</>Build with Tariff Intelligence|Programmatic access to tariff calculations and HS code classification.Explore Developer Resources →

Polyester Filament Tow for Staple Fiber Production from China

Uncrimped polyester filament tow consisting of continuous filaments of polyethylene terephthalate, used primarily for cutting into staple fibers for spinning into yarn. It falls under HTS 5501.20.00.00 as synthetic filament tow specifically of polyesters, prior to conversion into staple fibers. This product is essential for textile manufacturing processes.

Duty Rate — China → United States

45%

Rate breakdown

9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China

Import Tips

Verify denier and filament count specifications to confirm classification as tow; obtain supplier certificates for polyester composition

Common pitfall: misclassifying as continuous filament yarn if not in tow form

Ensure documentation shows it's for staple fiber conversion