HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5510.12 – Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale
HS code 5510.12 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale. It is used for viscose multi-ply yarn, modal cabled yarn, cupro folded yarn, lyocell blended industrial yarn and acetate staple fiber yarn.
What HS 5510.12 covers
This code covers industrial-grade yarns made predominantly (85% or more) from artificial staple fibers, such as rayon or modal, that have been twisted or plied together (multiple or cabled). These yarns are crucial intermediate goods in the global textile supply chain, primarily traded between manufacturers rather than directly to consumers. Major importers are textile mills and weaving factories in countries with significant apparel and home furnishings production, seeking cost-effective and versatile raw materials. Exporters are typically large-scale yarn producers in Asia and Europe, leveraging advanced spinning technologies. Key aspects include the yarn's denier, twist per inch, and specific fiber composition, which dictate its end-use in fabrics for clothing, upholstery, or technical textiles. The "not put up for retail sale" clause signifies bulk packaging, often on cones or beams, destined for further processing. Understanding the specific artificial fiber type (e.g., viscose, acetate) is vital for trade compliance and quality control, as each offers distinct properties like drape, absorbency, or luster.
- Covers
- Viscose multi-ply yarn
- Modal cabled yarn
- Cupro folded yarn
- Lyocell blended industrial yarn
- Acetate staple fiber yarn
- Rayon multi-filament yarn
- Regenerated cellulose yarn
- Tencel industrial yarn
- Examples
Lenzing Viscose yarn (industrial), Birla Cellulose yarn, Sateri EcoCosy yarn, Eastman Naia yarn, Fuji Spinning Co. Polynic yarn
Codes often confused with 5510.12
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 5509.12 (synthetic staple fiber yarn) if the distinction between artificial (regenerated cellulose) and synthetic (petroleum-based) fibers is not clear, or with 5511.30 if the yarn is put up for retail sale.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 551012, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 551012 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 37% 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 China $70M 54% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $20M 15% of world exports
- 3 India $18M 14% of world exports
World total: $129M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$49M 37% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 France $15M 11% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $11M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $132M 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 5510.12 5
Brazil splits HS 5510.12 into 5 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5510.12.1 Obtained from cellulose fibresObtidos a partir de fibras de celulose Group
- 5510.12.11 Folded/cabled viscose yarn (not modal), min 85%De raiom viscose, exceto modal
- 5510.12.12 Folded/cabled modal staple yarn, 85% or moreDe modal
- 5510.12.13 Folded/cabled lyocell staple yarn, 85% or moreDe liocel
- 5510.12.19 Other folded/cabled cellulosic yarn, 85% or moreOutros
- 5510.12.90 Folded/cabled non-cellulose artificial yarn, 85%+Outros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.10 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5510.12
What is HS code 551012?
HS code 551012 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale. This code covers industrial-grade yarns made predominantly (85% or more) from artificial staple fibers, such as rayon or modal, that have been twisted or plied together (multiple or cabled). These yarns are crucial intermediate goods in the global textile supply chain, primarily traded between manufacturers rather than directly to consumers. Major importers are textile mills and weaving factories in countries with significant apparel and home furnishings production, seeking cost-effective and versatile raw materials. Exporters are typically large-scale yarn producers in Asia and Europe, leveraging advanced spinning technologies. Key aspects include the yarn's denier, twist per inch, and specific fiber composition, which dictate its end-use in fabrics for clothing, upholstery, or technical textiles. The "not put up for retail sale" clause signifies bulk packaging, often on cones or beams, destined for further processing. Understanding the specific artificial fiber type (e.g., viscose, acetate) is vital for trade compliance and quality control, as each offers distinct properties like drape, absorbency, or luster.
What products fall under HS code 551012?
Viscose multi-ply yarn, Modal cabled yarn, Cupro folded yarn, Lyocell blended industrial yarn, Acetate staple fiber yarn, Rayon multi-filament yarn, Regenerated cellulose yarn, Tencel industrial yarn
What are common misclassifications for HS code 551012?
This code can be confused with 5509.12 (synthetic staple fiber yarn) if the distinction between artificial (regenerated cellulose) and synthetic (petroleum-based) fibers is not clear, or with 5511.30 if the yarn is put up for retail sale.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 551012?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 551012 in UN Comtrade data were China ($70M, 54% of world exports), Indonesia ($20M) and India ($18M). World exports came to about $129M, 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 551012?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 551012 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $49M, 37% of world imports), France ($15M) and Türkiye ($11M). World imports came to about $132M, 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 551012 structured?
HS code 551012 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) 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 551012?
Brazil splits HS code 551012 into 5 NCM codes: 5510.12.11 (Folded/cabled viscose yarn (not modal), min 85%), 5510.12.12 (Folded/cabled modal staple yarn, 85% or more), 5510.12.13 (Folded/cabled lyocell staple yarn, 85% or more), 5510.12.19 (Other folded/cabled cellulosic yarn, 85% or more), 5510.12.90 (Folded/cabled non-cellulose artificial yarn, 85%+). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.