Product classification
HS code for Artificial sewing thread: 5508.20
Sewing thread, of artificial staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of artificial sewing thread under HS 5508.20
HS code 550820 is specifically designated for sewing thread made from artificial staple fibers, irrespective of whether it is put up for retail sale. Artificial staple fibers are man-made fibers (e.g., rayon, modal, lyocell) that have been cut into short lengths, similar to natural fibers. The classification emphasizes two key aspects: the material (artificial staple fibers) and the form (sewing thread). This ensures precise categorization, differentiating it from sewing threads made of synthetic staple fibers or from yarns not intended for sewing.
- Covers
- Sewing thread made from rayon staple fibers
- Sewing thread composed of modal staple fibers
- Lyocell staple fiber sewing thread
- Sewing thread of regenerated cellulose staple fibers, on spools or cones
- Industrial sewing thread of artificial staple fibers, not for retail
- Also under 5508.20
- Coats Astra
- Gütermann Sew-all Thread (artificial fiber variants)
- A&E Perma Core (artificial fiber variants)
Codes often confused with 5508.20
Common mistake. Common misclassifications often involve HS code 550810, which covers sewing thread of synthetic staple fibers. The distinction lies in the fiber type: 550820 is for artificial (regenerated cellulose-based) staple fibers, while 550810 is for synthetic (polymer-based, e.g., polyester, nylon) staple fibers. Another point of confusion can be with yarns of artificial staple fibers (Chapter 55, e.g., 5510) that are not specifically sewing thread. Sewing thread is characterized by its strength, twist, and finish, making it suitable for stitching, unlike general yarns. Additionally, sewing thread of artificial filaments (5406) is distinct as it uses continuous filaments rather than staple fibers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550820 (the code used for artificial sewing thread), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550820 (the code used for artificial sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 26% 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 550820, not only artificial sewing thread.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $2.7M 32% of world exports
- 2 China $2.1M 25% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $1.2M 13% of world exports
World total: $8.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $3.3M 26% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$1.3M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Myanmar $705K 5.5% of world imports
World total: $13M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 artificial sewing thread
Brazil classifies artificial sewing thread under NCM 5508.20.00: HS 5508.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about artificial sewing thread
What is the HS code for Artificial sewing thread?
The HS code for Artificial sewing thread is 550820 (Sewing thread; of artificial staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale). The HS code for sewing thread made from artificial staple fibers is 550820.
How do I classify Artificial sewing thread for customs?
Artificial sewing thread is classified under HS code 550820 — Sewing thread; of artificial staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between artificial and synthetic sewing thread?
Artificial sewing thread (550820) is made from regenerated cellulose staple fibers (e.g., rayon). Synthetic sewing thread (550810) is made from synthetic polymer staple fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon).
Which countries are the top exporters of artificial sewing thread (HS 550820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550820 (the code used for artificial sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($2.7M, 32% of world exports), China ($2.1M) and Malaysia ($1.2M). World exports came to about $8.7M, 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 artificial sewing thread (HS 550820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550820 (the code used for artificial sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($3.3M, 26% of world imports), Vietnam (about $1.3M) and Myanmar ($705K). World imports came to about $13M, 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 Artificial sewing thread the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550820 for Artificial sewing thread 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 artificial sewing thread in Brazil?
In Brazil, artificial sewing thread (HS 550820) is classified under NCM 5508.20.00.