Fibres; synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene

HS code 550140 covers the trade and production of synthetic filament tow made from polypropylene. Polypropylene is a widely used thermoplastic polymer with a diverse range of applications across various industries. The synthetic filament tow produced under this code is an essential raw material for the textile and manufacturing sectors, serving as a key input for the production of fabrics, ropes, and other polypropylene-based products. As a versatile and cost-effective material, the global demand for polypropylene filament tow continues to grow, driven by its increasing use in a variety of end-use applications.

The production of polypropylene filament tow typically involves a multi-step process. First, polypropylene resin is extruded through a spinneret to form continuous filaments. These filaments are then drawn and stretched to impart the desired tensile strength and properties. The filaments are subsequently cut into short, uniform lengths to create the tow, which is then processed and packaged for distribution and further downstream processing.

The primary input for the production of polypropylene filament tow is the polypropylene resin, which is derived from the polymerization of propylene. Other key inputs include specialized extrusion and cutting equipment, as well as energy sources to power the manufacturing process. Depending on the specific application, additional inputs such as lubricants, sizing agents, or other additives may be incorporated to enhance the performance or characteristics of the final product.

The primary output of HS code 550140 is the polypropylene filament tow, which is a versatile raw material used in a wide range of industries. This tow can be further processed and transformed into a variety of products, including 550320 Fibres; artificial filament tow, 560312 Nonwovens; of man-made filaments, weighing more than 150 g/m², and 560390 Nonwovens; of man-made filaments, weighing not more than 150 g/m². The polypropylene filament tow is also a key input for the production of 540233 Fabrics; woven, of synthetic filament yarn, including those made of materials of heading 54.04, as well as various industrial and consumer goods.