U.S. imports of Artificial Staple Fibers (Non-Viscose), Not Processed for Spinning (HS 550490) totaled $6.0M in August 2026, imported from 16 countries.
Importers of Artificial Staple Fibers (Non-Viscose), Not Processed for Spinning paid $632K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 10.46% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Artificial Staple Fibers (Non-Viscose), Not Processed for Spinning imports of $6.0M in August 2026 ran 51% above the year-to-date monthly average of $4.0M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataModal, lyocell, cupro, and other non-viscose regenerated cellulose staple fibers in unprocessed form are classified here, all entering under tariff line 5504900000. These fibers command premium positioning in apparel and home textile supply chains due to their superior softness, moisture management, and biodegradability compared to standard viscose. Austria and the United Kingdom are the leading US suppliers, reflecting the global dominance of a small number of specialty producers in this technically demanding fiber category.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
131 import shipments a month
Yes. Lyocell is produced via a closed-loop solvent spinning process distinct from the viscose process, so it is not classified as viscose rayon under 550410. Unprocessed lyocell staple fiber falls under 550490 (5504900000), which covers artificial staple fibers other than viscose rayon. Importers should ensure the commercial invoice and packing list specify the fiber type and production process to support this classification.
A mill-issued fiber specification sheet identifying the polymer type (e.g., lyocell, modal, cupro) and production process is the most useful supporting document. For branded fibers such as Tencel or Lenzing Modal, a certificate of authenticity from the fiber producer can also serve as evidence of fiber identity. CBP may request this documentation during a CF-28 or CF-29 inquiry if the fiber type is not clearly stated on the commercial invoice.
Subheading 2 of 2 in heading 5504
Subheading 550490 · $6.0M of $21.9M
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5504900000 | Art Stp Fib not Crd, Cmb or Prsd Spng: Oth Vis Ryn | $6.0M | 10.46% | 99.97% | $632K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5504900000 | Art Stp Fib not Crd, Cmb or Prsd Spng: Oth Vis Ryn | $5.5M |
Art Stp Fib not Crd, Cmb or Prsd Spng: Oth Vis Ryn
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$6.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$5.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $35.4M of Artificial Staple Fibers (Non-Viscose), Not Processed for Spinning and exported $54.3M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Austria and United Kingdom together supply 99% of it. Vietnam pays 16.8% duty; Mexico 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
0.0300% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 10.46% of imports for consumption.
Trade Directory
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