Product classification
HS code for Plied artificial yarn: 5403.49
Yarn, artificial, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), multiple (folded) or cabled, n.e.c. in heading no. 5403, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of plied artificial yarn under HS 5403.49
Plied artificial yarn is classified under HS code 5403.49. This code is situated within Chapter 54, which covers man-made filaments, strip, and the like of man-made textile materials. Heading 5403 specifically pertains to artificial filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex. The term "artificial" in the context of the textile industry refers to fibers produced from natural polymers, such as cellulose. Common examples include viscose rayon, acetate, and triacetate. Subheading 5403.49 is reserved for multiple (folded) or cabled yarns that are not otherwise specified in the preceding subheadings of 5403. This classification is distinct from synthetic yarns, which are derived from purely chemical polymers. The "plied" nature of the yarn—meaning two or more single yarns twisted together—is the defining characteristic for this specific subheading. To be classified here, the yarn must not be packaged for retail sale, meaning it is typically imported on large industrial cones or beams for further textile manufacturing. The technical distinction between artificial and synthetic is critical for correct classification, as artificial fibers are regenerated from natural materials while synthetic fibers are entirely man-made from petroleum-based chemicals.
- Covers
- Multiple (folded) viscose rayon filament yarn
- Cabled acetate filament yarn
- Plied triacetate yarn for industrial weaving
- Cuprammonium (cupro) plied filament yarn
- Artificial filament yarn with a twist of more than 120 turns per meter
- Also under 5403.49
- Lenzing Modal Cabled Yarn
- Asahi Kasei Cupro Folded Yarn
- Tencel Lyocell Multiple Filament
Codes often confused with 5403.49
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these products under HS code 5402, which is reserved for synthetic filament yarn like polyester or nylon. Another common mistake is using HS code 5406, which is for man-made filament yarn put up for retail sale. If the yarn is intended for sewing, it must be classified under 5401. High tenacity yarns of viscose rayon have their own specific subheading, 5403.10, and should not be placed in 5403.49.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540349 (the code used for plied artificial yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540349 (the code used for plied artificial yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 67% 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 540349, not only plied artificial yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $5.9M 42% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $1.3M 9.4% of world exports
- 3 Japan $1.3M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $14M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $37M 67% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$2.7M 4.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Thailand $2.6M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $56M 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 plied artificial yarn
Brazil classifies plied artificial yarn under NCM 5403.49.00: HS 5403.49 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plied artificial yarn
What is the HS code for Plied artificial yarn?
The HS code for Plied artificial yarn is 540349 (Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), multiple (folded) or cabled, n.e.c. in heading no. 5403, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The specific HS code for multiple or cabled artificial filament yarn is 5403.49.
How do I classify Plied artificial yarn for customs?
Plied artificial yarn is classified under HS code 540349 — Yarn, artificial; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), multiple (folded) or cabled, n.e.c. in heading no. 5403, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is rayon considered an artificial or synthetic fiber?
Rayon is classified as an artificial fiber because it is made from regenerated cellulose, a natural polymer, rather than being synthesized from chemicals.
Which countries are the top exporters of plied artificial yarn (HS 540349)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540349 (the code used for plied artificial yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.9M, 42% of world exports), Singapore ($1.3M) and Japan ($1.3M). World exports came to about $14M, 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 plied artificial yarn (HS 540349)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540349 (the code used for plied artificial yarn) in UN Comtrade data were India ($37M, 67% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $2.7M) and Thailand ($2.6M). World imports came to about $56M, 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 Plied artificial yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540349 for Plied artificial 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 plied artificial yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, plied artificial yarn (HS 540349) is classified under NCM 5403.49.00.