HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5404.90 – Filament, synthetic; strip and the like (e.g.. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm
HS code 5404.90 is the 6-digit subheading for filament, synthetic, strip and the like (e.g.. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm. It is used for polypropylene strips, polyethylene artificial straw, synthetic raffia, woven mat strips and artificial grass filaments.
What HS 5404.90 covers
This HS code covers synthetic filament strips and similar materials, often referred to as artificial straw, made from synthetic textile materials with an apparent width not exceeding 5mm. These materials are typically produced from polymers like polypropylene or polyethylene and are traded globally for their versatility, durability, and often vibrant colors. They find extensive use in various industries, including the manufacturing of woven mats, bags, hats, furniture components, and as binding or decorative elements. Importers are often manufacturers in the handicraft, packaging, and furniture sectors, seeking cost-effective and weather-resistant alternatives to natural materials. Exporters are typically polymer processors and specialized textile material producers. The 'artificial straw' aspect highlights their common use as a substitute for natural fibers in weaving and braiding applications.
- Covers
- Polypropylene strips
- Polyethylene artificial straw
- Synthetic raffia
- Woven mat strips
- Artificial grass filaments
- Plastic weaving strips
- Examples
- SWM Polypropylene Strips
- Monosuisse Synthetic Raffia
- TenCate Artificial Grass Filaments
Codes often confused with 5404.90
Common mistake. Can be confused with wider strips (Chapter 39 for plastics) or with natural straw (Chapter 14), requiring careful attention to material composition and the specified width limit.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 540490, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 540490 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 $102M 21% of world exports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$82M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $72M 15% of world exports
World total: $490M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $130M 25% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $37M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $33M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $522M 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 5404.90
Brazil does not split HS 5404.90: its NCM code is 5404.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 54.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5404.90
What is HS code 540490?
HS code 540490 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Filament, synthetic; strip and the like (e.g.. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm. This HS code covers synthetic filament strips and similar materials, often referred to as artificial straw, made from synthetic textile materials with an apparent width not exceeding 5mm. These materials are typically produced from polymers like polypropylene or polyethylene and are traded globally for their versatility, durability, and often vibrant colors. They find extensive use in various industries, including the manufacturing of woven mats, bags, hats, furniture components, and as binding or decorative elements. Importers are often manufacturers in the handicraft, packaging, and furniture sectors, seeking cost-effective and weather-resistant alternatives to natural materials. Exporters are typically polymer processors and specialized textile material producers. The 'artificial straw' aspect highlights their common use as a substitute for natural fibers in weaving and braiding applications.
What products fall under HS code 540490?
Polypropylene strips, polyethylene artificial straw, synthetic raffia, woven mat strips, artificial grass filaments, plastic weaving strips
What are common misclassifications for HS code 540490?
Can be confused with wider strips (Chapter 39 for plastics) or with natural straw (Chapter 14), requiring careful attention to material composition and the specified width limit.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 540490?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 540490 in UN Comtrade data were China ($102M, 21% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $82M) and Germany ($72M). World exports came to about $490M, 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 540490?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 540490 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($130M, 25% of world imports), Belgium ($37M) and the Netherlands ($33M). World imports came to about $522M, 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 540490 structured?
HS code 540490 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (54) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 540490?
In Brazil, HS code 540490 is NCM 5404.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.