Product classification
HS code for Cellulose acetate plied 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 cellulose acetate plied yarn under HS 5403.42
Cellulose acetate plied yarn is classified under HS code 5403.42. This classification is governed by the Harmonized System's rules for man-made filaments found in Chapter 54. Specifically, heading 5403 encompasses artificial filament yarn, which includes monofilament of less than 67 decitex. The classification process begins with General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Under Chapter 54, Note 1 defines \"man-made fibers\" as those produced by chemical transformation of organic polymers, such as cellulose acetate. Subheading 5403.42 is specifically designated for multiple (folded) or cabled yarns of cellulose acetate. A \"plied\" or \"folded\" yarn is created by twisting together two or more single yarns. This distinction is critical because single yarns of the same material are classified under a different subheading (5403.33). Furthermore, the yarn must not be put up for retail sale and must not meet the definition of sewing thread as per Note 5 to Section XI. If the yarn is prepared for retail sale, it would shift to heading 5406. The technical requirement for the filaments to be less than 67 decitex ensures that the product is treated as yarn rather than monofilament strips or similar shapes of heading 5405.
- Covers
- Folded cellulose acetate filament yarn
- Cabled cellulose acetate filament yarn
- Multiple artificial filament yarn (non-retail)
- Plied acetate yarn for industrial weaving
- Also under 5403.42
- Celanese Acetate Folded Yarn
- Eastman Acetate Cabled Filament
- Mitsubishi Rayon Acetate Yarn
Codes often confused with 5403.42
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 5403.33, which is reserved for single cellulose acetate yarns. The primary difference lies in the mechanical construction; 5403.42 requires two or more yarns twisted together. It is also often misclassified under 5401.20 if it is mistaken for sewing thread. To be 5401.20, the yarn must meet specific finishing and twist requirements intended for use as thread. Additionally, if the yarn is packaged for retail sale (e.g., small balls or skeins for consumer use), it must be classified under 5406.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540342 (the code used for cellulose acetate plied yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540342 (the code used for cellulose acetate plied 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 cellulose acetate plied 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 cellulose acetate plied yarn
Brazil classifies cellulose acetate plied 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 cellulose acetate plied yarn
What is the HS code for Cellulose acetate plied yarn?
The HS code for Cellulose acetate plied 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 cellulose acetate plied (multiple or cabled) yarn is 5403.42.
How do I classify Cellulose acetate plied yarn for customs?
Cellulose acetate plied 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 decitex affect the classification of this yarn?
For a product to be classified as yarn under heading 5403, the individual monofilaments must be less than 67 decitex. If the monofilament is 67 decitex or more, it is classified under heading 5405.
Which countries are the top exporters of cellulose acetate plied yarn (HS 540342)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540342 (the code used for cellulose acetate plied 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 cellulose acetate plied yarn (HS 540342)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540342 (the code used for cellulose acetate plied 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 Cellulose acetate plied yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540342 for Cellulose acetate plied 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 cellulose acetate plied yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, cellulose acetate plied yarn (HS 540342) is classified under NCM 5403.42.00.