Product classification
HS code for Synthetic staple fibers: 5506.90
Fibres, synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5506, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Classification of synthetic staple fibers under HS 5506.90
HS code 5506.90 identifies synthetic staple fibers that have undergone carding, combing, or other preparatory processes for spinning. This classification is distinct from heading 5503, which covers raw, unprocessed fibers. Chapter 55 governs man-made staple fibers, and heading 5506 specifically addresses those fibers that have been mechanically manipulated to align them or remove impurities, a necessary step before they can be spun into yarn. Subheading 5506.90 is the residual category for fibers other than nylon or other polyamides (5506.10), polyesters (5506.20), or acrylic and modacrylic (5506.30). The transition from a 5503 classification to a 5506 classification occurs the moment the fiber is subjected to carding or combing. This distinction is vital for customs purposes as processed fibers often carry different duty rates or regulatory requirements compared to raw staple fibers. The classification depends on the physical state of the fiber and its readiness for the spinning frame.
- Covers
- Carded polypropylene fibers
- Combed aramid fibers
- Carded vinylal fibers
- Processed synthetic fibers for spinning
- Combed p-aramid fibers
- Carded synthetic fiber tops
- Also under 5506.90
- Lycra (spandex fibre)
- Kevlar (aramid fibre)
- Nomex (aramid fibre)
- Dyneema (polyethylene fibre)
Codes often confused with 5506.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using 5503.90, which is for raw, unprocessed staple fibers. Another error involves 5506.10 or 5506.20 if the fibers are nylon or polyester, respectively. If the fibers are carded or combed but are of artificial origin (like rayon), they must be classified under heading 5507.00 instead.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550690 (the code used for synthetic staple fibers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550690 (the code used for synthetic staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Senegal, with 12% 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 550690, not only synthetic staple fibers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.4M 14% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $1.2M 12% of world exports
World total: $9.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Senegal $1.6M 12% of world imports
- 2 Israel $1.2M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $1.1M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $13M 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 staple fibers
Brazil classifies synthetic staple fibers under NCM 5506.90.00: HS 5506.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic staple fibers
What is the HS code for Synthetic staple fibers?
The HS code for Synthetic staple fibers is 550690 (Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5506, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning). The HS code for processed (carded or combed) synthetic staple fibers not specified elsewhere is 5506.90.
How do I classify Synthetic staple fibers for customs?
Synthetic staple fibers is classified under HS code 550690 — Fibres; synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5506, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why does carding change the HS code from 5503 to 5506?
Carding is a significant manufacturing step that prepares fibers for spinning; the HS system distinguishes between raw materials and semi-processed textile fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic staple fibers (HS 550690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550690 (the code used for synthetic staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($1.4M) and Belgium ($1.2M). World exports came to about $9.4M, 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 staple fibers (HS 550690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550690 (the code used for synthetic staple fibers) in UN Comtrade data were Senegal ($1.6M, 12% of world imports), Israel ($1.2M) and Indonesia ($1.1M). World imports came to about $13M, 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 fibers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550690 for Synthetic staple 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 synthetic staple fibers in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic staple fibers (HS 550690) is classified under NCM 5506.90.00.