5505 - Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock) of man-made fibers:

Category 5505 encompasses waste materials derived from man-made fibers. This includes items such as noils, which are short fibers separated during processing; yarn waste, consisting of remnants and trimmings from yarn production and use; and garnetted stock, which is fiber prepared from waste textiles by mechanical breakdown. These materials are typically unusable for their original intended purpose but retain the fundamental characteristics of man-made fibers.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings at the Section XI level is crucial. While other chapters in Section XI deal with finished or semi-finished textile products, yarn, and fabrics, Chapter 55 specifically addresses man-made staple fibers and their waste. Category 5505 is unique in that it exclusively covers the residual or by-product materials of these fibers, rather than the fibers themselves or products made from them. Its siblings would likely include classifications for other types of textile waste, such as animal hair waste or vegetable fiber waste.

The subcategories within 5505 further refine the classification based on the origin of the man-made fiber waste. 5505.10.00 specifically covers waste originating from synthetic fibers, which are typically produced through chemical synthesis. In contrast, 5505.20.00.00 pertains to waste derived from artificial fibers, which are manufactured from natural polymers dissolved and then regenerated. This distinction is important for trade statistics and potential end-use considerations.