Product classification
HS code for High twist polyamide 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 polyamide yarn under HS 5402.51
High twist polyamide yarn is classified under HS code 5402.51. This classification is based on several technical criteria: the yarn must be a synthetic filament (polyamide/nylon), it must be a single yarn (not multiple or cabled), it must have a twist exceeding 50 turns per meter, and it must not be textured or high tenacity. Furthermore, the yarn must not be put up for retail sale and must not be categorized as sewing thread. The classification follows GRI 1, as the description for 5402.51 specifically addresses single yarns of nylon or other polyamides with a twist exceeding the 50 turns per meter threshold. This twist is essential for providing the yarn with specific mechanical properties used in specialized weaving and knitting processes, such as the production of crepe fabrics or high-density technical textiles.
- Covers
- Single nylon 6 filament yarn with 60+ turns per meter
- Single polyamide 6,6 yarn, non-textured, high twist
- Twisted synthetic monofilament yarn less than 67 decitex
- Crepe-twist polyamide yarns for industrial weaving
- Non-retail single nylon yarns for hosiery manufacturing
- 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. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 5402.31, which is for textured yarns of nylon or other polyamides. If the yarn has been subjected to a texturing process (like air-jet or false-twist), it must be moved to 5402.31 regardless of the twist count. Another error is using 5402.11, which is for high tenacity yarn; high twist yarn is not automatically high tenacity. Finally, if the yarn is put up for retail sale (e.g., small spools for consumer use), it should be classified under heading 5406.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540251 (the code used for high twist polyamide yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540251 (the code used for high twist polyamide 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 polyamide 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 polyamide 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 polyamide yarn
What is the HS code for High twist polyamide yarn?
The HS code for High twist polyamide 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, non-high tenacity polyamide yarn with more than 50 turns per meter is 5402.51.
How do I classify High twist polyamide yarn for customs?
High twist polyamide 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.
Does this code include sewing thread?
No, sewing thread made of synthetic filaments is classified under heading 5401, even if it is made of polyamide.
Which countries are the top exporters of high twist polyamide yarn (HS 540251)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540251 (the code used for high twist polyamide 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 polyamide yarn (HS 540251)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540251 (the code used for high twist polyamide 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 polyamide yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540251 for High twist polyamide 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 polyamide yarn in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540251 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for high twist polyamide 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).