HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5508.20 – Sewing thread; of artificial staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale
HS code 5508.20 is the 6-digit subheading for sewing thread, of artificial staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale. It is used for rayon sewing thread, viscose sewing thread, modal sewing thread, lyocell sewing thread and cupro sewing thread.
What HS 5508.20 covers
This HS code covers sewing threads made from artificial staple fibers, which are crucial components in the global textile and apparel manufacturing supply chain. These threads are valued for their strength, durability, and often their aesthetic qualities, making them suitable for a wide range of applications from garment construction to upholstery and industrial sewing. Major importers are typically countries with large garment production industries, such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico, which source these threads from specialized manufacturers globally. Exporters often include nations with advanced chemical and textile industries like China, India, and Taiwan. Key things to know include the importance of thread count, tensile strength, and colorfastness for specific applications, as well as compliance with various international textile standards. The trade in these threads is a significant indicator of activity in the downstream apparel and home furnishings sectors, reflecting global consumer demand for finished textile products.
- Covers
- Rayon sewing thread
- Viscose sewing thread
- Modal sewing thread
- Lyocell sewing thread
- Cupro sewing thread
- Acetate sewing thread
- Triacetate sewing thread
- Examples
- Coats Astra
- Gütermann Sew-all Thread (artificial fiber variants)
- A&E Perma Core (artificial fiber variants)
Codes often confused with 5508.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 550810 (sewing thread of synthetic staple fibres) due to the similar end-use but different fiber origin (artificial vs. synthetic). It might also be confused with general yarns (Chapter 55, other headings) if not clearly identified as "sewing thread."
Top exporters and importers of HS code 550820, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550820 in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 26% 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 Egypt $2.7M 32% of world exports
- 2 China $2.1M 25% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $1.2M 13% of world exports
World total: $8.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $3.3M 26% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$1.3M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Myanmar $705K 5.5% of world imports
World total: $13M 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 5508.20
Brazil does not split HS 5508.20: its NCM code is 5508.20.00.
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 5508.20
What is HS code 550820?
HS code 550820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sewing thread; of artificial staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale. This HS code covers sewing threads made from artificial staple fibers, which are crucial components in the global textile and apparel manufacturing supply chain. These threads are valued for their strength, durability, and often their aesthetic qualities, making them suitable for a wide range of applications from garment construction to upholstery and industrial sewing. Major importers are typically countries with large garment production industries, such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico, which source these threads from specialized manufacturers globally. Exporters often include nations with advanced chemical and textile industries like China, India, and Taiwan. Key things to know include the importance of thread count, tensile strength, and colorfastness for specific applications, as well as compliance with various international textile standards. The trade in these threads is a significant indicator of activity in the downstream apparel and home furnishings sectors, reflecting global consumer demand for finished textile products.
What products fall under HS code 550820?
Rayon sewing thread, Viscose sewing thread, Modal sewing thread, Lyocell sewing thread, Cupro sewing thread, Acetate sewing thread, Triacetate sewing thread
What are common misclassifications for HS code 550820?
This code can be confused with 550810 (sewing thread of synthetic staple fibres) due to the similar end-use but different fiber origin (artificial vs. synthetic). It might also be confused with general yarns (Chapter 55, other headings) if not clearly identified as "sewing thread."
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550820?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550820 in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($2.7M, 32% of world exports), China ($2.1M) and Malaysia ($1.2M). World exports came to about $8.7M, 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 550820?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550820 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($3.3M, 26% of world imports), Vietnam (about $1.3M) and Myanmar ($705K). World imports came to about $13M, 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 550820 structured?
HS code 550820 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550820?
In Brazil, HS code 550820 is NCM 5508.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.