HS Code 50.05 – Yarn spun from silk waste, not put up for retail sale

HS code 5005 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn spun from silk waste, not put up for retail sale. Heading 5005 specifically designates "Yarn spun from silk waste, not put up for retail sale." This classification is crucial for distinguishing yarn created from recycled silk materials, such as silk noils, broken cocoons, or yarn waste, from virgin silk yarn (5004). The 'spun from silk waste' characteristic highlights its sustainable nature and often its more economical price point, while still retaining many desirable properties of silk. The 'not put up for retail sale' clause ensures that this heading applies to industrial quantities, typically supplied on large cones, bobbins, or in bulk, intended for further manufacturing processes like weaving, knitting, or upholstery production, rather than direct consumer purchase. For trade compliance, correctly identifying the source material (silk waste) and the packaging format (industrial bulk) is essential, as tariffs, import regulations, and sustainability-related trade incentives can differ significantly from virgin silk products. This heading, nested within Chapter 50 (Silk) and Section XI (Textiles), plays a vital role in showcasing the full utilization of silk resources, supporting diverse textile applications, and promoting eco-friendly practices in the global textile industry.

Spun silk yarn from noils (industrial), bourette silk yarn (bulk), short staple silk yarn (from waste, industrial), re-spun silk yarn (from waste, bulk), blended silk waste yarn (high silk content, industrial), silk yarn from garnetted stock (bulk), silk yarn from cocoons unsuitable for reeling (industrial), yarn from silk yarn waste (bulk), degummed silk waste yarn (industrial), dyed spun silk waste yarn (bulk), undyed spun silk waste yarn (industrial), silk waste yarn on industrial cones, silk waste yarn on large bobbins, silk waste yarn in large hanks, silk waste yarn for weaving (industrial), silk waste yarn for knitting (industrial), silk waste yarn for upholstery fabrics, silk waste yarn for home textiles, textured silk waste yarn (industrial), eco-friendly silk yarn (from waste, bulk).

Misclassifications under 5005 often arise from confusing it with virgin silk yarn or the raw silk waste itself. Traders might mistakenly classify virgin silk yarn under 5005; however, such yarn, not from waste, belongs in 5004 (Silk yarn, other than yarn spun from silk waste, not put up for retail sale). The key is the 'spun from silk waste' clause. Another error is classifying actual silk waste (e.g., silk noils, broken cocoons) as 5005, when the raw waste material should be classified under 5003 (Silk waste). 5005 is for the *processed yarn* made *from* that waste. Lastly, if the yarn, even if from waste, is packaged for consumer use, it should be classified under 5006 (Silk yarn... put up for retail sale), not 5005, due to the 'not put up for retail sale' restriction.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5005 in UN Comtrade data were China ($76M, 74% of world exports), Italy ($11M) and Switzerland ($3.5M). World exports came to about $103M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5005 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($41M, 46% of world imports), Japan ($11M) and India ($5.7M). World imports came to about $89M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 5005 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 50 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (50) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.