Product classification
HS code for Elastomeric synthetic yarn: 5402.44
Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of elastomeric synthetic yarn under HS 5402.44
Elastomeric synthetic yarn is classified under HS code 5402.44 based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the specific definitions provided in the Section XI notes of the Harmonized System. This code specifically covers synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread) that is not put up for retail sale. To qualify for this heading, the yarn must be a single yarn, untwisted or with a twist not exceeding 50 turns per meter. The term "elastomeric" refers to a synthetic textile material, other than textured yarn, which can be stretched to three times its original length without breaking and which, after being stretched to twice its original length, returns to at most one and a half times its original length within five minutes. This classification is determined by the physical properties of the filament and its chemical composition, typically involving polyurethanes. The classification process requires verifying that the yarn is a monofilament of less than 67 decitex or a multifilament yarn, and that it has not been textured, as texturing would move the product to a different subheading within 5402.
- Covers
- Spandex filament yarn
- Lycra brand elastomeric yarns
- Polyurethane-based synthetic filaments
- Unprocessed elastomeric single yarns for industrial knitting
- Non-textured elastomeric monofilaments under 67 decitex
- Also under 5402.44
- Invista Lycra
- Hyosung Creora
- Asahi Kasei Roica
- Xiamen Huafeng Spandex
- Taekwang Industrial Spandex
Codes often confused with 5402.44
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 5402.33, which covers textured synthetic filament yarn of polyesters. The primary distinction lies in whether the yarn has undergone a texturing process; elastomeric yarns in 5402.44 must be non-textured. Another common error is classification under 5404.11, which is reserved for synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more. If the elastomeric yarn is combined with rubber, it may be incorrectly classified under 5604.10, which covers rubber thread and cord, textile covered. Importers must also distinguish between 5402.44 and 5402.49, the latter being a residual category for other synthetic filament yarns that do not meet the specific elastomeric definition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540244 (the code used for elastomeric synthetic yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540244 (the code used for elastomeric synthetic yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 540244, not only elastomeric synthetic yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $335M 28% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$189M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $142M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $185M 15% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $100M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Italy $84M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 code for elastomeric synthetic yarn
Brazil classifies elastomeric synthetic yarn under NCM 5402.44.00: HS 5402.44 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about elastomeric synthetic yarn
What is the HS code for Elastomeric synthetic yarn?
The HS code for Elastomeric synthetic yarn is 540244 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The primary HS code for elastomeric synthetic yarn is 5402.44, provided it is a single yarn, untwisted or with low twist, and not for retail sale.
How do I classify Elastomeric synthetic yarn for customs?
Elastomeric synthetic yarn is classified under HS code 540244 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include yarn for retail sale?
No, if the yarn is put up for retail sale, it must be classified under heading 5406, which specifically covers man-made filament yarn packaged for consumer use.
Which countries are the top exporters of elastomeric synthetic yarn (HS 540244)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540244 (the code used for elastomeric synthetic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($335M, 28% of world exports), Vietnam (about $189M) and the Netherlands ($142M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 elastomeric synthetic yarn (HS 540244)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540244 (the code used for elastomeric synthetic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($185M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($100M) and Italy ($84M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Elastomeric synthetic yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540244 for Elastomeric 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 elastomeric synthetic yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, elastomeric synthetic yarn (HS 540244) is classified under NCM 5402.44.00.