HS Code 56.05 – Yarn; metallised, whether or not gimped, of textile yarn, or strip or the like of heading no. 5404 or 5405, combined with metal in the form of thread, strip or powder or covered with metal

HS code 5605 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn; metallised, whether or not gimped, of textile yarn, or strip or the like of heading no. 5404 or 5405, combined with metal in the form of thread, strip or powder or covered with metal. Heading 5605 covers 'Yarn; metallised, whether or not gimped, of textile yarn, or strip or the like of heading no. 5404 or 5405, combined with metal in the form of thread, strip or powder or covered with metal.' This classification is dedicated to yarns that incorporate metal, either for decorative effect or functional properties like conductivity. The scope is precise: it includes textile yarns (or strips of 5404/5405) combined with metal in various forms, such as metal thread, metal strip, or metal powder, or simply covered with metal. 'Metallised' means the yarn has a metallic appearance or contains metal. 'Gimped' refers to a process where one yarn is wound tightly around another (often a core yarn) to create a specific texture or to secure the metallic component. Key sub-categories are based on the type of textile yarn, the form of the metal, and whether it's gimped. Applications range from high-fashion apparel and embroidery to anti-static textiles, smart fabrics, and technical applications requiring electrical conductivity or shielding. This classification is crucial for trade compliance as it distinguishes these specialized metallic yarns from basic textile yarns (Chapters 50-55) and pure metal threads (Chapters 71-83), which have vastly different tariff classifications and regulatory implications. Historically, metallic yarns have been used for centuries in ceremonial garments and decorative arts. As part of Chapter 56, which focuses on wadding, felt, nonwovens, and special yarns, 5605 highlights advanced textile materials that integrate non-textile components to achieve unique characteristics, making it essential for niche markets and innovative textile product development.

Gold embroidery yarn, silver Lurex yarn for apparel, copper wire textile yarn for conductivity, aluminum foil textile yarn for insulation, anti-static metallised yarn for cleanroom garments, conductive yarn for smart textiles, gimped metallic yarn for decorative trim, polyester yarn covered with metal for upholstery, nylon yarn combined with metal powder, metallic thread for traditional costumes, stainless steel fiber yarn for industrial filtration, silver-plated textile yarn for medical applications, high-visibility metallic yarn for safety wear, metallic yarn for automotive interiors, decorative metallic yarn for knitwear, textile yarn with fine metal strips for shielding, brass wire textile yarn, electroluminescent metallic yarn, metallic yarn for military applications, reflective metallic yarn, coated metallic yarn for corrosion resistance, flexible metallic yarn, braided metallic yarn, stretch metallic yarn, multi-colored metallic yarn.

A common mistake involves confusing metallised yarns (5605) with pure metal threads or wires, which fall under Chapters 71-83. The key distinction for 5605 is the presence of a *textile yarn* or *strip* as the primary component, combined with or covered by metal. If the product is essentially a metal wire merely reinforced or covered with a minimal textile layer, it might fall under metal chapters. Another error is classifying basic textile yarns (Chapters 50-55) as 5605 if they have a metallic *appearance* but no actual metal content (e.g., polyester yarn dyed to look metallic). The 'combined with metal' or 'covered with metal' clause is critical. Additionally, finished articles made from metallic yarn, such as embroidered fabrics or garments, should be classified under their respective finished goods headings (e.g., Chapter 61, 62, or 63), not as the raw yarn.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5605 in UN Comtrade data were China ($79M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($21M) and France ($15M). World exports came to about $186M, 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 5605 in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($16M, 9.1% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $14M) and France ($12M). World imports came to about $177M, 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 5605 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 56 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (56) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.