Fibres; artificial staple fibres, of viscose, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning

HS code 550410 covers artificial staple fibers made from viscose, a regenerated cellulose fiber. These fibers are an important raw material for the textile industry, used in the production of a wide range of fabrics, from apparel to home furnishings. The viscose staple fiber industry plays a crucial role in the global textile supply chain, providing a cost-effective and versatile alternative to natural fibers like cotton.

The production of viscose staple fibers involves a multi-step chemical process. First, wood pulp or other cellulose sources are treated with chemicals to produce a viscose solution. This solution is then extruded through spinnerets to form continuous filaments, which are then cut into short staple fibers. The fibers may undergo additional processing, such as washing, drying, and cutting to the desired length, before being baled and shipped to textile manufacturers.

The main inputs for the viscose staple fiber industry include wood pulp or other cellulose sources, as well as various chemicals such as carbon disulfide, sodium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid. Specialized machinery, including extruders, spinnerets, and cutting equipment, is also essential for the production process. Energy, water, and skilled labor are additional key inputs required for the efficient operation of viscose staple fiber manufacturing facilities.

The primary output of HS code 550410 is viscose staple fibers, which are then consumed by the textile industry to produce a wide range of fabrics and products. These fibers may be blended with other fibers, such as 550320 Fibres; artificial, staple, of cellulose acetate or 520100 Cotton, not carded or combed, to create unique textile materials. The viscose staple fibers produced under this code are also used in the manufacture of 560311 Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, 630790 Made up articles, including dress patterns, and other downstream textile products.