HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5402.20 – Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, not for retail sale, not sewing thread
HS code 5402.20 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. It is used for high-tenacity polyester yarn, PET monofilament for tire cord, industrial polyester yarn for slings, conveyor belt reinforcement yarn and safety harness yarn.
What HS 5402.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers high-tenacity synthetic filament yarn, monofilament type, with a linear density of less than 67 decitex, made from polyesters. These yarns are renowned for their excellent strength, low shrinkage, good dimensional stability, and resistance to UV light and chemicals, making them highly versatile for demanding industrial uses. The "whether or not textured" clause indicates that both flat and textured versions are included, as long as they meet the high-tenacity criteria. Like other yarns in this series, they are "not for retail sale" and "not sewing thread," serving as crucial raw materials for manufacturing. Major importers are industries involved in tire reinforcement, conveyor belts, ropes, safety equipment, and outdoor textiles. Exporters are typically countries with advanced polyester polymerization and spinning technologies. Key trade factors include denier, breaking strength, elongation, heat-setting properties, and specific coatings or finishes. The global demand is driven by the need for durable and reliable materials in automotive, construction, and outdoor equipment sectors.
- Covers
- High-tenacity polyester yarn
- PET monofilament for tire cord
- Industrial polyester yarn for slings
- Conveyor belt reinforcement yarn
- Safety harness yarn
- Geotextile polyester yarn
- Fishing line monofilament (polyester)
- Examples
- Indorama H-TN PET yarn
- Hyosung Creora H-TN
- Reliance Industries Recron H-TN
- Teijin Tetoron H-TN
- DuPont Dacron H-TN
Codes often confused with 5402.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 540244 (other non-textured polyester filament yarn) if the "high-tenacity" characteristic is overlooked, or with 540233 (textured polyester yarn) if the high-tenacity aspect is not primary.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 540220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 540220 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 $727M 47% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$314M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $67M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $216M 14% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $95M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $90M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 5402.20 2
Brazil splits HS 5402.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5402.20.10 Hydroxybenzoic/hydroxynaphthoic copolymer yarnDe copolímero de ácido p-hidroxibenzoico e ácido hidroxinaftoico
- 5402.20.90 Other high-tenacity polyester filament yarnOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 54.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5402.20
What is HS code 540220?
HS code 540220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This HS code specifically covers high-tenacity synthetic filament yarn, monofilament type, with a linear density of less than 67 decitex, made from polyesters. These yarns are renowned for their excellent strength, low shrinkage, good dimensional stability, and resistance to UV light and chemicals, making them highly versatile for demanding industrial uses. The "whether or not textured" clause indicates that both flat and textured versions are included, as long as they meet the high-tenacity criteria. Like other yarns in this series, they are "not for retail sale" and "not sewing thread," serving as crucial raw materials for manufacturing. Major importers are industries involved in tire reinforcement, conveyor belts, ropes, safety equipment, and outdoor textiles. Exporters are typically countries with advanced polyester polymerization and spinning technologies. Key trade factors include denier, breaking strength, elongation, heat-setting properties, and specific coatings or finishes. The global demand is driven by the need for durable and reliable materials in automotive, construction, and outdoor equipment sectors.
What products fall under HS code 540220?
High-tenacity polyester yarn, PET monofilament for tire cord, industrial polyester yarn for slings, conveyor belt reinforcement yarn, safety harness yarn, geotextile polyester yarn, fishing line monofilament (polyester)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 540220?
This code can be confused with 540244 (other non-textured polyester filament yarn) if the "high-tenacity" characteristic is overlooked, or with 540233 (textured polyester yarn) if the high-tenacity aspect is not primary.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 540220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 540220 in UN Comtrade data were China ($727M, 47% of world exports), Vietnam (about $314M) and Germany ($67M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 540220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 540220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($216M, 14% of world imports), South Korea ($95M) and Germany ($90M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 540220 structured?
HS code 540220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (54) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) 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 540220?
Brazil splits HS code 540220 into 2 NCM codes: 5402.20.10 (Hydroxybenzoic/hydroxynaphthoic copolymer yarn), 5402.20.90 (Other high-tenacity polyester filament yarn). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.