Synthetic filament tow — HTS 5501
Synthetic filament tow
Chapter 55 › Heading 5501
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 heading 5501 is a broad product category for synthetic filament tow. “Tow” generally means a bundle of many continuous synthetic filaments, typically gathered together for further processing rather than sold as finished yarn or fabric. The heading groups these filament bundles at the 4-digit level; it does not by itself provide the complete tariff classification.
To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, narrow the product using the more detailed subheadings and statistical provisions under heading 5501. The distinguishing details commonly include the fiber material or chemical type and, where the tariff specifies it, the tow’s form or technical characteristics. Confirm the product’s composition and intended presentation, then read the full hierarchy from heading to subheading to statistical suffix. A customs broker or classification specialist should review uncertain cases.
What to check
- Obtain the supplier’s fiber specification, including the polymer or chemical material and whether the filaments are synthetic.
- Confirm that the merchandise is filament tow, not staple fiber, yarn, fabric, or another processed article.
- Check the product’s physical form and technical specifications against the wording and notes for each 8-digit provision.
- Use the complete HTSUS description and applicable section, chapter, and heading notes; do not classify from the heading title alone.
- Keep invoices, technical data sheets, and composition records supporting the selected code, and seek broker or ruling guidance when the details are ambiguous.
HTS heading 5501 summary
Synthetic filament tow is a 4-digit product category containing 6 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5501.11.00.00 👉 | Of aramids | 7.5% | Free | 45% |
| 5501.19.00.00 👉 | Other | 7.5% | Free | 45% |
| 5501.20.00.00 👉 | Of polyesters | 7.5% | Free | 45% |
| 5501.30.00 👉 | Acrylic or modacrylic | 7.5% | Free | 45% |
| 5501.40.00.00 👉 | Of polypropylene | 7.5% | Free | 45% |
| 5501.90.01.00 👉 | Other | 7.5% | Free | 45% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 5501?
Synthetic filament tow. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.