5504 - Artificial staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning:

HTS code 5504 encompasses artificial staple fibers that have not undergone further processing for spinning, such as carding or combing. This category specifically includes man-made fibers cut to predetermined lengths, ready for use in various textile manufacturing processes. The key defining characteristic is the state of the fiber: it is in a loose, staple form, but not yet prepared to the stage of being spun into yarn.

Distinguishing 5504 from its sibling categories at the Section XI level reveals its specific niche. While other chapters within Section XI deal with finished textiles, yarns, or fabrics, 5504 focuses solely on the raw, unspun staple fibers themselves. It differentiates from Chapter 54 (Man-made filaments) by the staple nature of the fibers (cut lengths versus continuous filaments) and from other chapters like 51, 52, and 53 which pertain to natural staple fibers (wool, cotton, etc.).

Within HTS 5504, subcategories delineate the specific material composition of the artificial staple fibers. The primary subdivision is between fibers of viscose rayon and all other types of artificial staple fibers. This distinction is crucial for accurate customs declarations and statistical tracking, reflecting the different manufacturing processes and end-use applications associated with these distinct fiber types.