Product classification
HS code for Polyester rayon blend yarn: 5509.51
Yarn, (not sewing thread), of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale.
Classification of polyester rayon blend yarn under HS 5509.51
Polyester rayon blend yarn is classified under HS code 5509.51. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the material composition and the state of the fibers. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule is dedicated to man-made staple fibers. Heading 5509 specifically covers yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibers, not put up for retail sale. The subheading 5509.51 is designated for yarn of polyester staple fibers mixed mainly or solely with artificial staple fibers, such as rayon or viscose. To be classified here, the fibers must be "staple," meaning they are of finite length and have been spun together, as opposed to continuous filaments. Furthermore, the "not put up for retail sale" provision implies the yarn is typically imported in large industrial packages like cones or beams intended for further manufacturing. The blend ratio is a critical factor; if the yarn is mixed with artificial fibers and the polyester predominates by weight among the synthetic fibers, 5509.51 is the appropriate classification. The classification process also involves examining the physical properties of the yarn, such as its linear density and twist. Under Section XI of the HS nomenclature, specific notes define the transition from yarn to twine or cordage. For 5509.51, the yarn must not meet the criteria for twine or cordage found in heading 5607. Additionally, the presence of any other fibers, such as cotton or wool, must be secondary to the polyester-rayon blend. If the yarn were put up for retail sale—meaning in balls, hanks, or skeins of a specific weight—it would instead be classified under heading 5511. Importers must provide detailed mill certificates or composition lab reports to verify the percentage of polyester versus rayon to satisfy customs authorities that the "mainly or solely" requirement of the subheading is met.
- Covers
- Spun polyester-viscose blended yarn
- Polyester-rayon ring-spun yarn
- Open-end polyester-rayon yarn for weaving
- Industrial polyester-artificial fiber blended yarn
- Multi-ply blended staple fiber yarn
- Also under 5509.51
- Birla Cellulose (viscose/modal often blended)
- Lenzing AG (Tencel/Modal often blended)
- Indorama Ventures (polyester often blended)
- Reliance Industries (polyester often blended)
- Huvis (polyester often blended)
Codes often confused with 5509.51
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 5402, which covers synthetic filament yarn. The primary difference is that 5509.51 applies to staple fibers (spun), while 5402 applies to continuous filaments. It is also often misclassified under 5509.21 if the rayon content is overlooked, or 5511.10 if the yarn is packaged for retail sale.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550951 (the code used for polyester rayon blend yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550951 (the code used for polyester rayon blend yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 22% 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 550951, not only polyester rayon blend yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $157M 43% of world exports
- 2 India $83M 23% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $45M 12% of world exports
World total: $364M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $81M 22% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $68M 19% of world imports
- 3 India $62M 17% of world imports
World total: $366M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 polyester rayon blend yarn
Brazil classifies polyester rayon blend yarn under NCM 5509.51.00: HS 5509.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyester rayon blend yarn
What is the HS code for Polyester rayon blend yarn?
The HS code for Polyester rayon blend yarn is 550951 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale). The HS code for polyester rayon blend yarn is 5509.51.
How do I classify Polyester rayon blend yarn for customs?
Polyester rayon blend yarn is classified under HS code 550951 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to yarn put up for retail sale?
No, yarn put up for retail sale is classified under heading 5511, specifically 5511.10 or 5511.20 depending on the blend.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyester rayon blend yarn (HS 550951)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550951 (the code used for polyester rayon blend yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($157M, 43% of world exports), India ($83M) and Indonesia ($45M). World exports came to about $364M, 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 polyester rayon blend yarn (HS 550951)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550951 (the code used for polyester rayon blend yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($81M, 22% of world imports), Brazil ($68M) and India ($62M). World imports came to about $366M, 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 Polyester rayon blend yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550951 for Polyester rayon blend 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 polyester rayon blend yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyester rayon blend yarn (HS 550951) is classified under NCM 5509.51.00.