Product classification
HS code for Rayon sewing thread: 5508.20
Sewing thread, of artificial staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of rayon sewing thread under HS 5508.20
Rayon sewing thread is classified under HS code 5508.20. This classification falls under Chapter 55 (Man-made staple fibers). Heading 5508 covers sewing thread of man-made staple fibers, whether or not put up for retail sale. The subheading 5508.20 specifically identifies thread made from artificial staple fibers, such as viscose rayon. To be classified as "sewing thread" under Section XI, Note 5, the yarn must be multiple (folded) or cabled, put up on supports (like reels or tubes) not exceeding 1,000 grams including the support, and dressed for use as sewing thread. This distinguishes it from regular yarn used for weaving or knitting. The use of staple fibers (discontinuous) is the primary reason this product is in Chapter 55; if it were made of continuous artificial filaments, it would be classified under heading 5401.
- Covers
- Viscose rayon staple fiber sewing thread
- Modal staple fiber sewing thread on plastic spools
- Cabled artificial staple fiber thread for industrial sewing
- Dressed rayon thread for embroidery machines
- Also under 5508.20
- Coats Astra
- Gütermann Sew-all Thread (artificial fiber variants)
- A&E Perma Core (artificial fiber variants)
Codes often confused with 5508.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 5401.20, which covers sewing thread of artificial filaments. The difference lies in the fiber length (staple vs. filament). It is also often confused with HS code 5510.11, which is for rayon yarn not intended for use as sewing thread. Additionally, synthetic sewing thread (polyester/nylon) falls under 5508.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550820 (the code used for rayon sewing thread), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550820 (the code used for rayon sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 26% 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 550820, not only rayon sewing thread.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $2.7M 32% of world exports
- 2 China $2.1M 25% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $1.2M 13% of world exports
World total: $8.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $3.3M 26% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$1.3M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Myanmar $705K 5.5% of world imports
World total: $13M 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 rayon sewing thread
Brazil classifies rayon sewing thread under NCM 5508.20.00: HS 5508.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rayon sewing thread
What is the HS code for Rayon sewing thread?
The HS code for Rayon sewing thread is 550820 (Sewing thread; of artificial staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale). The HS code for sewing thread of artificial staple fibers is 5508.20.
How do I classify Rayon sewing thread for customs?
Rayon sewing thread is classified under HS code 550820 — Sewing thread; of artificial 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?
Yes, to be considered sewing thread under the Section XI notes, the weight including the support must not exceed 1,000 grams.
Which countries are the top exporters of rayon sewing thread (HS 550820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550820 (the code used for rayon sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($2.7M, 32% of world exports), China ($2.1M) and Malaysia ($1.2M). World exports came to about $8.7M, 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 rayon sewing thread (HS 550820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550820 (the code used for rayon sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($3.3M, 26% of world imports), Vietnam (about $1.3M) and Myanmar ($705K). World imports came to about $13M, 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 Rayon sewing thread the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550820 for Rayon 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 rayon sewing thread in Brazil?
In Brazil, rayon sewing thread (HS 550820) is classified under NCM 5508.20.00.