Product classification
HS code for Metallic yarn: 5605.00
Yarn, metallised, whether or not gimped, of textile yarn, or strip or the like of heading no. 5404 or 5405, combined with metal in the form of thread, strip or powder or covered with metal.
Classification of metallic yarn under HS 5605.00
Metallic yarn is classified under HS code 5605.00, which is situated in Chapter 56, covering wadding, felt, nonwovens, and special yarns. This heading covers yarn consisting of textile fibers combined with metal. The combination can be achieved through various methods: twisting a textile yarn with a metal thread (gimped yarn), coating a textile core with metal via electroplating or vapor deposition, or laminating a metal foil between layers of plastic and then slicing it into thin strips. The essential character of the product must remain that of a textile yarn. This means it must possess flexibility and strength suitable for weaving, knitting, or sewing. If the product is simply a metal wire without any textile component, it cannot be classified here. This code is widely used in the textile industry for producing decorative fabrics, embroidery, and trimmings where a metallic luster is desired without the weight or rigidity of pure metal wire. The classification is determined by the physical construction of the yarn and the integration of metal with a textile base, as per the General Rules of Interpretation.
- Covers
- Gold-colored polyester yarn
- Silver-coated nylon thread
- Gimped metal yarn
- Textile strips combined with aluminum powder
- Metallized embroidery thread
- Also under 5605.00
- Lurex (brand of metallic yarn)
- Coats (specialty threads)
- Shieldex (conductive yarns)
- Statex (metallized textiles)
Codes often confused with 5605.00
Common mistake. Metallic yarn is often confused with HS codes 5404 or 5405, which cover synthetic monofilament or strips, particularly if the metallic appearance is due to pigments rather than actual metal. It is also confused with HS code 7113 for precious metal wire if the metal content is high and the product lacks a textile core. Pure metal wires of base metals are classified in Chapters 72 through 81.
Top exporters and importers of HS 560500 (the code used for metallic yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560500 (the code used for metallic yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 9.1% 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 560500, not only metallic yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $79M 42% of world exports
- 2 United States $21M 11% of world exports
- 3 France $15M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $186M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sri Lanka $16M 9.1% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$14M 7.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 France $12M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $177M 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 metallic yarn
Brazil splits HS 5605.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5605.00.10Metallised yarn with precious metals
- 5605.00.20Gimped metallised yarn, without precious metals
- 5605.00.90Other metallised yarn
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metallic yarn
What is the HS code for Metallic yarn?
The HS code for Metallic yarn is 560500 (Yarn; metallised, whether or not gimped, of textile yarn, or strip or the like of heading no. 5404 or 5405, combined with metal in the form of thread, strip or powder or covered with metal). The HS code for metallized yarn, whether or not gimped, combined with metal in the form of thread, strip, or powder is 5605.00.
How do I classify Metallic yarn for customs?
Metallic yarn is classified under HS code 560500 — Yarn; metallised, whether or not gimped, of textile yarn, or strip or the like of heading no. 5404 or 5405, combined with metal in the form of thread, strip or powder or covered with metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this be used for embroidery?
Yes, many decorative embroidery threads are classified under 5605.00 if they consist of textile fibers combined with metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of metallic yarn (HS 560500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560500 (the code used for metallic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($79M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($21M) and France ($15M). World exports came to about $186M, 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 metallic yarn (HS 560500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 560500 (the code used for metallic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($16M, 9.1% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $14M) and France ($12M). World imports came to about $177M, 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 Metallic yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 560500 for Metallic 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 metallic yarn in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 560500 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for metallic yarn depends on the product's details: 5605.00.10 (Metallised yarn with precious metals), 5605.00.20 (Gimped metallised yarn, without precious metals), 5605.00.90 (Other metallised yarn).