HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 54.01 – Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale
What HS 54.01 covers
Heading 5401 specifically covers 'Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale.' This classification is crucial for anyone involved in the global textile and apparel supply chain, distinguishing these specialized threads from other types of man-made filament yarns. It encompasses threads made from synthetic filaments (like polyester, nylon, acrylic) and artificial filaments (like rayon, viscose, acetate), all designed and prepared for the specific purpose of sewing. The phrase 'whether or not put up for retail sale' is key, meaning the heading covers both large industrial cones for garment factories and smaller spools packaged for consumer craft use. The scope is narrow, focusing on the functional aspect as 'sewing thread,' which implies specific twists, finishes, and strengths optimized for machine or hand sewing. This distinction is critical for accurate duty rates, import/export regulations, and ensuring compliance with textile labeling and safety standards. As part of Section XI, 'Textiles and Textile Articles,' this heading clearly defines a vital input for the manufacturing of almost all textile goods, from apparel to industrial products, reflecting the historical shift from natural to man-made fibers for enhanced durability and performance in sewing applications.
- Covers
- Polyester sewing thread for industrial use
- Nylon sewing thread for heavy-duty applications
- Rayon sewing thread for embroidery
- Polyamide sewing thread for automotive upholstery
- Polypropylene sewing thread for geotextiles
- High-tenacity polyester sewing thread
- Bonded nylon sewing thread
- Core-spun polyester sewing thread
- Corespun cotton/polyester sewing thread
- Household polyester sewing thread spools
- Decorative metallic sewing thread (if man-made filament core)
- Embroidery thread of viscose filament
- Invisible nylon sewing thread
- Water-soluble sewing thread of man-made filament
- Glow-in-the-dark polyester sewing thread
- Reflective polyester sewing thread
- Fire-resistant aramid sewing thread
- Medical-grade polyester sewing thread (non-sterile)
- Footwear sewing thread
- Leather goods sewing thread
- Buttonhole sewing thread
- Overlock sewing thread
- Quilting sewing thread.
- Examples
A large garment factory in Vietnam imports several tons of industrial polyester sewing thread on large cones from a supplier in China, shipped via ocean freight for mass production of apparel. A German craft supply distributor imports retail-packaged spools of colored nylon sewing thread from Taiwan for sale in hobby shops across the EU, typically transported by container ship. A US manufacturer specializing in outdoor gear sources high-tenacity bonded nylon sewing thread from Japan for stitching heavy-duty tents and backpacks, prioritizing strength and durability, often via air freight for critical components. An Indian company imports specialized fire-resistant aramid sewing thread from the Netherlands for manufacturing protective workwear for industrial clients, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards.
Subheadings under 54.01 2
Codes often confused with 54.01
Common mistake. A common mistake is confusing sewing thread (5401) with other man-made filament yarns (5402, 5403) that are not specifically prepared as sewing thread. The key differentiator for 5401 is its specific design and preparation for stitching, often having a particular twist, lubrication, and put-up. Traders might also misclassify sewing thread made from man-made staple fibers under 5401, when it should correctly fall under 5508. Additionally, very thick threads or cords, if not clearly intended for sewing, could be incorrectly placed here instead of under 5607 (Twine, cordage, ropes, and cables), even if made of man-made filaments.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 5401, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5401 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 8.1% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $461M 38% of world exports
- 2 Germany $167M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $75M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $97M 8.1% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$83M 7.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $71M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 54.01
What is HS code 5401?
HS code 5401 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale. Heading 5401 specifically covers 'Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale.' This classification is crucial for anyone involved in the global textile and apparel supply chain, distinguishing these specialized threads from other types of man-made filament yarns. It encompasses threads made from synthetic filaments (like polyester, nylon, acrylic) and artificial filaments (like rayon, viscose, acetate), all designed and prepared for the specific purpose of sewing. The phrase 'whether or not put up for retail sale' is key, meaning the heading covers both large industrial cones for garment factories and smaller spools packaged for consumer craft use. The scope is narrow, focusing on the functional aspect as 'sewing thread,' which implies specific twists, finishes, and strengths optimized for machine or hand sewing. This distinction is critical for accurate duty rates, import/export regulations, and ensuring compliance with textile labeling and safety standards. As part of Section XI, 'Textiles and Textile Articles,' this heading clearly defines a vital input for the manufacturing of almost all textile goods, from apparel to industrial products, reflecting the historical shift from natural to man-made fibers for enhanced durability and performance in sewing applications.
What products fall under HS code 5401?
Polyester sewing thread for industrial use, nylon sewing thread for heavy-duty applications, rayon sewing thread for embroidery, polyamide sewing thread for automotive upholstery, polypropylene sewing thread for geotextiles, high-tenacity polyester sewing thread, bonded nylon sewing thread, core-spun polyester sewing thread, corespun cotton/polyester sewing thread, household polyester sewing thread spools, decorative metallic sewing thread (if man-made filament core), embroidery thread of viscose filament, invisible nylon sewing thread, water-soluble sewing thread of man-made filament, glow-in-the-dark polyester sewing thread, reflective polyester sewing thread, fire-resistant aramid sewing thread, medical-grade polyester sewing thread (non-sterile), footwear sewing thread, leather goods sewing thread, buttonhole sewing thread, overlock sewing thread, quilting sewing thread.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5401?
A common mistake is confusing sewing thread (5401) with other man-made filament yarns (5402, 5403) that are not specifically prepared as sewing thread. The key differentiator for 5401 is its specific design and preparation for stitching, often having a particular twist, lubrication, and put-up. Traders might also misclassify sewing thread made from man-made staple fibers under 5401, when it should correctly fall under 5508. Additionally, very thick threads or cords, if not clearly intended for sewing, could be incorrectly placed here instead of under 5607 (Twine, cordage, ropes, and cables), even if made of man-made filaments.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5401?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5401 in UN Comtrade data were China ($461M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($167M) and the United States ($75M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 5401?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5401 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($97M, 8.1% of world imports), Vietnam (about $83M) and Germany ($71M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 5401 structured?
HS code 5401 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 54 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (54) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.