HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5402.33 – Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing thread
HS code 5402.33 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. It is used for textured Polyester Filament Yarn (DTY), fine Denier Polyester Yarn, microfiber Polyester Yarn, polyester Stretch Yarn and polyester Air-Textured Yarn.
What HS 5402.33 covers
This code covers fine, textured polyester filament yarns, specifically those with a linear density of less than 67 decitex, which are not intended for retail sale or as sewing thread. These yarns are crucial intermediate goods in the global textile supply chain, primarily used by industrial manufacturers. Major importers are countries with robust textile and apparel manufacturing sectors, such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Turkey, and various EU nations, which process these yarns into fabrics. Exporters are typically large-scale petrochemical and textile producers, predominantly from China, India, Taiwan, and South Korea, where the raw materials (polyester chips) and advanced spinning technologies are readily available. Key things to know include the importance of texture (which imparts bulk, stretch, and softness to fabrics), the fineness (less than 67 decitex indicates very fine yarn suitable for lightweight fabrics), and the "not for retail sale" clause, signifying its B2B nature. The global trade in these yarns is driven by demand for performance apparel, home textiles, and industrial fabrics, where polyester's durability, wrinkle resistance, and cost-effectiveness are highly valued.
- Covers
- Textured Polyester Filament Yarn (DTY)
- Fine Denier Polyester Yarn
- Microfiber Polyester Yarn
- Polyester Stretch Yarn
- Polyester Air-Textured Yarn
- Polyester False-Twist Textured Yarn
- Examples
- Reliance Industries Recron DTY
- Toray T-400
- Hyosung Creora
- Indorama Ventures DTY
- Far Eastern New Century (FENC) DTY
Codes often confused with 5402.33
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 540247 (non-textured polyester filament yarn) or 540234 (textured polypropylene yarn) due to similar fineness but differing texture or polymer type.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 540233, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 540233 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 9.0% 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 34% of its exports here ($76M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.9B 65% of world exports
- 2 India $349M 7.8% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $182M 4.1% of world exports
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 34% of its exports here ($76M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$424M 9.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Pakistan $366M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $365M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $4.7B 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 5402.33 3
Brazil splits HS 5402.33 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5402.33.10 Unbleached textured polyester filament yarnCrus
- 5402.33.20 Dyed textured polyester filament yarnTintos
- 5402.33.90 Other textured 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 5402.33
What is HS code 540233?
HS code 540233 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This code covers fine, textured polyester filament yarns, specifically those with a linear density of less than 67 decitex, which are not intended for retail sale or as sewing thread. These yarns are crucial intermediate goods in the global textile supply chain, primarily used by industrial manufacturers. Major importers are countries with robust textile and apparel manufacturing sectors, such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Turkey, and various EU nations, which process these yarns into fabrics. Exporters are typically large-scale petrochemical and textile producers, predominantly from China, India, Taiwan, and South Korea, where the raw materials (polyester chips) and advanced spinning technologies are readily available. Key things to know include the importance of texture (which imparts bulk, stretch, and softness to fabrics), the fineness (less than 67 decitex indicates very fine yarn suitable for lightweight fabrics), and the "not for retail sale" clause, signifying its B2B nature. The global trade in these yarns is driven by demand for performance apparel, home textiles, and industrial fabrics, where polyester's durability, wrinkle resistance, and cost-effectiveness are highly valued.
What products fall under HS code 540233?
Textured Polyester Filament Yarn (DTY), Fine Denier Polyester Yarn, Microfiber Polyester Yarn, Polyester Stretch Yarn, Polyester Air-Textured Yarn, Polyester False-Twist Textured Yarn
What are common misclassifications for HS code 540233?
This code can be confused with 540247 (non-textured polyester filament yarn) or 540234 (textured polypropylene yarn) due to similar fineness but differing texture or polymer type.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 540233?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 540233 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.9B, 65% of world exports), India ($349M) and Türkiye ($182M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 34% of its exports here ($76M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 540233?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 540233 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $424M, 9.0% of world imports), Pakistan ($366M) and Brazil ($365M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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 540233 structured?
HS code 540233 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 (33) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 540233?
Brazil splits HS code 540233 into 3 NCM codes: 5402.33.10 (Unbleached textured polyester filament yarn), 5402.33.20 (Dyed textured polyester filament yarn), 5402.33.90 (Other textured polyester filament yarn). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.