Artificial filament tow — HTS 5502
Artificial filament tow
Chapter 55 › Heading 5502
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 5502 is a 4-digit product category for artificial filament tow. “Tow” generally means a loose, continuous bundle of many filaments, rather than yarn, fabric, or finished textile goods. “Artificial” refers to filaments made from regenerated or chemically modified natural polymers, such as cellulose-based materials; it is different from “synthetic” filaments made from fully synthetic polymers.
To reach the correct U.S. HTS code, follow the tariff hierarchy from heading 5502 to the applicable 6-digit and 8-digit subheading. The narrower code commonly depends on the filament material or specified type, along with any product descriptions or exclusions in the subheading notes. Confirm that the merchandise is truly tow in the condition imported, not yarn, staple fiber, waste, or a further-manufactured article.
What to check
- Confirm the product is a continuous filament bundle marketed and imported as tow, and not yarn, cut fiber, fabric, or waste.
- Identify the exact fiber-forming material from the supplier’s technical specification, safety data, or manufacturing records.
- Read every subheading description and the relevant Section and Chapter Notes before choosing the 8-digit code.
- Check whether the tariff distinguishes the material, treatment, or other stated product characteristics of your tow.
- Compare the proposed classification with binding rulings, prior broker classifications, or official customs guidance; seek customs-broker advice when the material or product form is unclear.
HTS heading 5502 summary
Artificial filament tow is a 4-digit product category containing 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5502.10.00.00 👉 | Of cellulose acetate | 7.5% | Free | 45% |
| 5502.90.00.00 👉 | 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 5502?
Artificial 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.