Product classification
HS code for Craft yarn (synthetic): 5406.00
Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale.
Classification of craft yarn (synthetic) under HS 5406.00
HS code 5406.00 covers man-made filament yarn put up for retail sale. Unlike staple fibers, filament yarns are composed of continuous strands of indefinite length. In the craft world, this often includes shiny, smooth yarns used for specialized crochet, embroidery, or decorative weaving. The classification depends on the yarn being finished for consumer use rather than being an intermediate industrial product. According to the General Rules of Interpretation and the Section XI notes, filament refers to continuous strands, whereas staple refers to fibers of a fixed, short length. Heading 5406 is specifically for these filament yarns when they are packaged for retail sale, such as on small spools or in skeins of limited weight. If the yarn were not for retail sale, it would fall under 5402 (synthetic) or 5403 (artificial). This distinction is vital because filament yarns often have different physical properties, such as higher tensile strength and luster, compared to staple fiber yarns. The classification 5406.00 encompasses both synthetic filaments (like nylon or polyester) and artificial filaments (like rayon), provided they are prepared for the retail market. The weight limits for retail sale in Chapter 54 are generally higher than in Chapter 55, but the packaging must clearly indicate consumer use. This code is critical for distinguishing high-sheen craft materials from standard spun yarns.
- Covers
- Rayon filament yarn for embroidery
- Shiny nylon crochet thread in retail units
- Metallic-look filament yarns for crafting
- Continuous polyester filament yarn for retail
- Artificial silk filament yarn for hand-weaving
- Also under 5406.00
- Lion Brand Yarn
- Red Heart Yarns
- Bernat Yarns
- DMC Embroidery Floss
- Patons Yarns
Codes often confused with 5406.00
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5402, which is for synthetic filament yarn not put up for retail sale. It is also frequently confused with 5511.10, which covers synthetic staple fiber yarn. The physical difference between a continuous strand (filament) and a spun strand (staple) is the deciding factor.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540600 (the code used for craft yarn (synthetic)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540600 (the code used for craft yarn (synthetic)) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% 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 540600, not only craft yarn (synthetic).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $80M 60% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $14M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $7.8M 5.9% of world exports
World total: $133M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $43M 36% of world imports
- 2 Japan $5.3M 4.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $4.7M 4.0% of world imports
World total: $119M 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 codes for craft yarn (synthetic)
Brazil splits HS 5406.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5406.00.10Synthetic filament yarn for retail sale
- 5406.00.20Artificial filament yarn for retail sale
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about craft yarn (synthetic)
What is the HS code for Craft yarn (synthetic)?
The HS code for Craft yarn (synthetic) is 540600 (Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale).
How do I classify Craft yarn (synthetic) for customs?
Craft yarn (synthetic) is classified under HS code 540600 — Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for filament craft yarn?
The HS code for man-made filament yarn put up for retail sale is 5406.00.
Why is it not in Chapter 55?
Chapter 55 is reserved for staple fibers (short cut fibers), while Chapter 54 is for continuous filaments.
Which countries are the top exporters of craft yarn (synthetic) (HS 540600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540600 (the code used for craft yarn (synthetic)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($80M, 60% of world exports), Türkiye ($14M) and the United States ($7.8M). World exports came to about $133M, 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 yarn (synthetic) (HS 540600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540600 (the code used for craft yarn (synthetic)) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 36% of world imports), Japan ($5.3M) and Germany ($4.7M). World imports came to about $119M, 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 yarn (synthetic) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540600 for Craft yarn (synthetic) 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 yarn (synthetic) in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540600 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for craft yarn (synthetic) depends on the product's details: 5406.00.10 (Synthetic filament yarn for retail sale), 5406.00.20 (Artificial filament yarn for retail sale).