Analysis
Heading 5501 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers synthetic filament tow. It divides into 6 six-digit subheadings and 6 eight-digit tariff lines, with 7 ten-digit statistical suffixes below them.
None of its 6 lines is duty-free at the general rate. Rates run from 7.5% to 7.5% with a median of 7.5%, so the line you choose sets the duty.
Its median rate of 7.5% sits at the 23rd percentile of the headings in chapter 55.
The largest subheadings are 5501.11 (unnamed, 1 line), 5501.19 (unnamed, 1 line), 5501.20 (unnamed, 1 line) and 5501.30 (unnamed, 1 line).
By Census's concordance, most of its statistical lines are made by Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (325220). Those are the NAICS industries a US producer of these goods would report under.
The heading text decides whether a product belongs here at all (General Rule of Interpretation 1); the subheadings and lines below it only apply once that is settled. Section and chapter notes can override the heading wording, so read them for borderline goods.
Tariff lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5501.11.00 | Of nylon or other polyamides: of aramids | 7.5% |
| 5501.19.00 | Of nylon or other polyamides: other | 7.5% |
| 5501.20.00 | Synthetic filament tow: of polyesters | 7.5% |
| 5501.30.00 | Acrylic or modacrylic | 7.5% |
| 5501.40.00 | Synthetic filament tow: of polypropylene | 7.5% |
| 5501.90.01 | Synthetic filament tow: other | 7.5% |