HS code · 2-digit chapter

HS Code 54 – Man-made filaments; strip and the like of man-made textile materials

What HS 54 covers

Chapter 54 of the Harmonized System (HS) covers man-made filaments, including monofilaments, filament yarn, and strip and the like of man-made textile materials. This chapter is fundamental to the global synthetic textile industry, encompassing continuous strands of both synthetic (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic) and artificial (e.g., viscose rayon, acetate) fibers. It specifically deals with materials in their continuous filament form, distinguishing them from the cut staple fibers classified under Chapter 55. Key sub-categories include monofilament for industrial and consumer applications, various types of filament yarn (synthetic and artificial) not put up for retail sale, and specific forms like strip and synthetic raffia. Classification under Chapter 54 is critical for trade compliance, as it directly impacts applicable duties, taxes, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Misclassification can lead to significant penalties, customs delays, and lost market opportunities. Historically, the advent of man-made filaments revolutionized textiles in the 20th century, offering enhanced durability, versatility, and cost-efficiency. Today, these materials are indispensable across a vast array of products, from apparel and home furnishings to advanced industrial and technical textiles. Major headings within this chapter include sewing thread of man-made filaments (5401), synthetic and artificial filament yarns (5402-5403), monofilament and strip (5404-5405), filament yarn put up for retail sale (5406), and woven fabrics of synthetic or artificial filament yarn (5407-5408).

Covers
  • Polyester filament yarn (partially oriented yarn - POY)
  • Nylon 6 filament yarn (fully drawn yarn - FDY)
  • Viscose rayon filament yarn
  • Acetate filament yarn
  • Polypropylene monofilament for fishing nets
  • Polyamide monofilament for tennis strings
  • Acrylic filament yarn for upholstery
  • High-tenacity polyester filament yarn for seatbelts
  • Textured polyester filament yarn for apparel
  • Spandex (elastomeric) filament yarn
  • Metallic yarn incorporating man-made filaments
  • Regenerated cellulose filament for linings
  • Strip of synthetic textile material for artificial grass
  • Synthetic raffia for basket weaving
  • Polyester sewing thread (filament)
  • Nylon sewing thread (filament)
  • Industrial-grade polyester filament for conveyor belts
  • Aramid filament yarn for protective gear
  • Polyethylene monofilament for fishing lines
  • Strip of polyethylene for agricultural netting
  • Hollow polyester filament for insulation
  • Multifilament polypropylene yarn for ropes
  • Recycled polyester filament yarn
  • Nylon monofilament for toothbrush bristles
Examples

A textile manufacturer in Vietnam imports high-tenacity polyester filament yarn (HS 5402.33) from China to produce seatbelt webbing for automotive assembly plants. This route often benefits from regional trade agreements like RCEP, potentially reducing tariffs, but requires strict adherence to rules of origin to claim preferential treatment. An Italian fashion house exports rolls of woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn (HS 5408.22) to garment factories in Portugal for the production of high-end evening wear. As both are EU members, goods move duty-free, but VAT and customs declarations are still required for statistical purposes. A Japanese company ships specialized nylon monofilament (HS 5404.11) to a fishing equipment manufacturer in Thailand for the production of premium fishing lines. This trade might be subject to specific import duties in Thailand, but could also benefit from bilateral trade agreements or the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) if origin rules are met. A US-based supplier exports large quantities of textured polyester filament yarn (HS 5402.34) to textile mills in Mexico under the USMCA agreement for the production of activewear fabrics. Careful documentation of origin is crucial to claim duty-free treatment under the agreement, highlighting the importance of accurate classification.

Headings in chapter 54 8

54.01Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale54.02Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex54.03Artificial filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex54.04Synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more, of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm; strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw) of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm54.05Artificial monofilament of 67 decitex or more, no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm; strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of artificial textile materials of a width not exceeding 5mm54.06Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale54.07Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 540454.08Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 5404

99 Brazil NCM codes in chapter 54 →

Codes often confused with 54

Common mistake. Common misclassifications in Chapter 54 often arise from failing to distinguish between continuous filaments and other fiber forms. Traders frequently confuse man-made filament yarns (e.g., polyester filament yarn, HS 5402) with man-made staple fibers (HS 5503 or 5504), which are short, cut fibers requiring spinning. The key differentiator is length: Chapter 54 is for continuous strands. Another common error is misclassifying highly processed or specialty yarns, such as certain metallized yarns or covered rubber thread, which belong in Chapter 56 (Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof), rather than the basic filament forms of Chapter 54. Furthermore, woven fabrics made from these filaments are classified under 5407 or 5408, but traders might sometimes incorrectly classify them as raw yarn.

