HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5509.12 – Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale

HS code 5509.12 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale. It is used for two-ply nylon 6 yarn, cabled polyamide yarn, folded nylon 6,6 yarn, high-tenacity cabled polyamide yarn and industrial multi-ply nylon yarn.

What HS 5509.12 covers

This HS code covers multiple (folded) or cabled yarns composed of synthetic staple fibers, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, and not put up for retail sale. These yarns are engineered for enhanced strength, durability, and bulk compared to single yarns, making them ideal for demanding industrial and technical textile applications. They are critical for manufacturing heavy-duty fabrics, ropes, fishing nets, and automotive textiles. Countries with significant manufacturing bases for these products, such as China, India, and Vietnam, are major importers, sourcing from global suppliers. Leading exporters often include nations with advanced synthetic fiber production, like China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Traders must pay close attention to the ply count, twist direction, and overall yarn construction, as these factors significantly impact the final product's performance and market value.

Covers
  • Two-ply nylon 6 yarn
  • Cabled polyamide yarn
  • Folded nylon 6,6 yarn
  • High-tenacity cabled polyamide yarn
  • Industrial multi-ply nylon yarn
  • Nylon carpet yarn (not retail)
  • Polyamide rope yarn
Examples
  • Invista Cordura (multi-ply variants)
  • Ascend Performance Materials (multi-ply polyamide yarns)
  • RadiciGroup Radipol (multi-ply polyamide yarns)

Codes often confused with 5509.12

Common mistake. This code is differentiated from 550911 (single nylon yarn) by its multiple or cabled structure. It might also be confused with similar multiple yarns of other synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester in 550922) if the polyamide content is not accurately specified.

5509.11Yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale5509.22Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 550912, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550912 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 34% 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 Germany $38M
  2. 2 China $36M
  3. 3 Slovakia $32M

World total: $169M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $61M
  2. 2 Russia* ~$22M
  3. 3 France $21M

World total: $180M 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 codes for 5509.12 2

Brazil splits HS 5509.12 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 5509.12.10 Plied aramid staple yarn, 85%+ polyamideDe aramidas
  2. 5509.12.90 Other plied nylon/polyamide staple yarn, 85%+Outros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.09 →

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

Questions about HS 5509.12

What is HS code 550912?

HS code 550912 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale. This HS code covers multiple (folded) or cabled yarns composed of synthetic staple fibers, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, and not put up for retail sale. These yarns are engineered for enhanced strength, durability, and bulk compared to single yarns, making them ideal for demanding industrial and technical textile applications. They are critical for manufacturing heavy-duty fabrics, ropes, fishing nets, and automotive textiles. Countries with significant manufacturing bases for these products, such as China, India, and Vietnam, are major importers, sourcing from global suppliers. Leading exporters often include nations with advanced synthetic fiber production, like China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Traders must pay close attention to the ply count, twist direction, and overall yarn construction, as these factors significantly impact the final product's performance and market value.

What products fall under HS code 550912?

Two-ply nylon 6 yarn, Cabled polyamide yarn, Folded nylon 6,6 yarn, High-tenacity cabled polyamide yarn, Industrial multi-ply nylon yarn, Nylon carpet yarn (not retail), Polyamide rope yarn

What are common misclassifications for HS code 550912?

This code is differentiated from 550911 (single nylon yarn) by its multiple or cabled structure. It might also be confused with similar multiple yarns of other synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester in 550922) if the polyamide content is not accurately specified.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550912?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550912 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($38M, 23% of world exports), China ($36M) and Slovakia ($32M). World exports came to about $169M, 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 550912?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550912 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($61M, 34% of world imports), Russia (about $22M) and France ($21M). World imports came to about $180M, 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 550912 structured?

HS code 550912 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550912?

Brazil splits HS code 550912 into 2 NCM codes: 5509.12.10 (Plied aramid staple yarn, 85%+ polyamide), 5509.12.90 (Other plied nylon/polyamide staple yarn, 85%+). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.