Product classification
HS code for aramid yarn: 5402.11
Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of nylon or other polyamides, textured or not, of aramids, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of aramid yarn under HS 5402.11
Aramid yarn is classified under HS code 5402.11 as a high tenacity synthetic filament yarn. This classification is determined by the material composition—aramids are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers—and the physical form of the product as a filament yarn. Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), and subheading 5402.11 specifically isolates high tenacity yarn of aramids. To qualify, the yarn must not be put up for retail sale and must meet the "high tenacity" threshold defined in the Section XI notes, typically requiring a tenacity greater than 60 cN/tex. The yarn consists of continuous filaments produced through a spinning process where the polymer is extruded through spinnerets. Because these are synthetic filaments, they fall under Chapter 54, which distinguishes between filament (continuous) and staple (discontinuous) fibers. The aramid designation is specific to polyamides where at least 85% of the amide linkages are attached directly to two aromatic rings. This classification ensures that high-performance industrial yarns are distinguished from standard textile yarns.
- Covers
- Para-aramid filament yarn
- Meta-aramid filament yarn
- High-modulus aramid industrial yarn
- Heat-resistant aramid filaments
- Aramid tire cord yarn
- Also under 5402.11
- DuPont Kevlar yarn
- Teijin Twaron yarn
- DuPont Nomex yarn
- Kolon Heracron yarn
- Hyosung Aramid yarn
Codes often confused with 5402.11
Common mistake. Aramid yarn is often misclassified under 5402.31, which covers textured nylon or other polyamide yarns. While aramids are a type of polyamide, they are specifically carved out into 5402.11 due to their high tenacity properties. Another common error is 5401.10, which is for sewing thread; if the aramid yarn is finished and intended for use as sewing thread, it must move to 5401. Additionally, aramid staple fibers (short, cut fibers) are classified under 5503.11, not 5402.11, which is reserved for continuous filaments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540211 (the code used for aramid yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540211 (the code used for aramid yarn) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 540211, not only aramid yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $317M 32% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $157M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $135M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $122M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $120M 10% of world imports
- 3 Italy $108M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 aramid yarn
Brazil classifies aramid yarn under NCM 5402.11.00: HS 5402.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about aramid yarn
What is the HS code for aramid yarn?
The HS code for aramid yarn is 540211 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of nylon or other polyamides, textured or not; of aramids, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The HS code for high tenacity aramid synthetic filament yarn, not for retail sale, is 5402.11.
How do I classify aramid yarn for customs?
aramid yarn is classified under HS code 540211 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of nylon or other polyamides, textured or not; of aramids, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Kevlar classified under this code?
Yes, Kevlar is a brand name for para-aramid fiber, and in its continuous filament yarn form, it is classified under 5402.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of aramid yarn (HS 540211)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540211 (the code used for aramid yarn) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($317M, 32% of world exports), South Korea ($157M) and the United States ($135M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 aramid yarn (HS 540211)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540211 (the code used for aramid yarn) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($122M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($120M) and Italy ($108M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 aramid yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540211 for aramid 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 aramid yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, aramid yarn (HS 540211) is classified under NCM 5402.11.00.