HS Code 5504Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning

What HS code 5504 covers

The Harmonized System is a product naming scheme kept by the WCO. Customs offices in most countries use it, so a code means the same thing at every border. Heading 5504 sits in Section XI, the textiles section, inside the chapter for man-made staple fibres.

Two parts of the official wording matter. The word "artificial" separates these goods from synthetic fibres, which have their own headings. The phrase "not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning" tells you the fibre is still raw. Once a mill cards or combs it, the fibre moves to another heading.

HS 550410 vs 550490: viscose or other artificial fibres

Classification under this heading comes down to one question: is the fibre viscose? If yes, use HS 550410. This is the code people look for when they search for viscose staple fibre or viscose rayon staple fibres.

If the fibre is artificial but is not viscose, use HS 550490. Think of it as the "other" code. It holds every artificial staple fibre that is not viscose, as long as the fibre has not been prepared for spinning.

Many countries add extra digits after the international six-digit code to build their own tariff lines. Indian HSN lists work this way. The longer national codes begin with the same six digits, so a search on 550410 or 550490 still leads you to the right family. Confirm the exact local code with your customs broker.

Difference between HS 5503 and 5504, and other close headings

Most mistakes come from picking a neighbouring heading. Ask two questions. Is the fibre synthetic or artificial? Has it been prepared for spinning or not? The list below shows how each close heading differs from 5504.

• 5503, synthetic staple fibres, unprocessed: same raw stage, but the fibre is synthetic, not artificial.
• 5507, artificial staple fibres that are carded or combed: same fibre type, but already prepared for the spinning mill.
• 5502, artificial filament tow: same fibre type, but it is a bundle of endless filaments, not short staple.
• 5505, waste of man-made fibres, including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock: leftovers from production, not fresh fibre.

Where artificial staple fibres go next

Fibre under this heading is an early step in the textile chain. Later steps have their own headings. Yarn of artificial staple fibres sits in 5510, and woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres sit in 5516.

If your product does not fit any of these, the HS code classifier can help you narrow it down before you file a declaration or search for trade records.

Import and export records for HS 5504

Looking for importers and exporters of artificial staple fibres? Records filed under this heading are the place to start.

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage comes from 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly, and some refresh daily.

You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.