HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5401.20 – Sewing thread; of artificial filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale
HS code 5401.20 is the 6-digit subheading for sewing thread, of artificial filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale. It is used for viscose rayon sewing thread, modal sewing thread, lyocell sewing thread, cuprammonium rayon thread and artificial silk embroidery thread.
What HS 5401.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers sewing thread made from artificial filaments, which primarily refers to regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon (viscose), modal, or lyocell. Unlike synthetic threads (e.g., polyester, nylon), artificial filament threads are derived from natural sources but undergo significant chemical processing to create filaments. These threads are valued for their smooth texture, luster, good dyeability, and often a more natural feel compared to purely synthetic options. They are used in applications where aesthetics, drape, and comfort are important, such as in fine apparel, embroidery, and decorative stitching. Similar to synthetic threads, this code includes both industrial bulk spools and retail-packaged threads. Importers are typically textile and apparel manufacturers seeking specific material properties for their products, while exporters are countries with established chemical fiber production and textile processing industries. Key trade considerations include thread count, strength, color range, and environmental certifications related to their production.
- Covers
- Viscose rayon sewing thread
- Modal sewing thread
- Lyocell sewing thread
- Cuprammonium rayon thread
- Artificial silk embroidery thread
- Regenerated cellulose thread
- Industrial rayon thread
- Examples
- Sulky Rayon Thread
- Madeira Rayon Embroidery Thread
- Gutermann Rayon Thread
- Coats Rayon Thread
- DMC Rayon Thread
Codes often confused with 5401.20
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 540110 (sewing thread of synthetic filaments) due to the similar function, or with 5403 (artificial filament yarn not for sewing thread) if not clearly designated as "sewing thread."
Top exporters and importers of HS code 540120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 540120 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 24% 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 $65M 67% of world exports
- 2 Germany $13M 13% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$3.2M 3.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $97M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Pakistan $29M 24% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $14M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$6.0M 5.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $117M 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 5401.20 3
Brazil splits HS 5401.20 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5401.20.1 Of high tenacity viscose rayonDe raiom viscose, de alta tenacidade Group
- 5401.20.11 High-tenacity viscose thread, not for retail saleNão acondicionadas para venda a retalho
- 5401.20.12 High-tenacity viscose thread, for retail saleAcondicionadas para venda a retalho
- 5401.20.90 Other artificial filament sewing threadOutras
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 5401.20
What is HS code 540120?
HS code 540120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sewing thread; of artificial filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale. This HS code specifically covers sewing thread made from artificial filaments, which primarily refers to regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon (viscose), modal, or lyocell. Unlike synthetic threads (e.g., polyester, nylon), artificial filament threads are derived from natural sources but undergo significant chemical processing to create filaments. These threads are valued for their smooth texture, luster, good dyeability, and often a more natural feel compared to purely synthetic options. They are used in applications where aesthetics, drape, and comfort are important, such as in fine apparel, embroidery, and decorative stitching. Similar to synthetic threads, this code includes both industrial bulk spools and retail-packaged threads. Importers are typically textile and apparel manufacturers seeking specific material properties for their products, while exporters are countries with established chemical fiber production and textile processing industries. Key trade considerations include thread count, strength, color range, and environmental certifications related to their production.
What products fall under HS code 540120?
Viscose rayon sewing thread, modal sewing thread, lyocell sewing thread, cuprammonium rayon thread, artificial silk embroidery thread, regenerated cellulose thread, industrial rayon thread
What are common misclassifications for HS code 540120?
This code is often confused with 540110 (sewing thread of synthetic filaments) due to the similar function, or with 5403 (artificial filament yarn not for sewing thread) if not clearly designated as "sewing thread."
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 540120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 540120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($65M, 67% of world exports), Germany ($13M) and Vietnam (about $3.2M). World exports came to about $97M, 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 540120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 540120 in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($29M, 24% of world imports), Nigeria ($14M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $6.0M). World imports came to about $117M, 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 540120 structured?
HS code 540120 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 540120?
Brazil splits HS code 540120 into 3 NCM codes: 5401.20.11 (High-tenacity viscose thread, not for retail sale), 5401.20.12 (High-tenacity viscose thread, for retail sale), 5401.20.90 (Other artificial filament sewing thread). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.