Synthetic staple fibers — HTS 5506
Synthetic staple fibers, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning
Chapter 55 › Heading 5506
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 5506 covers synthetic staple fibers that have been carded, combed, or otherwise prepared for spinning. These are man-made fibers in relatively short lengths, processed into a form suitable for making yarn. The heading groups the goods at a broad four-digit level; it does not by itself identify the fiber material or the final U.S. tariff treatment.
To narrow the product to an eight-digit HTSUS code, first confirm that the goods are synthetic staple fibers and that they have been processed for spinning. Then use the applicable subheading distinctions, which commonly depend on the fiber type or material, such as polyester, acrylic or modacrylic, polyamide, or another synthetic fiber category. Verify the complete product description, including fiber composition, processing, and any relevant physical characteristics, against the current HTSUS and official classification guidance.
What to check
- Confirm that the merchandise is a synthetic staple fiber, rather than natural fiber, filament fiber, yarn, fabric, or an unprocessed fiber product.
- Document the chemical fiber type and composition from the manufacturer, technical data sheet, or laboratory information.
- Verify that the fibers are carded, combed, or otherwise prepared for spinning; do not assume that any cleaning or cutting process qualifies.
- Read all subheading notes and statistical descriptions when choosing the eight-digit code, including distinctions based on material or fiber type.
- Request a customs-broker review or a binding classification ruling if the processing, composition, or intended classification is unclear.
HTS heading 5506 summary
Synthetic staple fibers is a 4-digit product category containing 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5506.10.00.00 👉 | Of nylon or other polyamides | 5% | Free | 51.5% |
| 5506.20.00.00 👉 | Of polyesters | 5.7% | Free | 51.5% |
| 5506.30.00.00 👉 | Acrylic or modacrylic | 5% | Free | 51.5% |
| 5506.40.00.00 👉 | Of polypropylene | 5% | Free | 51.5% |
| 5506.90.01.00 👉 | Other | 5% | Free | 51.5% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 5506?
Synthetic staple fibers, 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.