Synthetic filament tow
7 declarable lines
Heading 5501 covers synthetic filament tow, which is a continuous bundle of synthetic filaments used mainly for later conversion into staple fiber or top. The heading is split first by polymer type: nylon or other polyamides, polyesters, acrylic or modacrylic, polypropylene, and other. Acrylic or modacrylic tow has a further split based on specified acrylonitrile content, filament count, filament diameter, or separable tow construction.
Products in this heading
- Aramid filament tow used as precursor for carbon fiber
- Nylon filament tow for tow-to-top processing
- Polyester filament tow for conversion into staple fiber
- Acrylic filament tow for acrylic yarn production
- Modacrylic filament tow for protective textile yarns
- Polypropylene filament tow for industrial textile uses
- Other synthetic filament tow not covered by the named polymers
How to choose the right subheading
- Confirm the product is synthetic filament tow, not artificial filament tow and not cut staple fiber.
- Identify the polymer: nylon or other polyamides, polyesters, acrylic or modacrylic, polypropylene, or other.
- For nylon or other polyamides, choose aramids versus other polyamides.
- For acrylic or modacrylic, check acrylonitrile content, filament count, filament diameter, and separable tow construction to choose 5501.30.00.10 or 5501.30.00.90.
- If the tow is not of a named polymer, classify it as other synthetic filament tow.
Often confused with
- Heading 5502Artificial filament tow made of viscose or acetate
Chapter 55 separates artificial tow from synthetic tow.
- Heading 5503Synthetic staple fibers, not carded or combed
Staple fibers are cut lengths, not continuous filament tow.
- Heading 5506Synthetic staple fibers carded or combed for spinning
Carding or combing moves the fibers to a later processing heading.
- Heading 5509Yarn of synthetic staple fibers, not put up for retail sale
Spun yarn is a later stage than filament tow.
- Heading 5512Woven fabric of synthetic staple fibers with 85% or more by weight synthetic staple fibers
Woven fabric is a finished textile rather than filament tow.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for polyester filament tow?
Polyester synthetic filament tow is classified in 5501.20.00.00; the general (MFN) rate is 7.5%.
What is the duty on aramid filament tow?
Aramid filament tow falls under 5501.11.00.00; the general (MFN) rate is 7.5%. Other nylon or polyamide tow uses 5501.19.00.00 at the same general (MFN) rate of 7.5%.
How do I classify acrylic filament tow?
Start with 5501.30.00.10 if the tow meets the listed acrylonitrile content, filament count, filament diameter, or separable tow construction requirements; otherwise use 5501.30.00.90. Both carry a general (MFN) rate of 7.5%.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.
All lines in heading 5501
- 5501.11.00.00Synthetic filament tow / Of nylon or other polyamides / Of aramids7.5%
- 5501.19.00.00Synthetic filament tow / Of nylon or other polyamides / Other7.5%
- 5501.20.00.00Synthetic filament tow / Of polyesters7.5%
- 5501.30.00.10Containing 92 percent or more by weight of acrylonitrile units with filaments numbering fewer than 70,000 (+/-2000) with filament diameter 1.59 decitex (plus or minus 0.027) or less, or in a separable tow construction capable of being separated into tows of 70,000 (+/-2000) or fewer with filament diameter 1.59 decitex (plus or minus 0.027) or less.7.5%
- 5501.30.00.90Synthetic filament tow / Acrylic or modacrylic / Other7.5%
- 5501.40.00.00Synthetic filament tow / Of polypropylene7.5%
- 5501.90.01.00Synthetic filament tow / Other7.5%