Product classification
HS code for Modacrylic yarn: 5509.32
Yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic, not put up for retail sale.
Classification of modacrylic yarn under HS 5509.32
Modacrylic yarn is classified under HS code 5509.32 because it is a multiple (folded) or cabled yarn consisting of synthetic staple fibers where acrylic or modacrylic polymers represent at least 85% of the total weight. This classification falls within Chapter 55, which covers man-made staple fibers. The specific subheading 5509.32 is determined by three primary factors: the chemical composition (acrylic/modacrylic), the physical structure (multiple or cabled rather than single), and the intended market (not put up for retail sale). Modacrylic fibers are distinguished by their inherent flame resistance and are frequently used in industrial textiles, protective apparel, and faux fur. The classification process requires verifying that the yarn is made from staple fibers (discontinuous) rather than filaments (continuous), as filaments would fall under Chapter 54. Furthermore, the 'not put up for retail sale' designation implies the yarn is packaged on large bobbins or cones intended for industrial weaving or knitting machines rather than small balls or skeins for consumer use.
- Covers
- Multiple (folded) modacrylic staple fiber yarn
- Cabled acrylic staple fiber yarn (85%+ content)
- Industrial-grade multi-ply modacrylic yarn
- Flame-retardant synthetic folded yarns for weaving
- Acrylic-rich cabled yarns for industrial knitting
- Also under 5509.32
- Dralon (multi-ply acrylic yarns)
- Kanecaron (multi-ply modacrylic yarns)
- Torayca (multi-ply acrylic yarns)
Codes often confused with 5509.32
Common mistake. Modacrylic yarn is frequently confused with HS code 5509.31, which is reserved for single yarns of the same material. It is also often misclassified under 5508.10 if it is mistaken for sewing thread, which requires specific finishing and twist characteristics. Additionally, if the yarn is packaged for consumer use (retail), it must be moved to heading 5511. Finally, yarns made of synthetic filaments rather than staple fibers belong in heading 5402.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550932 (the code used for modacrylic yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550932 (the code used for modacrylic yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 11% 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 550932, not only modacrylic yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Türkiye $135M 31% of world exports
- 2 China $115M 26% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $38M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $437M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$42M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 France $34M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Spain $31M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $386M 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 code for modacrylic yarn
Brazil classifies modacrylic yarn under NCM 5509.32.00: HS 5509.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about modacrylic yarn
What is the HS code for Modacrylic yarn?
The HS code for Modacrylic yarn is 550932 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic, not put up for retail sale). The HS code for multiple or cabled modacrylic yarn containing 85% or more synthetic staple fibers, not for retail sale, is 5509.32.
How do I classify Modacrylic yarn for customs?
Modacrylic yarn is classified under HS code 550932 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 5509.32 differ from 5511.10?
Heading 5509 is for industrial yarns, whereas 5511 is for yarns 'put up for retail sale,' which are defined by specific weight limits and packaging types like balls or hanks.
Which countries are the top exporters of modacrylic yarn (HS 550932)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550932 (the code used for modacrylic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($135M, 31% of world exports), China ($115M) and Indonesia ($38M). World exports came to about $437M, 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 modacrylic yarn (HS 550932)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550932 (the code used for modacrylic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $42M, 11% of world imports), France ($34M) and Spain ($31M). World imports came to about $386M, 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 Modacrylic yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550932 for Modacrylic 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 modacrylic yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, modacrylic yarn (HS 550932) is classified under NCM 5509.32.00.