HS code · 4-digit heading

HS Code 54.03 – Artificial filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex

What HS 54.03 covers

Heading 5403 specifically covers 'Artificial filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex.' This classification is vital for professionals dealing with industrial-grade yarns derived from regenerated cellulose (like viscose rayon, modal, lyocell, acetate, cupro) or protein bases. The core distinctions are that these yarns are 'artificial' (not synthetic petrochemical-based), are 'not sewing thread' (excluded by 5401), and are 'not put up for retail sale,' indicating their role as raw materials for further manufacturing. The heading also includes very fine artificial monofilaments below 67 decitex. The scope is broad for artificial filament yarns but strictly defined by these conditions, distinguishing them from their synthetic counterparts and retail-ready products. Accurate classification is crucial for proper duty assessment, compliance with origin rules, and adherence to specific textile regulations, particularly concerning fiber composition labeling. As part of Section XI, 'Textiles and Textile Articles,' Heading 5403 plays a significant role in the global textile supply chain, providing materials known for their unique drape, luster, breathability, and often more sustainable production methods, serving a wide range of applications from apparel to technical textiles.

Covers
  • Viscose rayon filament yarn (industrial)
  • Modal filament yarn (bulk)
  • Lyocell filament yarn (not for retail)
  • Acetate filament yarn for garment linings
  • Cupro filament yarn for luxury textiles
  • High-tenacity viscose filament yarn for tire cords
  • Cellulose acetate filament yarn for cigarette filters (raw form)
  • Regenerated protein filament yarn
  • Solution-dyed viscose filament yarn
  • Textured acetate filament yarn
  • Undrawn viscose filament yarn
  • Partially oriented lyocell yarn
  • Flat modal filament yarn
  • Microfilament viscose yarn
  • Artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex for specialized filters
  • Artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex for medical applications
  • Artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex for specific weaving
  • Rayon yarn for embroidery
  • Modal yarn for knitwear
  • Lyocell yarn for sustainable denim
  • Acetate yarn for ribbons
  • Cupro yarn for intimate apparel.
Examples

An Indian textile company imports large volumes of viscose rayon filament yarn from China for weaving into dress materials and home furnishings, typically transported by ocean freight in bulk containers. A European luxury fashion brand's supplier sources high-quality cupro filament yarn from Japan for inner linings, valuing its silk-like properties and sustainable profile, often using air freight for speed and careful handling. A US manufacturer imports specialized high-tenacity lyocell filament yarn from Austria for sustainable industrial fabrics and nonwovens, prioritizing eco-friendly supply chains and certifications. A Pakistani textile mill imports acetate filament yarn from Korea for the production of garment linings and decorative textiles, shipped in bulk containers across Asia.

Subheadings under 54.03 8

5403.10Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity viscose rayon, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5403.31Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of viscose rayon (not high tenacity), single, untwisted or twisted 120 turns per metre or less, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5403.32Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of viscose rayon (not high tenacity), single, twisted more than 120 turns per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5403.33Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, single, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5403.39Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), single, n.e.c. in heading no. 5403, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5403.41Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of viscose rayon (not high tenacity), multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5403.42Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5403.49Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), multiple (folded) or cabled, n.e.c. in heading no. 5403, not for retail sale, not sewing thread

9 Brazil NCM codes in heading 54.03 →

Codes often confused with 54.03

Common mistake. A critical misclassification risk for 5403 is confusing 'artificial' filament yarn with 'synthetic' filament yarn (5402). The distinction lies in their origin: artificial yarns are regenerated cellulosic or protein-based, while synthetic yarns are petrochemical-based. Traders often fail to differentiate these. Another common error is classifying sewing thread made from artificial filaments under 5403 instead of 5401, as the 'other than sewing thread' clause is paramount. Additionally, if the material is in staple fiber form (chopped fibers) rather than continuous filament, it should be classified under Chapter 55 (e.g., 5504 for artificial staple fibers), not 5403. Finally, artificial monofilaments of 67 decitex or more fall under 5405, requiring precise measurement.

54.02Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex54.01Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale55.04Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning54.05Artificial monofilament of 67 decitex or more, no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm; strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of artificial textile materials of a width not exceeding 5mm

Top exporters and importers of HS code 5403, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5403 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 30% 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. 1 China $681M
  2. 2 United States $193M
  3. 3 Japan $128M

World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $447M
  2. 2 Italy $153M
  3. 3 China $135M

World total: $1.5B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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.

Questions about HS 54.03

What is HS code 5403?

HS code 5403 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Artificial filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex. Heading 5403 specifically covers 'Artificial filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex.' This classification is vital for professionals dealing with industrial-grade yarns derived from regenerated cellulose (like viscose rayon, modal, lyocell, acetate, cupro) or protein bases. The core distinctions are that these yarns are 'artificial' (not synthetic petrochemical-based), are 'not sewing thread' (excluded by 5401), and are 'not put up for retail sale,' indicating their role as raw materials for further manufacturing. The heading also includes very fine artificial monofilaments below 67 decitex. The scope is broad for artificial filament yarns but strictly defined by these conditions, distinguishing them from their synthetic counterparts and retail-ready products. Accurate classification is crucial for proper duty assessment, compliance with origin rules, and adherence to specific textile regulations, particularly concerning fiber composition labeling. As part of Section XI, 'Textiles and Textile Articles,' Heading 5403 plays a significant role in the global textile supply chain, providing materials known for their unique drape, luster, breathability, and often more sustainable production methods, serving a wide range of applications from apparel to technical textiles.

What products fall under HS code 5403?

Viscose rayon filament yarn (industrial), modal filament yarn (bulk), lyocell filament yarn (not for retail), acetate filament yarn for garment linings, cupro filament yarn for luxury textiles, high-tenacity viscose filament yarn for tire cords, cellulose acetate filament yarn for cigarette filters (raw form), regenerated protein filament yarn, solution-dyed viscose filament yarn, textured acetate filament yarn, undrawn viscose filament yarn, partially oriented lyocell yarn, flat modal filament yarn, microfilament viscose yarn, artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex for specialized filters, artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex for medical applications, artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex for specific weaving, rayon yarn for embroidery, modal yarn for knitwear, lyocell yarn for sustainable denim, acetate yarn for ribbons, cupro yarn for intimate apparel.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 5403?

A critical misclassification risk for 5403 is confusing 'artificial' filament yarn with 'synthetic' filament yarn (5402). The distinction lies in their origin: artificial yarns are regenerated cellulosic or protein-based, while synthetic yarns are petrochemical-based. Traders often fail to differentiate these. Another common error is classifying sewing thread made from artificial filaments under 5403 instead of 5401, as the 'other than sewing thread' clause is paramount. Additionally, if the material is in staple fiber form (chopped fibers) rather than continuous filament, it should be classified under Chapter 55 (e.g., 5504 for artificial staple fibers), not 5403. Finally, artificial monofilaments of 67 decitex or more fall under 5405, requiring precise measurement.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5403?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5403 in UN Comtrade data were China ($681M, 54% of world exports), the United States ($193M) and Japan ($128M). World exports 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 5403?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5403 in UN Comtrade data were India ($447M, 30% of world imports), Italy ($153M) and China ($135M). World imports 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.

How is HS code 5403 structured?

HS code 5403 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 54 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (54) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.