54.02Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex55.03Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning55.04Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning54.07Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 540454.08Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 5404

Top exporters and importers of HS code 54, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 54 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 9.7% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 40% of its exports here ($835M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $29.7B
  2. 2 Japan $1.9B
  3. 3 South Korea $1.8B

Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 40% of its exports here ($835M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $52.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$4.6B
  2. 2 Indonesia $2.0B
  3. 3 Bangladesh* ~$1.8B

World total: $47.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Questions about HS 54

What is HS code 54?

HS code 54 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Man-made filaments; strip and the like of man-made textile materials. Chapter 54 of the Harmonized System (HS) covers man-made filaments, including monofilaments, filament yarn, and strip and the like of man-made textile materials. This chapter is fundamental to the global synthetic textile industry, encompassing continuous strands of both synthetic (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic) and artificial (e.g., viscose rayon, acetate) fibers. It specifically deals with materials in their continuous filament form, distinguishing them from the cut staple fibers classified under Chapter 55. Key sub-categories include monofilament for industrial and consumer applications, various types of filament yarn (synthetic and artificial) not put up for retail sale, and specific forms like strip and synthetic raffia. Classification under Chapter 54 is critical for trade compliance, as it directly impacts applicable duties, taxes, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Misclassification can lead to significant penalties, customs delays, and lost market opportunities. Historically, the advent of man-made filaments revolutionized textiles in the 20th century, offering enhanced durability, versatility, and cost-efficiency. Today, these materials are indispensable across a vast array of products, from apparel and home furnishings to advanced industrial and technical textiles. Major headings within this chapter include sewing thread of man-made filaments (5401), synthetic and artificial filament yarns (5402-5403), monofilament and strip (5404-5405), filament yarn put up for retail sale (5406), and woven fabrics of synthetic or artificial filament yarn (5407-5408).

What products fall under HS code 54?

Polyester filament yarn (partially oriented yarn - POY), Nylon 6 filament yarn (fully drawn yarn - FDY), Viscose rayon filament yarn, Acetate filament yarn, Polypropylene monofilament for fishing nets, Polyamide monofilament for tennis strings, Acrylic filament yarn for upholstery, High-tenacity polyester filament yarn for seatbelts, Textured polyester filament yarn for apparel, Spandex (elastomeric) filament yarn, Metallic yarn incorporating man-made filaments, Regenerated cellulose filament for linings, Strip of synthetic textile material for artificial grass, Synthetic raffia for basket weaving, Polyester sewing thread (filament), Nylon sewing thread (filament), Industrial-grade polyester filament for conveyor belts, Aramid filament yarn for protective gear, Polyethylene monofilament for fishing lines, Strip of polyethylene for agricultural netting, Hollow polyester filament for insulation, Multifilament polypropylene yarn for ropes, Recycled polyester filament yarn, Nylon monofilament for toothbrush bristles

What are common misclassifications for HS code 54?

Common misclassifications in Chapter 54 often arise from failing to distinguish between continuous filaments and other fiber forms. Traders frequently confuse man-made filament yarns (e.g., polyester filament yarn, HS 5402) with man-made staple fibers (HS 5503 or 5504), which are short, cut fibers requiring spinning. The key differentiator is length: Chapter 54 is for continuous strands. Another common error is misclassifying highly processed or specialty yarns, such as certain metallized yarns or covered rubber thread, which belong in Chapter 56 (Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof), rather than the basic filament forms of Chapter 54. Furthermore, woven fabrics made from these filaments are classified under 5407 or 5408, but traders might sometimes incorrectly classify them as raw yarn.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 54?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 54 in UN Comtrade data were China ($29.7B, 57% of world exports), Japan ($1.9B) and South Korea ($1.8B). World exports came to about $52.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 40% of its exports here ($835M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 54?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 54 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $4.6B, 9.7% of world imports), Indonesia ($2.0B) and Bangladesh (about $1.8B). World imports came to about $47.8B, 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.

How is HS code 54 structured?

HS code 54 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.