Product classification
HS code for Polyester yarn: 5509.22
Yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up for retail sale.
Classification of polyester yarn under HS 5509.22
The classification of polyester yarn under HS code 5509.22 is specific to multiple (folded) or cabled yarns made from synthetic staple fibers. To qualify for this code, the yarn must contain at least 85% polyester staple fibers by weight. The distinction between staple fibers and filaments is crucial; staple fibers are of finite length and must be spun together, whereas filaments are continuous. Heading 5509 covers yarns of synthetic staple fibers not put up for retail sale. Within this heading, the 5509.2x series is reserved for yarns consisting entirely or predominantly of polyester. Subheading 5509.22 is differentiated from 5509.21 by the structure of the yarn; .22 is for multiple or cabled constructions, while .21 is for single yarns. This classification excludes sewing thread, which is categorized under heading 5508. The yarn must be intended for industrial use or further manufacturing, as packaging for retail sale triggers a shift to heading 5511.
- Covers
- Multiple (folded) polyester staple fiber yarn
- Cabled polyester yarn for industrial use
- Plied polyester yarns for weaving or knitting
- High-tenacity multiple polyester staple yarns
- Also under 5509.22
- Reliance Industries Recron (multi-ply variants)
- Indorama Ventures (multi-ply polyester yarns)
- Huvis (multi-ply polyester staple fiber yarns)
Codes often confused with 5509.22
Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 5509.21, which is the classification for single yarns of the same material. It is also frequently misclassified under HS code 5402.33, which covers textured filament yarn. The primary difference is the fiber length (staple vs. filament). Furthermore, if the yarn is prepared as sewing thread, it must be classified under 5508.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550922 (the code used for polyester yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550922 (the code used for polyester yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 72% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 24% 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 550922, not only polyester yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $457M 72% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $43M 6.7% of world exports
- 3 India $39M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $636M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$140M 24% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$45M 7.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Türkiye $36M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $586M 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 yarn
Brazil classifies polyester yarn under NCM 5509.22.00: HS 5509.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyester yarn
What is the HS code for Polyester yarn?
The HS code for Polyester yarn is 550922 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up for retail sale).
How do I classify Polyester yarn for customs?
Polyester yarn is classified under HS code 550922 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for multiple polyester yarn?
The HS code for multiple (folded) or cabled yarn of polyester staple fibers (85%+) is 5509.22.
What is the difference between 5509.21 and 5509.22?
5509.21 is for single yarns, while 5509.22 is for multiple or cabled yarns.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyester yarn (HS 550922)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550922 (the code used for polyester yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($457M, 72% of world exports), Indonesia ($43M) and India ($39M). World exports came to about $636M, 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 yarn (HS 550922)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550922 (the code used for polyester yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $140M, 24% of world imports), Vietnam (about $45M) and Türkiye ($36M). World imports came to about $586M, 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 yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550922 for 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 polyester yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyester yarn (HS 550922) is classified under NCM 5509.22.00.