HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5509.42 – Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5509, not put up for retail sale

HS code 5509.42 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5509, not put up for retail sale. It is used for two-ply polyester yarn, cabled acrylic yarn, folded nylon staple yarn, multi-ply polypropylene yarn and high-twist polyester yarn.

What HS 5509.42 covers

This HS code covers multiple (folded) or cabled yarns, not sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, and not packaged for retail. These yarns are vital intermediate goods in the textile industry, offering enhanced strength, durability, and reduced pilling compared to single yarns. They are primarily utilized by weaving, knitting, and carpet manufacturers for producing robust fabrics, industrial textiles, and high-performance apparel. Major importers are textile mills in garment-producing regions, while exporters are large-scale yarn spinning operations. Trade dynamics are influenced by global demand for durable textiles, raw material costs (petrochemicals), and technological advancements in yarn production, making them a cornerstone of industrial textile supply chains.

Covers
  • Two-ply polyester yarn
  • Cabled acrylic yarn
  • Folded nylon staple yarn
  • Multi-ply polypropylene yarn
  • High-twist polyester yarn
  • Core-spun synthetic yarn (multiple)
  • Blended synthetic staple yarn (multiple)
  • Textured polyester yarn (multiple)
Examples
  • Coats Epic (industrial yarn)
  • A&E Wildcat (industrial yarn)
  • Saurer Allma (yarn twisting technology implies industrial yarn)
  • Vardhman Textiles (industrial yarns)
  • K.P.R. Mill Limited (industrial yarns)

Codes often confused with 5509.42

Common mistake. Can be mistaken for 550941 (single yarn of similar composition) if the 'multiple (folded) or cabled' distinction is missed, or 550999 (other synthetic staple fibre yarns) if the 85% synthetic content is not met.

5509.41Yarn; (not sewing thread), single, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5509, not put up for retail sale5509.99Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with fibres (other than wool, fine animal hair or cotton), n.e.c. in heading no. 5509, not put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 550942, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 550942 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 $26M
  2. 2 Italy $20M
  3. 3 Türkiye $6.4M

World total: $75M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $11M
  2. 2 Germany $9.8M
  3. 3 Russia* ~$7.0M

World total: $67M 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 5509.42

Brazil does not split HS 5509.42: its NCM code is 5509.42.00.

  1. 5509.42.00 Plied other synthetic staple yarn, 85%+Retorcidos ou retorcidos múltiplos

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 5509.42

What is HS code 550942?

HS code 550942 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5509, not put up for retail sale. This HS code covers multiple (folded) or cabled yarns, not sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, and not packaged for retail. These yarns are vital intermediate goods in the textile industry, offering enhanced strength, durability, and reduced pilling compared to single yarns. They are primarily utilized by weaving, knitting, and carpet manufacturers for producing robust fabrics, industrial textiles, and high-performance apparel. Major importers are textile mills in garment-producing regions, while exporters are large-scale yarn spinning operations. Trade dynamics are influenced by global demand for durable textiles, raw material costs (petrochemicals), and technological advancements in yarn production, making them a cornerstone of industrial textile supply chains.

What products fall under HS code 550942?

Two-ply polyester yarn, Cabled acrylic yarn, Folded nylon staple yarn, Multi-ply polypropylene yarn, High-twist polyester yarn, Core-spun synthetic yarn (multiple), Blended synthetic staple yarn (multiple), Textured polyester yarn (multiple)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 550942?

Can be mistaken for 550941 (single yarn of similar composition) if the 'multiple (folded) or cabled' distinction is missed, or 550999 (other synthetic staple fibre yarns) if the 85% synthetic content is not met.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 550942?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 550942 in UN Comtrade data were China ($26M, 35% of world exports), Italy ($20M) and Türkiye ($6.4M). World exports came to about $75M, 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 550942?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 550942 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($9.8M) and Russia (about $7.0M). World imports came to about $67M, 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 550942 structured?

HS code 550942 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 550942?

In Brazil, HS code 550942 is NCM 5509.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.