HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5511.20 – Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale
HS code 5511.20 is the 6-digit subheading for yarn, (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale. It is used for polyester-cotton blend knitting yarn, acrylic-wool blend crochet yarn, synthetic blend hand-knitting yarn, retail-packaged craft yarn and blended apparel yarn (retail).
What HS 5511.20 covers
This category covers yarn (excluding sewing thread) made from synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, and specifically put up for retail sale. This signifies blended yarns, often incorporating natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen, packaged in smaller quantities suitable for consumers, crafters, and small-scale textile projects. These yarns are popular in the hobby and craft market for knitting, crocheting, and other textile arts, offering a balance of synthetic durability and natural fiber comfort. Importers are typically craft stores, hobby shops, specialty yarn retailers, and distributors catering to the consumer market. Exporters are yarn manufacturers and distributors who package their products for retail. The 'retail sale' aspect is key to its classification, distinguishing it from industrial bulk yarns.
- Covers
- Polyester-cotton blend knitting yarn
- Acrylic-wool blend crochet yarn
- Synthetic blend hand-knitting yarn
- Retail-packaged craft yarn
- Blended apparel yarn (retail)
- Hobby yarn
- Multi-fiber blend yarn
- Examples
- Lion Brand Yarn (various blends)
- Red Heart Yarns (blended lines)
- Bernat Yarns (blended lines)
- Patons Yarns (blended lines)
- Caron Yarns (blended lines)
Codes often confused with 5511.20
Common mistake. Often confused with 551011 (yarn of artificial staple fibres, for retail) if the 'synthetic' vs. 'artificial' distinction is missed, or 550953 (other yarn of synthetic staple fibres, not for retail) if the retail packaging is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 551120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 551120 in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 41% 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 Türkiye $31M 41% of world exports
- 2 China $12M 16% of world exports
- 3 Italy $5.3M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $75M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $10M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $5.3M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 France $4.1M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $65M 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 code for 5511.20
Brazil does not split HS 5511.20: its NCM code is 5511.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5511.20
What is HS code 551120?
HS code 551120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale. This category covers yarn (excluding sewing thread) made from synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, and specifically put up for retail sale. This signifies blended yarns, often incorporating natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen, packaged in smaller quantities suitable for consumers, crafters, and small-scale textile projects. These yarns are popular in the hobby and craft market for knitting, crocheting, and other textile arts, offering a balance of synthetic durability and natural fiber comfort. Importers are typically craft stores, hobby shops, specialty yarn retailers, and distributors catering to the consumer market. Exporters are yarn manufacturers and distributors who package their products for retail. The 'retail sale' aspect is key to its classification, distinguishing it from industrial bulk yarns.
What products fall under HS code 551120?
Polyester-cotton blend knitting yarn, Acrylic-wool blend crochet yarn, Synthetic blend hand-knitting yarn, Retail-packaged craft yarn, Blended apparel yarn (retail), Hobby yarn, Multi-fiber blend yarn
What are common misclassifications for HS code 551120?
Often confused with 551011 (yarn of artificial staple fibres, for retail) if the 'synthetic' vs. 'artificial' distinction is missed, or 550953 (other yarn of synthetic staple fibres, not for retail) if the retail packaging is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 551120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 551120 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($31M, 41% of world exports), China ($12M) and Italy ($5.3M). 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 551120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 551120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($5.3M) and France ($4.1M). World imports came to about $65M, 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 551120 structured?
HS code 551120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) 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 551120?
In Brazil, HS code 551120 is NCM 5511.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.