HTS Chapter 55: Man-made staple fibres
HTS Chapter 55 covers Man-made staple fibres. Browse 15 published headings, then narrow to the active product line that matches the goods.
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS Chapter 55 covers man-made textile fibers and products made from them. It includes synthetic and artificial filament tow, staple fibers, fiber waste, sewing thread, yarn, and woven fabrics. The listed headings distinguish the material type, whether fibers are synthetic or artificial, how fibers have been processed, whether yarn is for retail sale, and the fabric’s fiber percentages and weight.
The HTS is hierarchical: a chapter identifies a broad product group; a heading generally uses four digits; a subheading adds detail at six digits; and the U.S. tariff schedule may continue to a 10-digit statistical number. To classify a product, start with its physical composition and form, then verify processing, construction, fiber content, weight, packaging, and intended use where the tariff language makes use relevant. Read the heading and subheading text, legal notes, and applicable classification rules rather than selecting a code based only on a product name.
What to check
- Confirm whether the fiber is synthetic or artificial and document the specific fiber material.
- Identify the product’s form and processing stage: tow, staple fiber, waste, yarn, or woven fabric; check whether fibers are carded, combed, or otherwise processed.
- For fabrics and yarn, verify fiber percentages, fabric weight, construction, and whether the yarn is put up for retail sale.
- Review Chapter 55 notes and the HTS exclusions to determine whether another chapter or heading applies, especially for knitted goods, nonwovens, made-up articles, or specialty products.
- Check the current U.S. tariff database for the complete 10-digit number and any applicable Chapter 99 provisions, additional duties, exclusions, quotas, or trade-program requirements; obtain broker or ruling advice when the facts are unclear.
How to use this chapter
A chapter is the first classification level, not a duty rate. Choose the heading that describes the product, narrow by material, construction, use, or other legal distinctions, and verify the final line against the official HTS notes.
Heading list
| HTS code | Description | Linked 8-digit entries |
|---|---|---|
| 5501 | Synthetic filament tow: | 1 |
| 5502 | Artificial filament tow: | 0 |
| 5503 | Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: | 1 |
| 5504 | Artificial staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: | 0 |
| 5505 | Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock) of man-made fibers: | 1 |
| 5506 | Synthetic staple fibers, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: | 0 |
| 5508 | Sewing thread of man-made staple fibers, whether or not put up for retail sale: | 0 |
| 5509 | Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibers, not put up for retail sale: | 4 |
| 5510 | Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibers, not put up for retail sale: | 0 |
| 5511 | Yarn (other than sewing thread) of man-made staple fibers, put up for retail sale: | 1 |
| 5512 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing 85 percent or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers: | 6 |
| 5513 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing less than 85 percent by weight of such fibers, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170 g/m²: | 8 |
| 5514 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing less than 85 percent by weight of such fibers, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight exceeding 170 g/m²: | 6 |
| 5515 | Other woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers: | 6 |
| 5516 | Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers: | 15 |
Linked measures
0 linked measure entries in the current snapshot.
Questions about HTS Chapter 55
What does HTS Chapter 55 cover?
HTS Chapter 55 covers Man-made staple fibres. This page groups the chapter’s 4-digit headings; a shipment still needs the most specific active 8- or 10-digit line supported by the product facts.
Is HTS Chapter 55 a final product classification?
No. A chapter is a broad 2-digit category. Narrow it to the applicable heading and the most specific active statistical line before estimating duty or filing an entry.