Product classification
HS code for Cellulose acetate yarn: 5403.33
Yarn, artificial, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, single, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of cellulose acetate yarn under HS 5403.33
Cellulose acetate yarn (single) is classified under HS code 5403.33. This classification is part of Chapter 54, which deals with man-made filaments, including yarns and monofilaments. Heading 5403 specifically covers artificial filament yarn, including monofilament of less than 67 decitex, that is not put up for retail sale and is not sewing thread. Subheading 5403.33 is the specific designation for single yarns of cellulose acetate. The term \"single yarn\" refers to yarn composed of filaments that have not been twisted together with other yarns. The classification is determined by GRI 1 and GRI 6. The material must be an artificial fiber, which Chapter 54 Note 1 defines as being produced by the chemical transformation of natural organic polymers like cellulose. Cellulose acetate is a common artificial fiber derived from wood pulp or cotton linters. For classification under 5403.33, the yarn must be in a form intended for industrial use, such as on large bobbins or cones, rather than small spools for retail. If the yarn were to be plied or cabled, it would move to 5403.42. If the individual filaments were 67 decitex or more, the product would be classified under heading 5405 as artificial monofilament.
- Covers
- Single cellulose acetate filament yarn
- Non-retail artificial filament yarn
- Acetate monofilament yarn (under 67 decitex)
- Untwisted or low-twist acetate yarn
- Also under 5403.33
- Celanese Acetate Filament
- Eastman Acetate Yarn
- Mitsubishi Rayon Acetate
Codes often confused with 5403.33
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 5403.42, which is for multiple or cabled (plied) cellulose acetate yarn. Importers must verify if the yarn is a single strand or multiple strands twisted together. Another common error involves 5402, which is for synthetic filament yarn (like polyester or nylon); cellulose acetate is artificial, not synthetic. Additionally, if the yarn is put up for retail sale, it must be classified under 5406.00, and if it is finished as sewing thread, it belongs in 5401.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540333 (the code used for cellulose acetate yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540333 (the code used for cellulose acetate yarn) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 540333, not only cellulose acetate yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $189M 77% of world exports
- 2 Lithuania $21M 8.5% of world exports
- 3 Japan $11M 4.4% of world exports
World total: $245M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $81M 26% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $69M 22% of world imports
- 3 Italy $55M 17% of world imports
World total: $314M 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 yarn
Brazil classifies cellulose acetate yarn under NCM 5403.33.00: HS 5403.33 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 yarn
What is the HS code for Cellulose acetate yarn?
The HS code for Cellulose acetate yarn is 540333 (Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, single, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The HS code for single cellulose acetate filament yarn is 5403.33.
How do I classify Cellulose acetate yarn for customs?
Cellulose acetate yarn is classified under HS code 540333 — Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of cellulose acetate, single, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cellulose acetate yarn considered synthetic or artificial?
It is considered an artificial fiber because it is derived from a natural polymer (cellulose) that has been chemically modified, unlike synthetic fibers which are entirely man-made from petroleum bases.
Which countries are the top exporters of cellulose acetate yarn (HS 540333)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540333 (the code used for cellulose acetate yarn) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($189M, 77% of world exports), Lithuania ($21M) and Japan ($11M). World exports came to about $245M, 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 yarn (HS 540333)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540333 (the code used for cellulose acetate yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($81M, 26% of world imports), South Korea ($69M) and Italy ($55M). World imports came to about $314M, 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 yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540333 for Cellulose acetate 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 yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, cellulose acetate yarn (HS 540333) is classified under NCM 5403.33.00.