Product classification
HS code for Knitting yarn (synthetic): 5406.00
Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale.
Classification of knitting yarn (synthetic) under HS 5406.00
Knitting yarn composed of synthetic filaments is classified under HS code 5406.00 because it consists of man-made filament yarn that has been specifically prepared and packaged for retail sale. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Section XI, Chapter 54 covers man-made filaments. The distinction for 5406.00 lies in the presentation of the product; it must be 'put up for retail sale,' which typically involves being wound on supports (like reels or tubes) or into balls, skeins, or hanks of a weight not exceeding 500 grams. The synthetic nature refers to polymers such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. This classification ensures that finished consumer goods for hand-knitting or crafting are distinguished from bulk industrial yarns used in large-scale textile manufacturing. The yarn must be a filament yarn, meaning it is made of continuous strands rather than short staple fibers spun together, which would fall under a different chapter.
- Covers
- Polyester filament knitting yarn in 100g balls
- Nylon yarn put up for retail hand-knitting
- Acrylic filament yarn in retail skeins
- Synthetic monofilament yarn for retail craft use
- Multifilament synthetic yarn packaged for home use
- 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 frequently confused with HS code 5402, which covers synthetic filament yarn that is not put up for retail sale (industrial use). It is also often mistaken for HS code 5511, which applies to yarn made from synthetic staple fibers (discontinuous fibers) put up for retail sale. Additionally, sewing thread is excluded and classified under HS code 5401.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540600 (the code used for knitting yarn (synthetic)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540600 (the code used for knitting 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 knitting 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 knitting 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 knitting yarn (synthetic)
What is the HS code for Knitting yarn (synthetic)?
The HS code for Knitting yarn (synthetic) is 540600 (Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale). The HS code for synthetic filament knitting yarn put up for retail sale is 5406.00.
How do I classify Knitting yarn (synthetic) for customs?
Knitting 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.
How does retail packaging affect the classification?
If the yarn is in bulk form or exceeds the weight limits specified in Section XI (usually 500g for synthetic filaments), it is classified as industrial yarn under 5402 rather than 5406.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of knitting yarn (synthetic) (HS 540600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540600 (the code used for knitting 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 knitting yarn (synthetic) (HS 540600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540600 (the code used for knitting 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 Knitting yarn (synthetic) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540600 for Knitting 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 knitting yarn (synthetic) in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540600 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for knitting 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).