Product classification
HS code for high tenacity polyester yarn: 5402.20
Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of high tenacity polyester yarn under HS 5402.20
High tenacity polyester yarn is classified under HS code 540220. This classification is situated within Chapter 54, which governs man-made filaments. The code 540220 specifically identifies high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, provided it is not put up for retail sale and is not sewing thread. According to the legal notes of Section XI, polyester yarn is considered "high tenacity" if its tenacity exceeds 60 cN/tex. This product is characterized by its high breaking strength and low elongation, making it ideal for technical textiles, automotive safety components, and industrial lifting equipment. The yarn must be composed of continuous synthetic filaments. If the polyester is cut into short lengths (staple fibers) before spinning, it would be excluded from this heading and moved to Chapter 55.
- Covers
- High tenacity polyester filament yarn
- Polyester tire cord yarn (not yet woven)
- Industrial grade polyester yarn for seatbelts
- Multi-filament high-strength polyester yarn
- Low-shrinkage high tenacity polyester yarn
- Also under 5402.20
- Indorama H-TN PET yarn
- Hyosung Creora H-TN
- Reliance Industries Recron H-TN
- Teijin Tetoron H-TN
- DuPont Dacron H-TN
Codes often confused with 5402.20
Common mistake. This product is often misclassified under HS code 540233, which covers textured polyester yarn that does not meet the high tenacity threshold. Another common mistake is using HS code 540247, which is for other polyester yarns (single, untwisted). If the yarn is prepared for retail sale (e.g., on small spools for consumer use), it must be classified under 5406. Additionally, if the yarn is identified as sewing thread, it falls under 540120. It is crucial to verify the cN/tex rating through laboratory testing to ensure it meets the 60 cN/tex requirement for the 540220 classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540220 (the code used for high tenacity polyester yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540220 (the code used for high tenacity polyester yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 540220, not only high tenacity polyester yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $727M 47% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$314M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $67M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $216M 14% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $95M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $90M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 high tenacity polyester yarn
Brazil splits HS 5402.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5402.20.10Hydroxybenzoic/hydroxynaphthoic copolymer yarn
- 5402.20.90Other high-tenacity polyester filament yarn
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about high tenacity polyester yarn
What is the HS code for high tenacity polyester yarn?
The HS code for high tenacity polyester yarn is 540220 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The correct HS code for high tenacity polyester filament yarn is 540220.
How do I classify high tenacity polyester yarn for customs?
high tenacity polyester yarn is classified under HS code 540220 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can 540220 include yarn for retail sale?
No, HS code 540220 is specifically for yarn not put up for retail sale. Retail-ready yarn is classified under heading 5406.
Which countries are the top exporters of high tenacity polyester yarn (HS 540220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540220 (the code used for high tenacity polyester yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($727M, 47% of world exports), Vietnam (about $314M) and Germany ($67M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 high tenacity polyester yarn (HS 540220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540220 (the code used for high tenacity polyester yarn) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($216M, 14% of world imports), South Korea ($95M) and Germany ($90M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 high tenacity polyester yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540220 for high tenacity polyester 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 high tenacity polyester yarn in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540220 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for high tenacity polyester yarn depends on the product's details: 5402.20.10 (Hydroxybenzoic/hydroxynaphthoic copolymer yarn), 5402.20.90 (Other high-tenacity polyester filament yarn).