Artificial filament tow
2 declarable lines
Heading 5502 covers artificial filament tow, a bundle of continuous filaments made from regenerated cellulose. The heading is split between cellulose acetate tow and all other artificial filament tow.
Products in this heading
- Cellulose acetate tow for cigarette filters
- Cellulose acetate tow in bales for staple fiber production
- Viscose rayon filament tow
- Cupro filament tow
- Artificial filament tow for nonwoven fabric production
- Acetate tow for filter rod manufacturing
- Artificial filament tow for cutting into staple fibers
How to choose the right subheading
- Confirm the product is an artificial filament tow, meaning continuous regenerated cellulose filaments bundled together.
- Check whether the tow is cellulose acetate; if yes, use 5502.10.00.00.
- If the tow is another artificial material, use 5502.90.00.00.
- Distinguish tow from staple fibers; cut fibers are classified in other headings.
- Distinguish artificial tow from synthetic tow; synthetic tow is classified in heading 5501.
Often confused with
- Heading 5501Synthetic filament tow, such as nylon or polyester tow
Synthetic filament tow is classified in heading 5501, not heading 5502.
- Heading 5503Synthetic staple fibers, not carded or combed
Staple fibers are cut fibers, not continuous filament tow.
- Heading 5504Artificial staple fibers, not carded or combed
Once artificial tow is cut into staple fibers, it leaves heading 5502.
- Heading 5505Waste of man-made fibers
Fiber waste and noils are classified as waste, not as tow.
- Heading 5510Yarn of artificial staple fibers, not put up for retail sale
Spun yarn is a later-stage product, not filament tow.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for cellulose acetate tow?
Cellulose acetate tow is classified under 5502.10.00.00. The general (MFN) duty rate for that line is 7.5%.
What is the duty on other artificial filament tow?
Other artificial filament tow falls under 5502.90.00.00. The general (MFN) duty rate is 7.5%.
How do I classify artificial filament tow?
First confirm the product is a tow of artificial filaments, not synthetic filament tow. Cellulose acetate tow uses 5502.10.00.00 at 7.5% general (MFN); other artificial filament tow uses 5502.90.00.00 at 7.5% general (MFN).
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.