Artificial staple fibers — HTS 5504
Artificial staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
Chapter 55 › Heading 5504
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 5504 is a broad product category for artificial staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise prepared for spinning. “Artificial” generally refers to fibers made from regenerated or chemically modified natural polymers, such as cellulose-based fibers, rather than synthetic fibers made from polymers such as polyester or nylon. “Staple” means the fibers are cut or produced in limited lengths, not continuous filaments.
The 4-digit heading is only the starting point. To select the full 8-digit HTSUS code, narrow the product by its material or fiber type and then review any further distinctions in the current tariff schedule. Confirm that the goods are still unprocessed for spinning; fibers that have been carded, combed, blended, or otherwise prepared may belong elsewhere. The product’s manufacturing process and technical specifications are important, and a customs broker or classification specialist may be needed for borderline cases.
What to check
- Confirm that the product is an artificial staple fiber, not a synthetic fiber or a continuous filament.
- Verify the fiber’s precise material, such as its chemical or regenerated-cellulose composition, using the supplier’s specifications and production records.
- Check whether the fibers have been carded, combed, blended, or otherwise processed for spinning before using heading 5504.
- Read the full subheading structure and the HTSUS legal notes to identify the applicable 8-digit distinction.
- Keep product descriptions, technical data sheets, and samples or laboratory information that support the classification.
HTS heading 5504 summary
Artificial staple fibers 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5504.10.00.00 👉 | Of viscose rayon | 4.3% | Free | 25% |
| 5504.90.00.00 👉 | Other | 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 5504?
Artificial 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.