Product classification

HS code for Nylon yarn: 5509.12

Yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale.

Classification of nylon yarn under HS 5509.12

HS code 5509.12 is applied to yarn (other than sewing thread) that is composed of synthetic staple fibers. Specifically, this code is for multiple (folded) or cabled yarn containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides. The classification process begins with identifying the fiber type; because the yarn is made from staple fibers (fibers of finite length that have been spun) rather than continuous filaments, it falls under Chapter 55 instead of Chapter 54. The 85% threshold is a critical legal requirement under the Section XI notes; if the nylon content were lower, the yarn would be classified under different subheadings of 5509 or 5511. Furthermore, the designation as "multiple or cabled" means the yarn consists of two or more single yarns twisted together. This code also specifies that the product must not be "put up for retail sale." This means it is typically imported on large industrial cones or beams for use in commercial textile mills. The classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that the product's physical structure (folded/cabled) and chemical composition (polyamide staple) are accurately reflected in the 5509.12 designation.

Covers
  • Folded nylon staple fiber yarn
  • Cabled polyamide 6,6 staple yarn
  • Multi-ply spun nylon yarn for industrial knitting
  • Nylon staple yarn on industrial bobbins
  • Polyamide yarn (85%+ content) for carpet manufacturing
Also under 5509.12
  • Invista Cordura (multi-ply variants)
  • Ascend Performance Materials (multi-ply polyamide yarns)
  • RadiciGroup Radipol (multi-ply polyamide yarns)

Codes often confused with 5509.12

Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying this under 5402.31 or 5402.45, which are for nylon filament yarns. The difference is that 5509.12 is for spun yarn made from cut fibers. Another error is using 5509.11, which is reserved for single yarns. If the yarn is packaged for individual consumer use (e.g., small skeins for hand knitting), it must be classified under 5511.10. Additionally, if the yarn is treated with a coating of plastics, it might be moved to heading 5604.

5509.11Yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale5402.31Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of nylon or other polyamides, measuring per single yarn not more than 50 decitex, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5402.45Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of nylon or other polymides (not high tenacity or textured), single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5511.10Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale56.04Rubber thread and cord, textile covered; textile yarn and strip and the like of heading no. 5404, 5405; impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics

Top exporters and importers of HS 550912 (the code used for nylon yarn), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550912 (the code used for nylon yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 34% 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 550912, not only nylon yarn.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $38M
  2. 2 China $36M
  3. 3 Slovakia $32M

World total: $169M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $61M
  2. 2 Russia* ~$22M
  3. 3 France $21M

World total: $180M 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 yarn

Brazil splits HS 5509.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 5509.12.10Plied aramid staple yarn, 85%+ polyamide
  • 5509.12.90Other plied nylon/polyamide staple yarn, 85%+

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about nylon yarn

What is the HS code for Nylon yarn?

The HS code for Nylon yarn is 550912 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale). For multiple or cabled yarn made of at least 85% nylon staple fibers not for retail sale, the HS code is 5509.12.

How do I classify Nylon yarn for customs?

Nylon yarn is classified under HS code 550912 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 5509.11 and 5509.12?

HS code 5509.11 is for single yarns (one strand), while 5509.12 is for multiple or cabled yarns (two or more strands twisted together).

Which countries are the top exporters of nylon yarn (HS 550912)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550912 (the code used for nylon yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($38M, 23% of world exports), China ($36M) and Slovakia ($32M). World exports came to about $169M, 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 yarn (HS 550912)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 550912 (the code used for nylon yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($61M, 34% of world imports), Russia (about $22M) and France ($21M). World imports came to about $180M, 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 yarn the same in all countries?

The base HS code 550912 for Nylon 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 yarn in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 550912 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for nylon yarn depends on the product's details: 5509.12.10 (Plied aramid staple yarn, 85%+ polyamide), 5509.12.90 (Other plied nylon/polyamide staple yarn, 85%+).