Product classification
HS code for Polyester sewing thread: 5508.10
Sewing thread, of synthetic staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of polyester sewing thread under HS 5508.10
Polyester sewing thread is classified under HS code 550810 because it consists of synthetic staple fibers that have been processed into a thread specifically intended for sewing. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 55 notes, sewing thread is defined as multiple or cabled yarn that is put up on supports (such as reels or tubes) for use as sewing thread, or has been dressed for use as sewing thread. Since polyester is a synthetic polymer, and staple fibers are discontinuous fibers that have been spun, this product fits precisely into the 5508 heading. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the thread is packaged for industrial use or retail sale, provided it meets the technical criteria for sewing thread rather than general-purpose yarn.
- Covers
- Spun polyester sewing thread
- Polyester-cotton core-spun sewing thread (where polyester predominates by weight)
- High-tenacity polyester sewing thread made from staple fibers
- Glazed or lubricated polyester thread for industrial sewing machines
- Retail-ready polyester thread spools
- Also under 5508.10
- Coats Dual Duty XP
- Gutermann Sew-All Thread
- A&E Perma Core
- YKK Excella Thread
- Mettler Metrosene
Codes often confused with 5508.10
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing 550810 with HS code 540110. While both cover synthetic sewing thread, 540110 is reserved for thread made from synthetic filaments (continuous strands), whereas 550810 is for staple fibers (discontinuous strands). Additionally, importers may mistakenly use 5509, which covers general-purpose synthetic staple yarn; however, if the yarn is specifically prepared or put up for use as sewing thread, 5508 takes precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550810 (the code used for polyester sewing thread), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550810 (the code used for polyester sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 8.2% 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 550810, not only polyester sewing thread.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $402M 65% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $21M 3.4% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $19M 3.1% of world exports
World total: $616M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$40M 8.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Cambodia* ~$27M 5.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$25M 5.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $489M 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 polyester sewing thread
Brazil classifies polyester sewing thread under NCM 5508.10.00: HS 5508.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyester sewing thread
What is the HS code for Polyester sewing thread?
The HS code for Polyester sewing thread is 550810 (Sewing thread; of synthetic staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale). The primary HS code for sewing thread made of synthetic staple fibers, such as polyester, is 550810.
How do I classify Polyester sewing thread for customs?
Polyester sewing thread is classified under HS code 550810 — Sewing thread; of synthetic staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the weight of the spool affect the classification?
No, HS code 550810 covers polyester sewing thread whether or not it is put up for retail sale, meaning both large industrial cones and small domestic spools are classified here.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyester sewing thread (HS 550810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550810 (the code used for polyester sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data were China ($402M, 65% of world exports), Türkiye ($21M) and Hong Kong ($19M). World exports came to about $616M, 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 sewing thread (HS 550810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550810 (the code used for polyester sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $40M, 8.2% of world imports), Cambodia (about $27M) and Bangladesh (about $25M). World imports came to about $489M, 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 sewing thread the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550810 for Polyester sewing thread 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 sewing thread in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyester sewing thread (HS 550810) is classified under NCM 5508.10.00.