Sewing thread of man-made staple fibers — HTS 5508
Sewing thread of man-made staple fibers, whether or not put up for retail sale
Chapter 55 › Heading 5508
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 5508 covers sewing thread made from man-made staple fibers. “Man-made” generally means manufactured fibers, and “staple” means the fibers were made in short lengths rather than as continuous filaments. The heading can include thread prepared for sewing and whether it is packaged for retail sale or supplied in another form.
This 4-digit heading is a broad product category, not the final tariff classification. To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, first confirm that the item is sewing thread and that its fibers are man-made staple fibers. Then use the relevant subheading distinctions, commonly based on the fiber material or other stated product characteristics. The product’s construction, packaging, and any applicable legal notes should be checked against the current HTSUS wording.
What to check
- Confirm that the product is thread intended for sewing, rather than yarn, embroidery material, cord, or another textile product.
- Identify the exact fiber composition, such as the specific man-made staple fiber, using supplier specifications and test documentation when necessary.
- Check whether the thread is a single fiber type or a blend, and determine which classification rule applies to the blend.
- Review how the thread is put up or packaged, including whether it is prepared for retail sale, and compare that information with the applicable subheading language.
- Verify the complete 8-digit HTSUS code in the current official tariff and seek customs-broker or classification advice if the fiber content, construction, or intended use is unclear.
HTS heading 5508 summary
Sewing thread of man-made 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5508.10.00.00 👉 | Of synthetic staple fibers (200) | 11.4% | Free | 55% |
| 5508.20.00.00 👉 | Of artificial staple fibers (200) | 11% | Free | 55% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 5508?
Sewing thread of man-made staple fibers, whether or not put up for retail sale. 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.