Heading 5503

HTS code 5503Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning

Chapter
55Man-made staple fibers
Tariff lines
11
General duty
General duty rate of 4.3%, with 2 duty-free lines

Tariff lines under heading 5503

Full 10-digit codes with their general (MFN) duty rates. The correct line depends on the product's material, construction, and use.

HTS codeDescriptionGeneral rateUnit
5503.11.0000Of aramids (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning > Of nylon or other polyamides)4.3%kg
5503.19.1000Containing 10 percent or more by weight of nylon 12 (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning > Of nylon or other polyamides > Other)Freekg
5503.19.9000Other (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning > Of nylon or other polyamides > Other)4.3%kg
5503.20.0015Bi-component fibers having an outer copolymer sheath that melts at a lower temperature than the core, of a kind used for bonding fibers together (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning > Of polyesters)4.3%kg
5503.20.0025Measuring less than 3.3 decitex (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning > Of polyesters > Other)4.3%kg
5503.20.0045Measuring 3.3 decitex or more but less than 13.2 decitex (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning > Of polyesters > Other)4.3%kg
5503.20.0065Measuring 13.2 decitex or more (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning > Of polyesters > Other)4.3%kg
5503.30.0000Acrylic or modacrylic (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning)4.3%kg
5503.40.0000Of polypropylene (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning)4.3%kg
5503.90.1000Of vinyon (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning > Other)Freekg
5503.90.9000Other (Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning > Other)4.3%kg

Documents required to import under 5503

Customs paperwork typically required to import these goods into the United States. Conditional items depend on shipment value, transport mode, or origin.

  • Commercial InvoiceRequired
  • Packing ListRequired
  • Bill of Lading / Airway BillRequired
  • CBP Entry Summary (7501)Required

    Prepared and filed by your customs broker

  • CBP Entry / Release (3461)Required

    Prepared and filed by your customs broker

  • Customs Bond (CBP 301)Conditional

    Required for formal entries — generally shipments valued over $2,500

    Single-entry or continuous bond, obtained through your broker or a surety

  • Importer Security Filing (ISF "10+2")Conditional

    Required for ocean freight only

    Filed electronically at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port

  • Importer ID Input Record (CBP 5106)Conditional

    Required to establish or update your importer-of-record number with CBP

    One-time setup for a new importer; not filed per shipment

  • Entry Manifest (CBP 7533)Conditional

    Alternative to the 3461 for informal, low-value, or contiguous-country entries

  • Textile DeclarationRequired

    CBP Form 3311 — declares fiber content, country of origin, manufacturer

  • Visa / Export LicenseConditional

    Required for shipments from quota-restricted countries

Common questions

What is HTS code 5503?
HTS heading 5503 covers synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. It sits in Chapter 55 (man-made staple fibers) of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule and contains 11 tariff lines.
What is the duty rate for HTS 5503?
General duty rate of 4.3%, with 2 duty-free lines. The general rate applies to most-favoured-nation trading partners; goods from countries with a free trade agreement may qualify for a reduced or duty-free special rate.
How many digits does a full HTS code have?
US import entries require the full 10-digit HTS code. Heading 5503 is the first four digits — the remaining six narrow it down to the specific product, which is what determines the duty rate you actually pay.

Related headings in Chapter 55