Product classification
HS code for High twist nylon yarn: 5402.51
Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of nylon or other polymides (not high tenacity or textured), single, twisted more than 50 turns per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of high twist nylon yarn under HS 5402.51
High twist nylon yarn is classified under HS code 5402.51 based on its chemical composition and physical structure. This code specifically covers synthetic filament yarns made of nylon or other polyamides that are single (not plied) and have a twist exceeding 50 turns per metre. To qualify for this classification, the yarn must not be textured and must not be high tenacity yarn, which are covered under different subheadings. The classification also requires that the yarn is not prepared for retail sale and is not classified as sewing thread under heading 5401. The technical distinction of "high twist" is critical because the twist level affects the yarn's torque, strength, and the final hand of the fabric. Additionally, the monofilament component must be less than 67 decitex. This classification ensures that industrial-grade nylon filaments used in weaving and knitting are distinguished from consumer-ready products or specialized industrial cords.
- Covers
- Single nylon 6 filament yarn with 60 turns per metre
- Single nylon 6,6 filament yarn with 100 turns per metre
- Non-textured polyamide monofilament (under 67 decitex) with high twist
- Industrial nylon yarn on large beams for weaving
- Also under 5402.51
- Invista (nylon yarns for hosiery)
- Nilit (polyamide yarns)
- Asahi Kasei (nylon 6.6 yarns)
- Hyosung
- Rhodia (Solvay).
Codes often confused with 5402.51
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5402.31, which is reserved for textured nylon yarns. Even if a yarn has a high twist, if it has undergone a texturing process to add bulk, 5402.31 takes precedence. Another common error is using 5402.11, which is for high tenacity nylon yarn; high tenacity is defined by specific breaking tenacity thresholds (above 60 cN/tex) in the Section XI legal notes. Furthermore, if the twist is 50 turns per metre or less, the yarn should be classified under 5402.45.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540251 (the code used for high twist nylon yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540251 (the code used for high twist nylon yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 9.9% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 24% of its exports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 39% of its imports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 540251, not only high twist nylon yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $11M 18% of world exports
- 2 India $6.9M 11% of world exports
- 3 Malta $6.1M 9.5% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 24% of its exports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $64M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $5.7M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 Italy $4.6M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 India $4.2M 7.4% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 39% of its imports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $57M 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 high twist nylon yarn
Brazil splits HS 5402.51 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5402.51.10Aramid single yarn, over 50 turns/m
- 5402.51.90Non-aramid polyamide single yarn, over 50 turns/m
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about high twist nylon yarn
What is the HS code for High twist nylon yarn?
The HS code for High twist nylon yarn is 540251 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of nylon or other polymides (not high tenacity or textured), single, twisted more than 50 turns per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The HS code for single, non-textured, high twist nylon filament yarn is 5402.51.
How do I classify High twist nylon yarn for customs?
High twist nylon yarn is classified under HS code 540251 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of nylon or other polymides (not high tenacity or textured), single, twisted more than 50 turns per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for nylon sewing thread?
No, all synthetic filament sewing threads, whether high twist or not, must be classified under heading 5401.
Which countries are the top exporters of high twist nylon yarn (HS 540251)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540251 (the code used for high twist nylon yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($11M, 18% of world exports), India ($6.9M) and Malta ($6.1M). World exports came to about $64M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 24% of its exports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of high twist nylon yarn (HS 540251)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540251 (the code used for high twist nylon yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($5.7M, 9.9% of world imports), Italy ($4.6M) and India ($4.2M). World imports came to about $57M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 39% of its imports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for High twist nylon yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540251 for High twist nylon 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 twist nylon yarn in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540251 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for high twist nylon yarn depends on the product's details: 5402.51.10 (Aramid single yarn, over 50 turns/m), 5402.51.90 (Non-aramid polyamide single yarn, over 50 turns/m).