Product classification

HS code for Cordage: 5607.90

Twine, cordage, ropes, cables, of materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5607, whether or not plaited, braided or impregnated, coated, covered, or sheathed with rubber or plastics.

Classification of cordage under HS 5607.90

Cordage is classified under HS code 5607.90, which encompasses twine, cordage, ropes, and cables made of textile materials not specified in other subheadings of 5607. This classification is based on the construction of the product—specifically, fibers that have been twisted or plaited together to achieve a certain thickness or linear density. Heading 5607 generally covers products where the diameter exceeds a certain threshold (usually 1 mm or more depending on the fiber type) or where the linear density is high enough to distinguish it from simple yarn. Subheading 5607.90 acts as a residual category for cordage made from materials like abaca (Manila hemp), true hemp, or other specialty natural and synthetic fibers not covered by the specific subheadings for sisal, polyethylene, or nylon. The classification remains here whether or not the cordage is impregnated, coated, or sheathed with rubber or plastics.

Covers
  • Abaca (Manila hemp) rope
  • True hemp cordage
  • Jute twine and rope
  • Braided textile cables
  • Multi-strand cordage of specialty fibers
Also under 5607.90
  • Samson Rope AmSteel-Blue
  • New England Ropes Sta-Set
  • West Marine Dock Line
  • SGT KNOTS Utility Rope
  • Cortland Plasma 12

Codes often confused with 5607.90

Common mistake. Cordage is often confused with HS code 5608.10 or 5608.90, which covers knotted netting made of twine or rope. While the material is the same, the structure of a net changes the classification. It is also sometimes misclassified under HS code 5402 or 5503 if the importer mistakes the cordage for simple filament or staple yarn. However, the twisting and thickness of cordage distinguish it from yarn. Additionally, articles made from cordage, such as cargo nets or slings, move to HS code 5609.00.

5608.90Twine, cordage or rope; knotted netting, of other than man-made textiles54.02Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex55.03Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5609.00Yarn; articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading no. 5404 and 5405, twine, cordage, rope or cables n.e.c. or included

Top exporters and importers of HS 560790 (the code used for cordage), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560790 (the code used for cordage) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 9.6% 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 560790, not only cordage.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $116M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$33M
  3. 3 United States $24M

World total: $390M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $40M
  2. 2 United States $30M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$24M

World total: $420M 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 codes for cordage

Brazil splits HS 5607.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 5607.90.10Cotton twine, cordage and rope
  • 5607.90.20Jute twine and rope, under Nm 0.75 per single yarn
  • 5607.90.90Twine and rope of other textile materials

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about cordage

What is the HS code for Cordage?

The HS code for Cordage is 560790 (Twine, cordage, ropes, cables; of materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5607, whether or not plaited, braided or impregnated, coated, covered, or sheathed with rubber or plastics). The HS code for cordage made of materials not elsewhere specified (like hemp or abaca) is 5607.90.

How do I classify Cordage for customs?

Cordage is classified under HS code 560790 — Twine, cordage, ropes, cables; of materials n.e.c. in heading no. 5607, whether or not plaited, braided or impregnated, coated, covered, or sheathed with rubber or plastics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between yarn and cordage?

The distinction is based on linear density and construction; cordage is much thicker and usually consists of multiple yarns twisted or plaited together, exceeding 20,000 decitex in many cases.

Which countries are the top exporters of cordage (HS 560790)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560790 (the code used for cordage) in UN Comtrade data were China ($116M, 30% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $33M) and the United States ($24M). World exports came to about $390M, 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 cordage (HS 560790)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 560790 (the code used for cordage) in UN Comtrade data were India ($40M, 9.6% of world imports), the United States ($30M) and Vietnam (about $24M). World imports came to about $420M, 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 Cordage the same in all countries?

The base HS code 560790 for Cordage 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 cordage in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 560790 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for cordage depends on the product's details: 5607.90.10 (Cotton twine, cordage and rope), 5607.90.20 (Jute twine and rope, under Nm 0.75 per single yarn), 5607.90.90 (Twine and rope of other textile materials).