Chapter 55 HS Codes: Chapter 55 Commodities
CHAPTER DEFINITION & SCOPE
HS Chapter 55 of the WCO Harmonized System covers chapter 55 commodities. It groups 16 4-digit WCO headings and 110 6-digit subheadings under the official 2026 customs nomenclature [USITC HTS 2026].
Chapter
Ch 55
Headings
16 Headings
Subheadings
110 HS6
US Tariff Status
Active 2026
Chapter 55 4-Digit Headings Directory
| Heading | WCO Heading Description | Subheading Count | Directory Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading 5501 | Synthetic filament tow | 6 subheadings | Browse Heading 5501 → |
| Heading 5502 | Artificial filament tow | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5502 → |
| Heading 5503 | Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 6 subheadings | Browse Heading 5503 → |
| Heading 5504 | Artificial staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5504 → |
| Heading 5505 | Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock) of man-made fibers | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5505 → |
| Heading 5506 | Synthetic staple fibers, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 5 subheadings | Browse Heading 5506 → |
| Heading 5507 | Artificial staple fibers, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 5507 → |
| Heading 5508 | Sewing thread of man-made staple fibers, whether or not put up for retail sale | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 5508 → |
| Heading 5509 | Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibers, not put up for retail sale | 18 subheadings | Browse Heading 5509 → |
| Heading 5510 | Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibers, not put up for retail sale | 5 subheadings | Browse Heading 5510 → |
| Heading 5511 | Yarn (other than sewing thread) of man-made staple fibers, put up for retail sale | 3 subheadings | Browse Heading 5511 → |
| Heading 5512 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing 85 percent or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers | 6 subheadings | Browse Heading 5512 → |
| Heading 5513 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing less than 85 percent by weight of such fibers, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170 g/m² | 11 subheadings | Browse Heading 5513 → |
| Heading 5514 | Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing less than 85 percent by weight of such fibers, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight exceeding 170 g/m² | 12 subheadings | Browse Heading 5514 → |
| Heading 5515 | Other woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers | 9 subheadings | Browse Heading 5515 → |
| Heading 5516 | Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers | 20 subheadings | Browse Heading 5516 → |
Chapter 55 Subheading Sample & MFN Duty Rates
| HS Code | Subheading Description | Heading | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5501.11 | Synthetic filament tow, Of nylon or other polyamides, Of aramids | 5501 | View 5501.11 → |
| 5501.19 | Synthetic filament tow, Of nylon or other polyamides, Other | 5501 | View 5501.19 → |
| 5501.20 | Synthetic filament tow, Of polyesters | 5501 | View 5501.20 → |
| 5501.30 | Synthetic filament tow, Acrylic or modacrylic | 5501 | View 5501.30 → |
| 5501.40 | Synthetic filament tow, Of polypropylene | 5501 | View 5501.40 → |
| 5501.90 | Synthetic filament tow, Other | 5501 | View 5501.90 → |
| 5502.10 | Artificial filament tow, Of cellulose acetate | 5502 | View 5502.10 → |
| 5502.90 | Artificial filament tow, Other | 5502 | View 5502.90 → |
| 5503.11 | Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, Of nylon or other polyamides, Of aramids | 5503 | View 5503.11 → |
| 5503.19 | Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, Of nylon or other polyamides, Other | 5503 | View 5503.19 → |
| 5503.20 | Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, Of polyesters | 5503 | View 5503.20 → |
| 5503.30 | Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, Acrylic or modacrylic | 5503 | View 5503.30 → |
| 5503.40 | Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, Of polypropylene | 5503 | View 5503.40 → |
| 5503.90 | Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, Other | 5503 | View 5503.90 → |
| 5504.10 | Artificial staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, Of viscose rayon | 5504 | View 5504.10 → |
EXPERT CLASSIFICATION PRO TIPS
Common Pitfalls When Classifying Chapter 55 Goods
- Always review WCO Section and Chapter Legal Notes before assigning 4-digit headings.
- Distinguish carefully between unprocessed raw materials and further prepared or processed articles.
- Verify Partner Government Agency (PGA) flags for agriculture, food, or chemical items.
- Cross-reference official CBP CROSS rulings for binding precedents on mixed or composite goods.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 55 Tariff ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
Customs Rulings Online Search System for Chapter 55 binding classification precedents.
WCO HS Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization international 6-digit Harmonized System backbone standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau trade statistics and Schedule B concordance portal.
Chapter 55 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commodities are covered under HS Chapter 55?
Chapter 55 (Chapter 55 Commodities) covers WCO Harmonized System 4-digit headings from 5501 upward, encompassing primary goods, raw materials, and manufactured articles within this nomenclature section.
How many 4-digit headings exist in HS Chapter 55?
Chapter 55 contains 16 official 4-digit WCO headings and 110 6-digit tariff subheadings.
What is the US general import duty range for Chapter 55 commodities?
Base customs duties under Chapter 55 range from 0.0% (Duty-Free) up to representative MFN rate limits depending on 10-digit HTS statistical suffix extensions.
Do Section 301 China tariffs apply to Chapter 55 imports?
Section 301 tariffs depend on specific 8-digit HTS subheadings. Importers must verify if their exact HTS code appears on USTR Lists 1 through 4A.
Are Partner Government Agency (PGA) permits required for Chapter 55?
PGA message-set flags (such as FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA, or CITES) apply conditionally depending on the commodity classification within Chapter 55.
How are products classified between adjacent headings in Chapter 55?
Classification follows WCO General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 through 6, prioritizing specific heading terms over general descriptions.
Can Chapter 55 goods enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in USMCA member states (US, Mexico, Canada) or FTA partners enter duty-free under SPI code P, KR, AU, or CL with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Chapter 55 shipments?
Eligible commercial shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day may enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal entry of Chapter 55 goods?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and entry summary CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP ruling for Chapter 55?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling application under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division.