Product classification
HS code for Acetate cabled yarn: 5403.42
Yarn, artificial, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of acetate cabled yarn under HS 5403.42
Acetate cabled yarn is classified under HS code 5403.42 because it consists of artificial filament yarn made from cellulose acetate that has been multiple (folded) or cabled. This classification falls within Chapter 54, which covers man-made filaments. The specific subheading 5403.42 is reserved for yarns that are not put up for retail sale and are not classified as sewing thread. The classification is determined by the chemical composition (cellulose acetate), the physical structure (multiple or cabled strands), and the intended commercial presentation (non-retail). Unlike single yarns, cabled yarns involve twisting two or more single yarns together, which provides greater strength and different textural properties for textile manufacturing. The Harmonized System requires that these yarns be artificial (derived from natural polymers like cellulose) rather than synthetic (derived from petroleum-based polymers) to remain within heading 5403.
- Covers
- Multiple (folded) cellulose acetate yarn
- Cabled cellulose acetate filament
- Twisted artificial filament yarn (acetate)
- Non-retail acetate cordage for textile use
- Also under 5403.42
- Celanese Acetate Folded Yarn
- Eastman Acetate Cabled Filament
- Mitsubishi Rayon Acetate Yarn
Codes often confused with 5403.42
Common mistake. Acetate cabled yarn is frequently confused with HS code 5403.33, which is specifically for single acetate yarns. The distinction lies in the number of strands; 5403.42 must be multiple or cabled. Another common error is classifying it under 5401.20 if the yarn is mistaken for sewing thread. Sewing thread must meet specific criteria regarding finish and twist that industrial cabled yarn may not satisfy. Additionally, if the yarn is packaged for retail sale, it must be moved to heading 5406.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540342 (the code used for acetate cabled yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540342 (the code used for acetate cabled yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 540342, not only acetate cabled yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $1.6M 60% of world exports
- 2 Italy $470K 17% of world exports
- 3 Japan $364K 13% of world exports
World total: $2.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.5M 43% of world imports
- 2 Kazakhstan $1.3M 22% of world imports
- 3 Spain $598K 10% of world imports
World total: $5.9M 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 acetate cabled yarn
Brazil classifies acetate cabled yarn under NCM 5403.42.00: HS 5403.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about acetate cabled yarn
What is the HS code for Acetate cabled yarn?
The HS code for Acetate cabled yarn is 540342 (Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The HS code for acetate cabled yarn, not for retail sale, is 5403.42.
How do I classify Acetate cabled yarn for customs?
Acetate cabled yarn is classified under HS code 540342 — Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does cabled yarn differ from single yarn in classification?
Single yarn (5403.33) consists of one strand, while cabled yarn (5403.42) consists of two or more strands twisted together in one or more stages.
Which countries are the top exporters of acetate cabled yarn (HS 540342)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540342 (the code used for acetate cabled yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.6M, 60% of world exports), Italy ($470K) and Japan ($364K). World exports came to about $2.7M, 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 acetate cabled yarn (HS 540342)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540342 (the code used for acetate cabled yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.5M, 43% of world imports), Kazakhstan ($1.3M) and Spain ($598K). World imports came to about $5.9M, 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.
Is the HS code for Acetate cabled yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540342 for Acetate cabled yarn is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for acetate cabled yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, acetate cabled yarn (HS 540342) is classified under NCM 5403.42.00.