Synthetic staple fibers — HTS 5503
Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
Chapter 55 › Heading 5503
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 5503 is a 4-digit product category for synthetic staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise prepared for spinning. “Synthetic” generally means man-made fibers produced from chemical polymers, and “staple” means fibers made in cut lengths rather than continuous filaments. The heading can cover fibers supplied as loose material before the textile-spinning preparation stage.
The 8-digit code is selected by moving through the more specific subheadings under heading 5503. Those subheadings commonly distinguish the fiber’s material or polymer type and, where applicable, other legally defined characteristics. Confirm the product’s technical composition, physical form, and processing history against the current HTSUS wording and relevant notes; classification can require customs-broker or other professional judgment when the facts are unclear.
What to check
- Verify that the merchandise is synthetic staple fiber, not natural fiber, regenerated fiber, filament yarn, or a finished textile product.
- Check whether the fiber has been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning; processing beyond the heading’s scope may place it elsewhere.
- Identify the exact polymer or material from specifications, safety data, product literature, or supplier documentation.
- Read every subheading and applicable section, chapter, and subheading note before choosing the 8-digit code.
- Keep supporting records and ask a customs broker or seek an official classification ruling if the material, processing, or product form is ambiguous.
HTS heading 5503 summary
Synthetic staple fibers is a 4-digit product category containing 4 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.
Sub-categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 5503.19 | Other |
| 5503.90 | Other |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5503.11.00.00 👉 | Of aramids | 4.3% | Free | 25% |
| 5503.20.00 👉 | Of polyesters | 4.3% | Free | 25% |
| 5503.30.00.00 👉 | Acrylic or modacrylic | 4.3% | Free | 25% |
| 5503.40.00.00 👉 | Of polypropylene | 4.3% | Free | 25% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 5503?
Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. 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.