HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5508.10 – Sewing thread; of synthetic staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale
HS code 5508.10 is the 6-digit subheading for sewing thread, of synthetic staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale. It is used for polyester sewing thread, nylon sewing thread, spun polyester thread, core-spun thread and embroidery thread (synthetic).
What HS 5508.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers sewing thread manufactured from synthetic staple fibres, whether it's packaged for direct consumer purchase or in bulk for industrial use. These threads are fundamental to the global textile and apparel industry, providing strength, durability, and colorfastness for a vast array of applications, from garment construction and upholstery to footwear and technical textiles. Major importers include garment factories, textile manufacturers, and craft supply distributors in countries with significant apparel production or strong DIY markets. Exporters are typically large-scale yarn and thread producers, often integrated with petrochemical industries. Key considerations in trade involve thread count, tensile strength, elongation, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals, ensuring the thread meets the rigorous demands of modern manufacturing processes and consumer expectations.
- Covers
- Polyester sewing thread
- Nylon sewing thread
- Spun polyester thread
- Core-spun thread
- Embroidery thread (synthetic)
- Overlocking thread
- Quilting thread (synthetic)
- Upholstery thread (synthetic)
- Examples
- Coats Dual Duty XP
- Gutermann Sew-All Thread
- A&E Perma Core
- YKK Excella Thread
- Mettler Metrosene
Codes often confused with 5508.10
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 5401 (synthetic filament sewing thread) if the 'staple fibre' characteristic is overlooked, or 550820 (of artificial staple fibres) if the synthetic/artificial distinction is missed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550810, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550810 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 8.2% 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 $402M 65% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $21M 3.4% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $19M 3.1% of world exports
World total: $616M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$40M 8.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Cambodia* ~$27M 5.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$25M 5.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $489M 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 5508.10
Brazil does not split HS 5508.10: its NCM code is 5508.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5508.10
What is HS code 550810?
HS code 550810 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sewing thread; of synthetic staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale. This HS code specifically covers sewing thread manufactured from synthetic staple fibres, whether it's packaged for direct consumer purchase or in bulk for industrial use. These threads are fundamental to the global textile and apparel industry, providing strength, durability, and colorfastness for a vast array of applications, from garment construction and upholstery to footwear and technical textiles. Major importers include garment factories, textile manufacturers, and craft supply distributors in countries with significant apparel production or strong DIY markets. Exporters are typically large-scale yarn and thread producers, often integrated with petrochemical industries. Key considerations in trade involve thread count, tensile strength, elongation, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals, ensuring the thread meets the rigorous demands of modern manufacturing processes and consumer expectations.
What products fall under HS code 550810?
Polyester sewing thread, Nylon sewing thread, Spun polyester thread, Core-spun thread, Embroidery thread (synthetic), Overlocking thread, Quilting thread (synthetic), Upholstery thread (synthetic)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550810?
This code can be confused with 5401 (synthetic filament sewing thread) if the 'staple fibre' characteristic is overlooked, or 550820 (of artificial staple fibres) if the synthetic/artificial distinction is missed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550810?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550810 in UN Comtrade data were China ($402M, 65% of world exports), Türkiye ($21M) and Hong Kong ($19M). World exports came to about $616M, 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 550810?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550810 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $40M, 8.2% of world imports), Cambodia (about $27M) and Bangladesh (about $25M). World imports came to about $489M, 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 550810 structured?
HS code 550810 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550810?
In Brazil, HS code 550810 is NCM 5508.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.