HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5403.42 – Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread

HS code 5403.42 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, artificial, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. It is used for cellulose acetate folded yarn, cabled acetate filament, multiple cellulose acetate yarn, acetate lining yarn and apparel-grade acetate yarn.

What HS 5403.42 covers

This HS code pertains to multiple (folded) or cabled yarns of cellulose acetate filament, with a linear density of less than 67 decitex, not for retail sale, and not sewing thread. Cellulose acetate yarns are prized for their luxurious feel, excellent drape, and vibrant color retention, often mimicking natural silk. The 'multiple or cabled' structure enhances the yarn's strength and body, making it suitable for more robust textile applications while retaining its aesthetic qualities. These yarns are actively traded by specialized textile mills and high-end apparel manufacturers who incorporate them into linings, blouses, dresses, and decorative fabrics. Exporters are typically chemical companies and advanced fiber producers. The non-retail aspect signifies its role as an intermediate product in the textile supply chain.

Covers
  • Cellulose acetate folded yarn
  • Cabled acetate filament
  • Multiple cellulose acetate yarn
  • Acetate lining yarn
  • Apparel-grade acetate yarn
  • 2-ply acetate yarn
Examples
  • Celanese Acetate Folded Yarn
  • Eastman Acetate Cabled Filament
  • Mitsubishi Rayon Acetate Yarn

Codes often confused with 5403.42

Common mistake. Often confused with single cellulose acetate yarns (540333) or other artificial multiple yarns like viscose rayon (540341), requiring careful identification of both material and yarn structure.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 540342, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 540342 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 Spain $1.6M
  2. 2 Italy $470K
  3. 3 Japan $364K

World total: $2.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $2.5M
  2. 2 Kazakhstan $1.3M
  3. 3 Spain $598K

World total: $5.9M 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.

Brazil NCM code for 5403.42

Brazil does not split HS 5403.42: its NCM code is 5403.42.00.

  1. 5403.42.00 Cellulose acetate multiple or cabled yarnDe acetato de celulose

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 54.03 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 5403.42

What is HS code 540342?

HS code 540342 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This HS code pertains to multiple (folded) or cabled yarns of cellulose acetate filament, with a linear density of less than 67 decitex, not for retail sale, and not sewing thread. Cellulose acetate yarns are prized for their luxurious feel, excellent drape, and vibrant color retention, often mimicking natural silk. The 'multiple or cabled' structure enhances the yarn's strength and body, making it suitable for more robust textile applications while retaining its aesthetic qualities. These yarns are actively traded by specialized textile mills and high-end apparel manufacturers who incorporate them into linings, blouses, dresses, and decorative fabrics. Exporters are typically chemical companies and advanced fiber producers. The non-retail aspect signifies its role as an intermediate product in the textile supply chain.

What products fall under HS code 540342?

Cellulose acetate folded yarn, cabled acetate filament, multiple cellulose acetate yarn, acetate lining yarn, apparel-grade acetate yarn, 2-ply acetate yarn

What are common misclassifications for HS code 540342?

Often confused with single cellulose acetate yarns (540333) or other artificial multiple yarns like viscose rayon (540341), requiring careful identification of both material and yarn structure.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 540342?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 540342 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.6M, 60% of world exports), Italy ($470K) and Japan ($364K). World exports came to about $2.7M, 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 540342?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 540342 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.5M, 43% of world imports), Kazakhstan ($1.3M) and Spain ($598K). World imports came to about $5.9M, 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 540342 structured?

HS code 540342 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (54) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 540342?

In Brazil, HS code 540342 is NCM 5403.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.