HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5510.20 – Yarn; (not sewing thread), of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair, not put up for retail sale
HS code 5510.20 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, (not sewing thread), of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair, not put up for retail sale. It is used for viscose-wool blend yarn, modal-cashmere yarn, rayon-alpaca blend yarn, acetate-mohair yarn and lyocell-merino wool yarn.
What HS 5510.20 covers
This category encompasses industrial yarns crafted from a blend of artificial staple fibers and natural fibers like wool or fine animal hair (e.g., cashmere, alpaca), where the artificial component is dominant or exclusive. These blended yarns are highly valued in the textile industry for combining the desirable properties of both fiber types: artificial fibers often add durability, wrinkle resistance, and cost-effectiveness, while wool/animal hair contributes warmth, softness, and luxurious feel. International trade in these yarns primarily involves textile manufacturers and fashion houses seeking specialized materials for high-quality apparel, knitwear, and upholstery. Exporters are typically sophisticated yarn producers in regions with strong textile traditions and access to both artificial fiber production and animal fiber sourcing. Importers include garment factories and luxury brands in developed markets. Key considerations for trade include the specific blend ratio, yarn count, and the quality of the natural fiber component, all of which impact the final fabric's performance and market appeal.
- Covers
- Viscose-wool blend yarn
- Modal-cashmere yarn
- Rayon-alpaca blend yarn
- Acetate-mohair yarn
- Lyocell-merino wool yarn
- Cupro-yak hair yarn
- Blended artificial-angora yarn
- Regenerated cellulose-lambswool yarn
- Examples
- Südwolle Group blended yarns
- Novita Nalle yarn (industrial bulk)
- Schoeller Spinning Group blends
- Consinee Group blended yarns
- Filpucci blended yarns
Codes often confused with 5510.20
Common mistake. Misclassification can occur with 5107.10 (wool yarn) if the artificial fiber content is overlooked, or with 5510.90 if the natural fiber component is not wool or fine animal hair.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 551020, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 551020 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 46% 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 Italy $17M 46% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $4.3M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $4.2M 11% of world exports
World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $22M 46% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $5.0M 11% of world imports
- 3 Croatia $2.2M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $47M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 5510.20 5
Brazil splits HS 5510.20 into 5 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5510.20.1 Obtained from cellulose fibresObtidos a partir de fibras de celulose Group
- 5510.20.11 Viscose yarn (not modal) mixed with wool/fine hairDe raiom viscose, exceto modal
- 5510.20.12 Modal yarn mixed with wool or fine animal hairDe modal
- 5510.20.13 Lyocell yarn mixed with wool or fine animal hairDe liocel
- 5510.20.19 Other cellulosic yarn mixed with wool or fine hairOutros
- 5510.20.90 Non-cellulose artificial yarn with wool/fine hairOutros
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 5510.20
What is HS code 551020?
HS code 551020 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn; (not sewing thread), of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair, not put up for retail sale. This category encompasses industrial yarns crafted from a blend of artificial staple fibers and natural fibers like wool or fine animal hair (e.g., cashmere, alpaca), where the artificial component is dominant or exclusive. These blended yarns are highly valued in the textile industry for combining the desirable properties of both fiber types: artificial fibers often add durability, wrinkle resistance, and cost-effectiveness, while wool/animal hair contributes warmth, softness, and luxurious feel. International trade in these yarns primarily involves textile manufacturers and fashion houses seeking specialized materials for high-quality apparel, knitwear, and upholstery. Exporters are typically sophisticated yarn producers in regions with strong textile traditions and access to both artificial fiber production and animal fiber sourcing. Importers include garment factories and luxury brands in developed markets. Key considerations for trade include the specific blend ratio, yarn count, and the quality of the natural fiber component, all of which impact the final fabric's performance and market appeal.
What products fall under HS code 551020?
Viscose-wool blend yarn, Modal-cashmere yarn, Rayon-alpaca blend yarn, Acetate-mohair yarn, Lyocell-merino wool yarn, Cupro-yak hair yarn, Blended artificial-angora yarn, Regenerated cellulose-lambswool yarn
What are common misclassifications for HS code 551020?
Misclassification can occur with 5107.10 (wool yarn) if the artificial fiber content is overlooked, or with 5510.90 if the natural fiber component is not wool or fine animal hair.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 551020?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 551020 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($17M, 46% of world exports), Hong Kong ($4.3M) and China ($4.2M). World exports came to about $38M, 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 551020?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 551020 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($22M, 46% of world imports), Hong Kong ($5.0M) and Croatia ($2.2M). World imports came to about $47M, 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 551020 structured?
HS code 551020 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 551020?
Brazil splits HS code 551020 into 5 NCM codes: 5510.20.11 (Viscose yarn (not modal) mixed with wool/fine hair), 5510.20.12 (Modal yarn mixed with wool or fine animal hair), 5510.20.13 (Lyocell yarn mixed with wool or fine animal hair), 5510.20.19 (Other cellulosic yarn mixed with wool or fine hair), 5510.20.90 (Non-cellulose artificial yarn with wool/fine hair). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.