Product classification
HS code for Artificial straw: 5405.00
Monofilament, synthetic, of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials with width not over 5mm.
Classification of artificial straw under HS 5405.00
HS 540500 is specifically allocated for synthetic textile materials presented as monofilament, strip, or similar forms, explicitly including "artificial straw." This classification is highly specific, requiring the material to meet certain dimensional criteria: monofilaments must be 67 decitex or more with no cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1mm, and strips must have a width not exceeding 5mm. These parameters ensure that the material possesses characteristics suitable for applications traditionally associated with natural straw, such as weaving, braiding, or crafting. The synthetic nature and precise dimensions are key to its classification, differentiating it from broader categories of plastic strips or textile yarns, and ensuring its appropriate categorization within the global trade system.
- Covers
- Polypropylene artificial straw for weaving
- Polyethylene artificial straw for crafts
- Synthetic raffia-like strips (width not over 5mm)
- Polyester monofilaments (67 decitex or more, cross-section not over 1mm)
- Synthetic flat yarns used for matting or hat production
- Other synthetic textile strips meeting the specified dimensional criteria.
- Also under 5405.00
- DuPont Nylon Monofilament
- SWM Polypropylene Strips
- Toray Polyester Monofilament
Codes often confused with 5405.00
Common mistake. Misclassification of artificial straw often arises from its material composition or end-use. HS 3920 covers other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics, non-cellular and not reinforced. Confusion can occur if the "strip" aspect is prioritized over the "synthetic textile material" nature and specific dimensions of 540500. While artificial straw is made of plastic, its classification under Chapter 54 emphasizes its textile characteristics and form. Another potential misclassification is with HS 5607, which covers twine, cordage, ropes, and cables. If artificial straw is already braided or twisted into a finished cord, it would fall under 5607, whereas 540500 is for the raw material form. Distinguishing between raw material and finished product, as well as adhering to the specific dimensional and material definitions, is crucial.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540500 (the code used for artificial straw), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540500 (the code used for artificial straw) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% 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 540500, not only artificial straw.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $4.1M 39% of world exports
- 2 China $2.5M 24% of world exports
- 3 Italy $1.3M 13% of world exports
World total: $10M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $13M 48% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $3.0M 11% of world imports
- 3 United States $2.5M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $27M 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 artificial straw
Brazil classifies artificial straw under NCM 5405.00.00: HS 5405.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about artificial straw
What is the HS code for Artificial straw?
The HS code for Artificial straw is 540500 (Monofilament, synthetic; of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials with width not over 5mm). The HS code for artificial straw, meeting the specified dimensional and material criteria, is 540500.
How do I classify Artificial straw for customs?
Artificial straw is classified under HS code 540500 — Monofilament, synthetic; of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials with width not over 5mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the key dimensional requirements for artificial straw under HS 540500?
For monofilaments, the material must have a linear density of 67 decitex or more, and no cross-sectional dimension can exceed 1mm. For strips and similar materials, the width must not exceed 5mm. These precise measurements are fundamental for classifying the product under HS 540500, ensuring it aligns with the intended scope of "artificial straw" as a synthetic textile material.
Which countries are the top exporters of artificial straw (HS 540500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540500 (the code used for artificial straw) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.1M, 39% of world exports), China ($2.5M) and Italy ($1.3M). World exports came to about $10M, 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 straw (HS 540500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540500 (the code used for artificial straw) in UN Comtrade data were China ($13M, 48% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($3.0M) and the United States ($2.5M). World imports came to about $27M, 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 straw the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540500 for Artificial straw 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 straw in Brazil?
In Brazil, artificial straw (HS 540500) is classified under NCM 5405.00.00.