5503.90. Accurate identification of the chemical base and the processing stage is required.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550390 (the code used for synthetic staple fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550390 (the code used for synthetic staple fiber) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world imports. Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 550390, not only synthetic staple fiber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $183M 31% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $83M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $75M 13% of world exports
Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $584M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $82M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $58M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $52M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $650M 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 codes for synthetic staple fiber
Brazil splits HS 5503.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5503.90.10Other bicomponent staple, not carded or combed
- 5503.90.20Poly(vinyl alcohol) staple, not carded or combed
- 5503.90.90Other synthetic staple, not carded or combed
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic staple fiber
What is the HS code for Synthetic staple fiber?
The HS code for Synthetic staple fiber is 550390 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for unprocessed synthetic staple fibers not specified elsewhere is 5503.90.
How do I classify Synthetic staple fiber for customs?
Synthetic staple fiber is classified under HS code 550390 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5503, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between filament and staple fiber?
Filament fibers are continuous strands of indefinite length, while staple fibers are short, discrete lengths typically ranging from 1 to 15 centimeters.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic staple fiber (HS 550390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550390 (the code used for synthetic staple fiber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($183M, 31% of world exports), South Korea ($83M) and Japan ($75M). World exports came to about $584M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of synthetic staple fiber (HS 550390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550390 (the code used for synthetic staple fiber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($82M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($58M) and Germany ($52M). World imports came to about $650M, 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 staple fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550390 for Synthetic staple fiber 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 staple fiber in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 550390 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for synthetic staple fiber depends on the product's details: 5503.90.10 (Other bicomponent staple, not carded or combed), 5503.90.20 (Poly(vinyl alcohol) staple, not carded or combed), 5503.90.90 (Other synthetic staple, not carded or combed).