HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5402.44 – Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread
HS code 5402.44 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. It is used for fine Denier Spandex Yarn, elastane Filament Yarn, polyurethane Elastomeric Yarn, fine Stretch Yarn and bare Spandex Yarn.
What HS 5402.44 covers
This HS code covers fine, non-textured, non-high tenacity elastomeric synthetic filament yarns, with a linear density below 67 decitex. These yarns are characterized by their stretch and recovery properties, making them essential for comfort and fit in various textile products. They are typically single yarns, with minimal twist (50 turns or less per meter), and are not for retail sale or use as sewing thread, indicating their role as an industrial input. Major importers are manufacturers of activewear, intimate apparel, hosiery, and medical textiles in countries with significant garment production, such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and various European nations. Exporters are specialized chemical and yarn producers, predominantly from countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA, which have advanced polymer and spinning technologies. Key considerations include the "elastomeric" nature, which defines its stretch capability, and the "less than 67 decitex" for fine, lightweight applications. The low twist suggests it's often used as a core or covered yarn.
- Covers
- Fine Denier Spandex Yarn
- Elastane Filament Yarn
- Polyurethane Elastomeric Yarn
- Fine Stretch Yarn
- Bare Spandex Yarn
- Covered Elastomeric Yarn (before covering)
- Examples
- Invista Lycra
- Hyosung Creora
- Asahi Kasei Roica
- Xiamen Huafeng Spandex
- Taekwang Industrial Spandex
Codes often confused with 5402.44
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other fine synthetic yarns (e.g., 540245) if the elastomeric property is overlooked, or with 540411 (monofilament of elastomeric materials) if the filament yarn distinction is not clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 540244, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 540244 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 $335M 28% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$189M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $142M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $185M 15% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $100M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Italy $84M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 code for 5402.44
Brazil does not split HS 5402.44: its NCM code is 5402.44.00.
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 5402.44
What is HS code 540244?
HS code 540244 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This HS code covers fine, non-textured, non-high tenacity elastomeric synthetic filament yarns, with a linear density below 67 decitex. These yarns are characterized by their stretch and recovery properties, making them essential for comfort and fit in various textile products. They are typically single yarns, with minimal twist (50 turns or less per meter), and are not for retail sale or use as sewing thread, indicating their role as an industrial input. Major importers are manufacturers of activewear, intimate apparel, hosiery, and medical textiles in countries with significant garment production, such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and various European nations. Exporters are specialized chemical and yarn producers, predominantly from countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA, which have advanced polymer and spinning technologies. Key considerations include the "elastomeric" nature, which defines its stretch capability, and the "less than 67 decitex" for fine, lightweight applications. The low twist suggests it's often used as a core or covered yarn.
What products fall under HS code 540244?
Fine Denier Spandex Yarn, Elastane Filament Yarn, Polyurethane Elastomeric Yarn, Fine Stretch Yarn, Bare Spandex Yarn, Covered Elastomeric Yarn (before covering)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 540244?
This code can be confused with other fine synthetic yarns (e.g., 540245) if the elastomeric property is overlooked, or with 540411 (monofilament of elastomeric materials) if the filament yarn distinction is not clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 540244?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 540244 in UN Comtrade data were China ($335M, 28% of world exports), Vietnam (about $189M) and the Netherlands ($142M). 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 540244?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 540244 in UN Comtrade data were China ($185M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($100M) and Italy ($84M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 540244 structured?
HS code 540244 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 (44) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 540244?
In Brazil, HS code 540244 is NCM 5402.44.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.