Product classification

HS code for Partially oriented polyester yarn: 5402.46

Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), partially oriented, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.

Classification of partially oriented polyester yarn under HS 5402.46

Partially Oriented Polyester Yarn (POY) is classified under HS code 5402.46. This classification is situated within Chapter 54, which deals with man-made filaments. Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale. The specific subheading 5402.46 is reserved for other yarn, of polyesters, partially oriented. POY is a unique intermediate product in the textile industry; it is produced by spinning polyester polymer at high speeds, resulting in a yarn that is partially drawn and partially crystalline. It is not yet textured or high tenacity, which are characteristics that would lead to classification under different subheadings like 5402.33 or 5402.20. The partially oriented status is a technical definition referring to the molecular alignment achieved during the high-speed spinning process, which makes the yarn suitable for subsequent drawing or texturing processes. To qualify for this code, the yarn must be a single yarn, untwisted or with a twist not exceeding 50 turns per meter. It must also not be put up for retail sale. The classification is determined by the physical state of the fiber (filament), the chemical composition (polyester), and the stage of manufacture (partially oriented). This code is essential for distinguishing raw material yarn from finished textile yarns used in garment manufacturing.

Covers
  • POY (Partially Oriented Yarn)
  • Single polyester filament yarn (untwisted)
  • Untextured polyester filament
  • Pre-oriented polyester yarn
Also under 5402.46
  • Reliance Industries Recron POY
  • Indorama Ventures POY
  • Far Eastern New Century (FENC) POY
  • Sinopec POY
  • Zhejiang Hengyi Group POY

Codes often confused with 5402.46

Common mistake. POY is frequently misclassified under 5402.33 (Textured yarn) if the importer assumes all polyester yarn is the same. It is also confused with 5402.20 (High tenacity yarn) used for industrial purposes. Additionally, if the yarn is twisted more than 50 turns per meter, it may fall under 5402.52.

5402.33Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5402.20Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5402.52Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), single, twisted more than 50 turns per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread

Top exporters and importers of HS 540246 (the code used for partially oriented polyester yarn), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540246 (the code used for partially oriented polyester yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 73% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 27% 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 540246, not only partially oriented polyester yarn.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $668M
  2. 2 India $65M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$35M

World total: $910M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Egypt $266M
  2. 2 Indonesia $148M
  3. 3 Türkiye $115M

World total: $978M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 partially oriented polyester yarn

Brazil classifies partially oriented polyester yarn under NCM 5402.46.00: HS 5402.46 with 00 added.

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

Questions about partially oriented polyester yarn

What is the HS code for Partially oriented polyester yarn?

The HS code for Partially oriented polyester yarn is 540246 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), partially oriented, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The HS code for POY is 5402.46.

How do I classify Partially oriented polyester yarn for customs?

Partially oriented polyester yarn is classified under HS code 540246 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), partially oriented, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can POY be classified under Chapter 55?

No, Chapter 55 is for man-made staple fibers. Since POY consists of continuous filaments, it must remain in Chapter 54.

Which countries are the top exporters of partially oriented polyester yarn (HS 540246)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540246 (the code used for partially oriented polyester yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($668M, 73% of world exports), India ($65M) and Taiwan (about $35M). World exports came to about $910M, 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 partially oriented polyester yarn (HS 540246)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 540246 (the code used for partially oriented polyester yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($266M, 27% of world imports), Indonesia ($148M) and Türkiye ($115M). World imports came to about $978M, 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 Partially oriented polyester yarn the same in all countries?

The base HS code 540246 for Partially oriented polyester 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 partially oriented polyester yarn in Brazil?

In Brazil, partially oriented polyester yarn (HS 540246) is classified under NCM 5402.46.00.