HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5509.21 – Yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up for retail sale

HS code 5509.21 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, (not sewing thread), single, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up for retail sale. It is used for single polyester staple fiber yarn, virgin polyester single yarn, recycled polyester single yarn, high-tenacity polyester single yarn and polyester spun single yarn.

What HS 5509.21 covers

This HS code pertains to single yarns made from synthetic staple fibers, specifically those with a high polyester content (85% or more by weight), and not prepared for retail sale. These industrial yarns are a cornerstone of the global textile industry due to polyester's versatility, strength, wrinkle resistance, and affordability. They are widely used in the production of apparel fabrics, home textiles (bedding, curtains), and various non-woven applications. Major importers are typically textile manufacturing hubs like China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, which convert these yarns into a vast array of finished goods. Exporters include countries with large-scale petrochemical and fiber production, such as China, India, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Key considerations for traders involve understanding the yarn's denier, staple length, and whether it's virgin or recycled polyester, as these factors influence its application and market price.

Covers
  • Single polyester staple fiber yarn
  • Virgin polyester single yarn
  • Recycled polyester single yarn
  • High-tenacity polyester single yarn
  • Polyester spun single yarn
  • Polyester-cotton blend single yarn (if >85% polyester)
  • PET single yarn
Examples
  • Reliance Industries Recron (polyester staple fiber yarn)
  • Indorama Ventures (various polyester yarns)
  • Huvis (polyester staple fiber yarns)

Codes often confused with 5509.21

Common mistake. This code is distinguished from 550922 (multiple/cabled polyester yarn) by its single strand form. It could also be confused with other synthetic staple fiber yarns (e.g., nylon in 550911) if the polyester content is not precisely declared.

5509.22Yarn; (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 sale5509.11Yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 550921, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550921 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 13% 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 China $468M
  2. 2 Indonesia $105M
  3. 3 Nepal* ~$34M

World total: $735M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $87M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$65M
  3. 3 Brazil $64M

World total: $660M 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 5509.21

Brazil does not split HS 5509.21: its NCM code is 5509.21.00.

  1. 5509.21.00 Single polyester staple yarn, 85%+Simples

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 5509.21

What is HS code 550921?

HS code 550921 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up for retail sale. This HS code pertains to single yarns made from synthetic staple fibers, specifically those with a high polyester content (85% or more by weight), and not prepared for retail sale. These industrial yarns are a cornerstone of the global textile industry due to polyester's versatility, strength, wrinkle resistance, and affordability. They are widely used in the production of apparel fabrics, home textiles (bedding, curtains), and various non-woven applications. Major importers are typically textile manufacturing hubs like China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, which convert these yarns into a vast array of finished goods. Exporters include countries with large-scale petrochemical and fiber production, such as China, India, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Key considerations for traders involve understanding the yarn's denier, staple length, and whether it's virgin or recycled polyester, as these factors influence its application and market price.

What products fall under HS code 550921?

Single polyester staple fiber yarn, Virgin polyester single yarn, Recycled polyester single yarn, High-tenacity polyester single yarn, Polyester spun single yarn, Polyester-cotton blend single yarn (if >85% polyester), PET single yarn

What are common misclassifications for HS code 550921?

This code is distinguished from 550922 (multiple/cabled polyester yarn) by its single strand form. It could also be confused with other synthetic staple fiber yarns (e.g., nylon in 550911) if the polyester content is not precisely declared.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550921?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550921 in UN Comtrade data were China ($468M, 64% of world exports), Indonesia ($105M) and Nepal (about $34M). World exports came to about $735M, 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 550921?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550921 in UN Comtrade data were India ($87M, 13% of world imports), Vietnam (about $65M) and Brazil ($64M). World imports came to about $660M, 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 550921 structured?

HS code 550921 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550921?

In Brazil, HS code 550921 is NCM 5509.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.