HS Code 55.10 – Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale

HS code 5510 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale. HS Code 5510 specifically covers 'Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale.' This crucial classification pertains to bulk yarns manufactured from short, spun artificial (regenerated cellulose) fibres such as viscose rayon, modal, lyocell, and acetate. Similar to its synthetic counterpart (5509), this heading defines yarns that are not sewing thread and are intended for industrial use rather than direct consumer retail. Its scope includes a wide array of counts, twists, and finishes of artificial staple fibre yarns, which are fundamental inputs for weaving, knitting, and non-woven fabric production. It is distinct from yarns made of synthetic staple fibres (5509), continuous filament yarns (Chapter 54), and sewing threads (5508). The 'artificial' nature of the fibres imparts unique properties like softness, excellent drape, breathability, and absorbency, making them desirable for specific apparel, home textiles, and specialty applications. For trade compliance, accurate classification under HS 5510 is critical. It determines the applicable tariffs, import quotas, and regulatory standards, which can differ significantly from synthetic yarns or retail-packaged yarns. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, penalties, and economic disadvantages. Artificial fibres have a rich history, evolving from early rayon to modern sustainable options like lyocell, and yarns from these fibres remain vital to the textile industry. This heading, as part of Chapter 55, provides a precise classification for these environmentally conscious and performance-driven textile intermediates, facilitating smooth international trade in the global supply chain.

Bulk viscose rayon staple fibre yarn (unbleached), Modal staple fibre yarn (dyed, industrial), Lyocell staple fibre yarn (for sustainable textiles), Acetate staple fibre yarn (for linings), Cuprammonium rayon staple fibre yarn, Spun viscose yarn for knitwear, Spun modal yarn for woven fabrics, High-wet-modulus (HWM) rayon yarn, Blended artificial staple fibre yarn (e.g., viscose-linen blend, predominant artificial), Regenerated cellulose staple fibre yarn, Bamboo viscose staple fibre yarn (often classified here), Tencel yarn (Lyocell), Bemberg yarn (Cuprammonium), Industrial grade artificial staple yarn, Artificial staple yarn for non-wovens, Artificial staple yarn for home textiles, Viscose rayon staple yarn for fashion apparel, Modal yarn for towels, Lyocell yarn for bedding, Acetate yarn for interlinings, Specialty artificial staple fibre yarn, Viscose-polyester blend yarn (predominant artificial), Cuprammonium yarn for intimate apparel, Lyocell yarn for activewear, Modal yarn for drapes.

Common misclassifications for HS 5510 frequently arise from confusing it with yarns of *synthetic* staple fibres (HS 5509), where the distinction between 'artificial' (regenerated cellulose) and 'synthetic' (polymer-based) is paramount. Another error is classifying yarns 'put up for retail sale' (HS 5511) under this heading, ignoring the crucial 'not put up for retail sale' requirement. Additionally, yarns of artificial *filaments* (HS 5408) are sometimes incorrectly grouped here, failing to differentiate between 'staple' (spun from short fibres) and 'filament' (continuous fibres) yarns. Thorough understanding of fibre origin and packaging is key.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5510 in UN Comtrade data were China ($575M, 47% of world exports), Indonesia ($187M) and India ($91M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5510 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $188M, 16% of world imports), Italy ($112M) and Brazil ($106M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.

HS code 5510 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.