Synthetic filament tow
HS v2017 Code: 5501
About synthetic filament tow
HS code 5501 covers synthetic filament tow, which is a crucial component in the production of various textile and industrial products. Synthetic filament tow is a bundle of continuous synthetic fibers, typically made from materials like polyester, nylon, or acrylic. This industry plays a significant role in the global textile supply chain, providing essential raw materials for the manufacture of fabrics, yarns, and other textile-based goods. The demand for synthetic filament tow is driven by its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to natural fibers.
Production process
The production of synthetic filament tow involves several key steps. First, the raw materials, such as polymer resins, are melted and extruded through small holes to form continuous filaments. These filaments are then cooled, drawn, and gathered into a tow, which is a dense bundle of parallel fibers. The tow is then crimped or textured to enhance its properties, such as increased bulk or improved dyeing characteristics. Finally, the tow is cut into shorter lengths, typically ranging from a few centimeters to several meters, depending on the intended application.
Production inputs
The main inputs required for the production of synthetic filament tow include polymer resins, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic, as well as specialized machinery for extrusion, drawing, and cutting the fibers. Additionally, energy sources, such as electricity or natural gas, are needed to power the production processes. The industry also relies on a skilled workforce to operate the equipment and ensure consistent quality.
Production outputs
The primary output of the synthetic filament tow industry is the tow itself, which is then used as a raw material in the production of various textile and industrial products. The tow may be further processed into 5503 Synthetic staple fibers, 5402 Synthetic filament yarn, or 5407 Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, among other applications. The synthetic filament tow industry is closely linked to the broader textile and manufacturing sectors, providing essential inputs for a wide range of downstream industries.
Family tree for synthetic filament tow
graph LR
A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/55'>55: Man-made staple fibres</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5501'>5501: Synthetic filament tow</a>"]
A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5502'>5502: Artificial filament tow</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5503'>5503: Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5504'>5504: Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5505'>5505: Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres</a>"]
A --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5506'>5506: Synthetic staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning</a>"]
A --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5507'>5507: Artificial staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning</a>"]
A --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5508'>5508: Sewing thread of man-made staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale</a>"]
A --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5509'>5509: Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale</a>"]
A --> K["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5510'>5510: Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale</a>"]
A --> L["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5511'>5511: Yarn (not sewing thread), of man-made staple fibres, put up for retail sale</a>"]
A --> M["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5512'>5512: Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres</a>"]
A --> N["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5513'>5513: Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170g/m2</a>"]
A --> O["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5514'>5514: Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight exceeding 170g/m2</a>"]
A --> P["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5515'>5515: Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 55</a>"]
A --> Q["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5516'>5516: Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres</a>"]
B --> R["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/550110'>550110: Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of nylon or other polyamides</a>"]
B --> S["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/550120'>550120: Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polyesters</a>"]
B --> T["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/550130'>550130: Fibres; synthetic filament tow, acrylic or modacrylic</a>"]
B --> U["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/550140'>550140: Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene</a>"]
B --> V["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/550190'>550190: Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of synthetic materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5501</a>"]
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