Product classification
HS code for Polyamide 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 polyamide yarn under HS 5509.12
Classification under HS code 5509.12 is determined by the material composition and the physical state of the fibers. This code specifically covers yarn made from synthetic staple fibers, which are fibers of a discrete length, as opposed to continuous filaments. To qualify for this heading, the yarn must contain 85% or more by weight of nylon or other polyamides. Furthermore, the sub-classification 5509.12 is reserved for multiple (folded) or cabled yarns. This means the product consists of two or more single yarns twisted together. The classification also stipulates that the yarn must not be put up for retail sale, meaning it is typically intended for industrial use in weaving or knitting processes. The determination of staple fiber is critical, as it distinguishes this category from Chapter 54, which covers man-made filaments. Customs authorities look for the presence of staple fibers and the specific weight percentage of the polyamide to ensure the product meets the 85% threshold required for this specific sub-heading.
- Covers
- Multiple (folded) polyamide staple yarn
- Cabled nylon staple yarn
- Industrial polyamide yarn for weaving
- High-tenacity polyamide staple yarn (folded)
- Nylon 6 or Nylon 6,6 staple fiber yarn
- 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. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5402, which covers synthetic filament yarn. The primary difference is that 5509.12 is for staple fibers (cut lengths), while 5402 is for continuous filaments. Another common error is using 5508.10, which is specifically for sewing thread; if the yarn is not finished as sewing thread, it belongs in 5509. Additionally, single yarns of polyamide are classified under 5509.11, whereas 5509.12 is strictly for multiple or cabled constructions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550912 (the code used for polyamide yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550912 (the code used for polyamide 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 polyamide yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $38M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $36M 21% of world exports
- 3 Slovakia $32M 19% of world exports
World total: $169M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $61M 34% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$22M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 France $21M 12% of world imports
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 polyamide 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 polyamide yarn
What is the HS code for Polyamide yarn?
The HS code for Polyamide 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). The HS code for multiple or cabled yarn containing 85% or more polyamide staple fibers, not for retail sale, is 5509.12.
How do I classify Polyamide yarn for customs?
Polyamide 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.
How do I distinguish between staple yarn and filament yarn?
Staple yarn is made from short, discrete fibers twisted together, often appearing slightly fuzzier, whereas filament yarn consists of continuous strands and is classified under Chapter 54.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyamide yarn (HS 550912)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550912 (the code used for polyamide 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 polyamide yarn (HS 550912)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550912 (the code used for polyamide 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 Polyamide yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550912 for Polyamide 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 polyamide yarn in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 550912 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for polyamide 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%+).