Product classification
HS code for Nylon plied yarn: 5402.61
Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of nylon or other polymides (not high tenacity or textured), multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of nylon plied yarn under HS 5402.61
Nylon plied yarn is classified under HS code 5402.61 because it consists of multiple (folded) or cabled synthetic filament yarns made of nylon or other polyamides. This classification falls under Chapter 54, which covers man-made filaments. To be classified here, the yarn must be composed of filaments measuring less than 67 decitex and must not be prepared for retail sale. The term 'plied' or 'folded' refers to the process of twisting two or more single yarns together to increase strength and durability. This specific subheading excludes high-tenacity yarns and textured yarns, focusing instead on standard multi-ply filament yarns used in industrial weaving and knitting. The classification is determined by the physical structure of the yarn—specifically that it is not a single filament but a combination of filaments twisted together—and its chemical composition as a polyamide. Customs authorities use this code to distinguish industrial-grade yarn from consumer-ready sewing threads or specialized high-strength cords.
- Covers
- Folded nylon filament yarn
- Cabled polyamide yarn
- Multi-ply nylon 6,6 yarn
- Twisted synthetic filament yarn (non-textured)
- Industrial nylon yarn for weaving
- Also under 5402.61
Invista CORDURA (though CORDURA is often high tenacity, this is a general example of nylon use), Ascend Performance Materials nylon yarn, BASF polyamide yarn, UBE Industries nylon filament
Codes often confused with 5402.61
Common mistake. Nylon plied yarn is frequently confused with HS code 5401.10, which is designated for sewing thread of man-made filaments. The distinction lies in the finish and preparation; sewing thread is usually dressed or has a final 'Z' twist and is often put up on supports for use in sewing machines. Another common error is using HS code 5402.31, which is reserved for textured nylon yarns. Textured yarns have undergone a physical process to add bulk or elasticity, whereas plied yarns under 5402.61 are non-textured. Additionally, high-tenacity yarns are classified under 5402.11, which requires a specific breaking tenacity threshold that standard plied yarns do not meet.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540261 (the code used for nylon plied yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540261 (the code used for nylon plied yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 15% 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 540261, not only nylon plied yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $164M 63% of world exports
- 2 India $17M 6.6% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $12M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $261M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$39M 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Belgium $20M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Denmark $16M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $256M 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 nylon plied yarn
Brazil splits HS 5402.61 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5402.61.10Aramid multiple or cabled filament yarn
- 5402.61.90Non-aramid polyamide multiple/cabled filament yarn
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nylon plied yarn
What is the HS code for Nylon plied yarn?
The HS code for Nylon plied yarn is 540261 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of nylon or other polymides (not high tenacity or textured), multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The HS code for nylon plied yarn (multiple or cabled, non-textured, not for retail sale) is 5402.61.
How do I classify Nylon plied yarn for customs?
Nylon plied yarn is classified under HS code 540261 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of nylon or other polymides (not high tenacity or textured), multiple (folded) or cabled, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does plied yarn differ from single yarn in HS classification?
Single yarns are classified under subheadings like 5402.41, while plied (folded) or cabled yarns are moved to 5402.61. The primary difference is the mechanical twisting of two or more strands into a single unit, which changes the structural properties and the customs tariff application.
Which countries are the top exporters of nylon plied yarn (HS 540261)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540261 (the code used for nylon plied yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($164M, 63% of world exports), India ($17M) and Indonesia ($12M). World exports came to about $261M, 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 nylon plied yarn (HS 540261)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540261 (the code used for nylon plied yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $39M, 15% of world imports), Belgium ($20M) and Denmark ($16M). World imports came to about $256M, 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 Nylon plied yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540261 for Nylon plied 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 nylon plied yarn in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540261 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for nylon plied yarn depends on the product's details: 5402.61.10 (Aramid multiple or cabled filament yarn), 5402.61.90 (Non-aramid polyamide multiple/cabled filament yarn).