5503.40.00.00 - Of polypropylene

This HTS category, 5503.40.00.00, specifically covers staple fibers of polypropylene. These are man-made fibers derived from polypropylene polymer that have been cut into short lengths, suitable for spinning into yarn. Crucially, these fibers are not carded, combed, or otherwise processed to prepare them for direct spinning; they are in a raw or semi-processed state. Examples include staple fibers used in the manufacturing of non-woven fabrics, carpets, upholstery, and technical textiles where the inherent properties of polypropylene, such as its chemical resistance and low density, are desired.

This classification is distinguished from its siblings by the specific polymer used. While other categories within 5503 cover staple fibers of nylon or other polyamides (5503.10), polyesters (5503.20), and acrylic or modacrylic fibers (5503.30), this code isolates polypropylene as the sole constituent material. The "Other" category (5503.90) serves as a residual for man-made staple fibers not otherwise specified under the preceding subheadings.

As a leaf node, 5503.40.00.00 does not have further subcategories. Classification within this code hinges on the confirmation that the staple fibers are indeed manufactured from polypropylene and meet the criteria of being staple fibers not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. Any further processing, such as carding or combing, would typically move the goods to a different HTS classification.