Product classification
HS code for Craft synthetic yarn: 5511.10
Yarn, (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale.
Classification of craft synthetic yarn under HS 5511.10
HS code 5511.10 is designated for yarn consisting of 85% or more synthetic staple fibers, put up for retail sale. This is the standard classification for most 100% acrylic or polyester knitting yarns found in craft stores. The staple fiber designation means the yarn is made from short, cut fibers spun together, mimicking natural fibers like wool, rather than continuous filaments. To be classified under 5511.10, the yarn must meet the put up for retail sale criteria defined in the Section XI notes of the HS nomenclature. This typically involves packaging in balls, skeins, or on supports of a weight suitable for individual consumer use. If the yarn is imported on large industrial cones or exceeds the weight limits specified in Note 4 to Section XI, it would be classified under heading 5509 instead. The high synthetic content (85% or more) is a primary divider in the 5511 heading. This code is essential for the textile industry as it separates high-synthetic consumer products from blended products (5511.20) and filament-based products (5406.00). Accurate fiber content testing is often required by customs authorities to justify this classification. The use of synthetic staple fibers allows for a wide variety of textures, such as chenille or boucle, provided the base material is synthetic and the packaging is for the retail market. This classification ensures that consumer-grade synthetic yarns are taxed and regulated differently than industrial raw materials.
- Covers
- 100% acrylic knitting yarn in balls
- High-polyester blend yarn (over 85%) for retail
- Synthetic wool-look yarns for crochet
- Acrylic staple fiber yarn in retail skeins
- Polyester craft yarn for hand-knitting
- Also under 5511.10
- Lion Brand Yarn (e.g., "Homespun" acrylic)
- Red Heart Yarns (e.g., "Super Saver" acrylic)
- Bernat Yarns (e.g., "Satin" acrylic)
- Stylecraft Special DK
- King Cole Pricewise DK
Codes often confused with 5511.10
Common mistake. Commonly confused with 5406.00, which covers filament yarn rather than staple fiber yarn. It is also often misclassified under 5511.20 if the synthetic content is actually below 85%. Importers sometimes mistakenly use 5509.21 for industrial 100% acrylic yarn that is not packaged for retail sale.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551110 (the code used for craft synthetic yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551110 (the code used for craft synthetic yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 551110, not only craft synthetic yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Türkiye $158M 42% of world exports
- 2 China $60M 16% of world exports
- 3 India $36M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $377M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $123M 31% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $30M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $27M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $403M 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 craft synthetic yarn
Brazil classifies craft synthetic yarn under NCM 5511.10.00: HS 5511.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about craft synthetic yarn
What is the HS code for Craft synthetic yarn?
The HS code for Craft synthetic yarn is 551110 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale).
How do I classify Craft synthetic yarn for customs?
Craft synthetic yarn is classified under HS code 551110 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for 100% acrylic yarn?
The HS code for 100% acrylic yarn put up for retail sale is 5511.10.
What is the difference between 5511.10 and 5406.00?
5511.10 is for yarn made from short staple fibers (spun), while 5406.00 is for yarn made from continuous filaments.
Which countries are the top exporters of craft synthetic yarn (HS 551110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551110 (the code used for craft synthetic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($158M, 42% of world exports), China ($60M) and India ($36M). World exports came to about $377M, 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 craft synthetic yarn (HS 551110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551110 (the code used for craft synthetic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($123M, 31% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($30M) and Germany ($27M). World imports came to about $403M, 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 Craft synthetic yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551110 for Craft synthetic 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 craft synthetic yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, craft synthetic yarn (HS 551110) is classified under NCM 5511.10.00.