HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5401.10 – Sewing thread; of synthetic filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale
HS code 5401.10 is the 6-digit subheading for sewing thread, of synthetic filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale. It is used for polyester sewing thread, nylon sewing thread, polypropylene sewing thread, high-tenacity synthetic thread and bonded polyester thread.
What HS 5401.10 covers
This HS code covers sewing thread manufactured from synthetic filaments, encompassing a wide array of materials like polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. These threads are engineered for strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and UV light, making them indispensable across various industries. The "whether or not put up for retail sale" clause means it includes both large industrial spools for manufacturing and smaller consumer-ready packages. Major importers are typically countries with robust apparel, footwear, automotive, and upholstery manufacturing sectors, requiring high-performance threads for their production lines. Exporters are often nations with advanced petrochemical industries and textile processing capabilities. Key aspects for trade include thread count, tensile strength, elongation, colorfastness, and specific finishes (e.g., bonded, lubricated). The global demand for synthetic sewing thread is consistently high, driven by the continuous production of textiles and manufactured goods worldwide, where reliability and efficiency in stitching are paramount.
- Covers
- Polyester sewing thread
- Nylon sewing thread
- Polypropylene sewing thread
- High-tenacity synthetic thread
- Bonded polyester thread
- Industrial sewing thread
- Embroidery thread (synthetic)
- Examples
- Coats Dual Duty XP
- Gutermann Sew-All Polyester
- A&E Perma Core
- Mettler Metrosene
- YKK brand sewing thread
Codes often confused with 5401.10
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 540120 (sewing thread of artificial filaments) due to the similar end-use, or with 5402 (synthetic filament yarn not for sewing thread) if not clearly identified as "sewing thread."
Top exporters and importers of HS code 540110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 540110 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 8.9% 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 $395M 36% of world exports
- 2 Germany $155M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $74M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $96M 8.9% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$82M 7.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $70M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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.
Brazil NCM codes for 5401.10 3
Brazil splits HS 5401.10 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5401.10.1 Of polyesterDe poliéster Group
- 5401.10.11 Polyester filament sewing thread, not for retailNão acondicionadas para venda a retalho
- 5401.10.12 Polyester filament sewing thread, for retail saleAcondicionadas para venda a retalho
- 5401.10.90 Synthetic filament sewing thread, not polyesterOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 54.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5401.10
What is HS code 540110?
HS code 540110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sewing thread; of synthetic filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale. This HS code covers sewing thread manufactured from synthetic filaments, encompassing a wide array of materials like polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. These threads are engineered for strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and UV light, making them indispensable across various industries. The "whether or not put up for retail sale" clause means it includes both large industrial spools for manufacturing and smaller consumer-ready packages. Major importers are typically countries with robust apparel, footwear, automotive, and upholstery manufacturing sectors, requiring high-performance threads for their production lines. Exporters are often nations with advanced petrochemical industries and textile processing capabilities. Key aspects for trade include thread count, tensile strength, elongation, colorfastness, and specific finishes (e.g., bonded, lubricated). The global demand for synthetic sewing thread is consistently high, driven by the continuous production of textiles and manufactured goods worldwide, where reliability and efficiency in stitching are paramount.
What products fall under HS code 540110?
Polyester sewing thread, nylon sewing thread, polypropylene sewing thread, high-tenacity synthetic thread, bonded polyester thread, industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread (synthetic)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 540110?
This code can be confused with 540120 (sewing thread of artificial filaments) due to the similar end-use, or with 5402 (synthetic filament yarn not for sewing thread) if not clearly identified as "sewing thread."
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 540110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 540110 in UN Comtrade data were China ($395M, 36% of world exports), Germany ($155M) and the United States ($74M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 540110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 540110 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($96M, 8.9% of world imports), Vietnam (about $82M) and Germany ($70M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 540110 structured?
HS code 540110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (54) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 540110?
Brazil splits HS code 540110 into 3 NCM codes: 5401.10.11 (Polyester filament sewing thread, not for retail), 5401.10.12 (Polyester filament sewing thread, for retail sale), 5401.10.90 (Synthetic filament sewing thread, not polyester). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.