HS-2 · Chapter 55
HS chapter 55: Man-made staple fibres
Section XI — Textiles and textile articles
Goods classified under this chapter include synthetic and artificial staple fibres, such as polyester yarn used in clothing manufacturing. If you're importing or exporting these products, understanding the specific HS-4 codes is crucial for compliance and accurate duty assessment.
To determine the correct HS-4 code, start by identifying the form of the fibre—whether it's filament tow, staple fibres, or waste. Next, check if the fibres are carded, combed, or processed for spinning, as this affects the classification. For example, synthetic staple fibres that are processed for spinning fall under 5506, while those that are not processed fall under 5503.
Be mindful of the percentage of synthetic fibres in woven fabrics when selecting codes. For instance, if your product is a woven fabric containing 85% or more synthetic fibres, it should be classified under 5512. If it contains less than 85% and is mixed with cotton, the classification will depend on the weight of the fabric, leading to different HS-4 codes.
Lastly, consider the end-use of the product. If you are dealing with sewing threads or yarns, ensure you check if they are put up for retail sale or not, as this distinction will guide you to the correct HS-4 code, such as 5508 for sewing thread or 5511 for retail yarn.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
man-made fibres · synthetic staple fibres · artificial staple fibres · filament tow · waste fibres · woven fabrics · sewing thread · yarn classification · carded fibres · combed fibres · processed fibres · retail sale yarn · textile imports · trade compliance · HS-4 codes · duty assessment · fibre percentage
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- classification of man-made staple fibres in trade
- how to find HS-4 codes for synthetic fibres
- differences between synthetic and artificial fibres in HS
- requirements for importing woven fabrics of synthetic fibres
- processing methods for staple fibres and their classifications
- impact of fibre percentage on HS code selection
- guidelines for exporting sewing threads of man-made fibres
- understanding waste classifications in man-made fibre trade
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Polyester staple fibres for textile production
- Nylon sewing thread in retail packaging
- Synthetic filament tow for industrial applications
- Yarn of artificial staple fibres, not for retail sale
- Woven fabric made of synthetic fibres, exceeding 170g/m2
- Waste material from synthetic fibre production
- Carded synthetic staple fibres ready for spinning
- Mixed woven fabrics of synthetic fibres and cotton
Common classification questions
- What are man-made staple fibres?
- How to classify synthetic fibres for import?
- What is the difference between synthetic and artificial staple fibres?
- How do I determine the correct HS-4 code for my product?
- What are the packaging requirements for man-made fibres?
- How to classify waste from synthetic fibre production?
- What are the end-use classifications for woven fabrics?
- How to handle mixed fibre products in trade?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products fall under HS-55?
- HS-55 covers synthetic and artificial staple fibres, including yarns, sewing threads, and woven fabrics.
- How do I choose between HS-4 codes for staple fibres?
- Identify the form and processing status of the fibres, then check the specific HS-4 codes based on these characteristics.
- What is the significance of the percentage of synthetic fibres in woven fabrics?
- The percentage determines the correct HS-4 classification, affecting duty rates and compliance requirements.
- Are there specific packaging requirements for man-made fibres?
- Yes, packaging may vary based on the product type and whether it's for retail sale or industrial use.
- What should I do if my product contains both synthetic and natural fibres?
- You need to classify based on the dominant fibre type and its percentage in the product to find the appropriate HS-4 code.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 55 (16)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 5501 | Synthetic filament tow | |
| 5502 | Artificial filament tow | |
| 5503 | Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | |
| 5504 | Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | |
| 5505 | Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres | |
| 5506 | Synthetic staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | |
| 5507 | Artificial staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | |
| 5508 | Sewing thread of man-made staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale | |
| 5509 | Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale | |
| 5510 | Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale | |
| 5511 | Yarn (not sewing thread), of man-made staple fibres, put up for retail sale | |
| 5512 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres | |
| 5513 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170g/m2 | |
| 5514 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight exceeding 170g/m2 | |
| 5515 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 55 | |
| 5516 | Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres |
Browse first heading (HS-4 5501)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (5501). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
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