Product classification
HS code for POY yarn: 5402.46
Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), partially oriented, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of POY yarn under HS 5402.46
Partially Oriented Yarn (POY) is classified under HS code 5402.46. This classification falls within Chapter 54, which encompasses man-made filaments, specifically synthetic filament yarn. The classification logic is based on the chemical composition of the yarn and its physical state during the manufacturing process. POY is a polyester filament produced by high-speed spinning, resulting in a molecular structure that is only partially aligned or oriented. According to the Harmonized System's specific subheadings, 5402.46 is reserved for other yarn, single, untwisted or with a twist not exceeding 50 turns per meter, of polyesters, and specifically identified as partially oriented. This yarn is typically a precursor to Drawn Textured Yarn (DTY) and is not put up for retail sale. The classification is strictly governed by the decitex (which must be less than 67) and the fact that it is not high-tenacity or textured at this stage.
- Covers
- Polyester POY (Partially Oriented Yarn)
- Semi-dull POY filaments
- Bright trilobal POY
- Black dope-dyed POY
- Micro-filament POY
- Also under 5402.46
- Reliance Industries Recron POY
- Indorama Ventures POY
- Far Eastern New Century (FENC) POY
- Sinopec POY
- Zhejiang Hengyi Group POY
Codes often confused with 5402.46
Common mistake. POY is frequently confused with HS code 5402.33, which covers textured polyester yarn (DTY). The distinction lies in the mechanical processing; POY is the raw material that has not yet undergone the texturing process. Another common error is using 5402.20, which is reserved for high-tenacity polyester yarn. High-tenacity yarn has significantly higher breaking strength and is used for industrial purposes, whereas POY is intended for further textile processing. Additionally, if the yarn is put up for retail sale, it would move to heading 5406.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540246 (the code used for POY yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540246 (the code used for POY yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 73% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 27% 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 540246, not only POY yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $668M 73% of world exports
- 2 India $65M 7.2% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$35M 3.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $910M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Egypt $266M 27% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $148M 15% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $115M 12% of world imports
World total: $978M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 POY yarn
Brazil classifies POY yarn under NCM 5402.46.00: HS 5402.46 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about POY yarn
What is the HS code for POY yarn?
The HS code for POY yarn is 540246 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), partially oriented, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The specific HS code for partially oriented polyester filament yarn is 5402.46.
How do I classify POY yarn for customs?
POY yarn is classified under HS code 540246 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), of polyesters (not high tenacity or textured), partially oriented, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 5402.46 and 5402.33?
5402.46 is for partially oriented yarn (POY) that has not been textured, while 5402.33 is for yarn that has undergone the texturing process (DTY).
Which countries are the top exporters of POY yarn (HS 540246)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540246 (the code used for POY yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($668M, 73% of world exports), India ($65M) and Taiwan (about $35M). World exports came to about $910M, 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 POY yarn (HS 540246)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540246 (the code used for POY yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($266M, 27% of world imports), Indonesia ($148M) and Türkiye ($115M). World imports came to about $978M, 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 POY yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540246 for POY 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 POY yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, POY yarn (HS 540246) is classified under NCM 5402.46.00.