Product classification

HS code for Rayon yarn: 5510.12

Yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale.

Classification of rayon yarn under HS 5510.12

HS code 5510.12 covers multiple (folded) or cabled yarn made from artificial staple fibers, containing 85% or more of such fibers by weight. This classification excludes yarn put up for retail sale. The technical distinction here is the "multiple" or "cabled" nature of the yarn, which means two or more single yarns have been twisted together to increase strength or thickness. This differs from single yarns, which are classified elsewhere. The use of artificial staple fibers like viscose, modal, or acetate is the defining material characteristic. Proper classification requires verifying that the fiber length is discontinuous (staple) and that the weight threshold for artificial fibers is met. This yarn is typically used in industrial weaving and knitting applications where high tensile strength and uniformity are required for the production of durable fabrics.

Covers
  • Multiple-ply viscose staple yarn
  • Cabled acetate staple fiber yarn
  • Folded rayon yarn for industrial looms
  • 85% or more rayon staple cabled yarn
  • Bleached multiple-ply artificial staple yarn
Also under 5510.12

Lenzing Viscose yarn (industrial), Birla Cellulose yarn, Sateri EcoCosy yarn, Eastman Naia yarn, Fuji Spinning Co. Polynic yarn

Codes often confused with 5510.12

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 5510.11, which is reserved for single yarns of the same material. Another frequent error is using HS code 5403, which applies to artificial filament yarn. Filament yarn is continuous, whereas staple yarn is spun from short fibers. Furthermore, if the yarn is packaged for retail sale (e.g., for home sewing or knitting), it must be classified under heading 55.11.

5510.11Yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale54.03Artificial filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex

Top exporters and importers of HS 551012 (the code used for rayon yarn), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551012 (the code used for rayon yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 37% 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 551012, not only rayon yarn.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $70M
  2. 2 Indonesia $20M
  3. 3 India $18M

World total: $129M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$49M
  2. 2 France $15M
  3. 3 Türkiye $11M

World total: $132M 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 codes for rayon yarn

Brazil splits HS 5510.12 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 5510.12.11Folded/cabled viscose yarn (not modal), min 85%
  • 5510.12.12Folded/cabled modal staple yarn, 85% or more
  • 5510.12.13Folded/cabled lyocell staple yarn, 85% or more
  • 5510.12.19Other folded/cabled cellulosic yarn, 85% or more
  • 5510.12.90Folded/cabled non-cellulose artificial yarn, 85%+

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about rayon yarn

What is the HS code for Rayon yarn?

The HS code for Rayon yarn is 551012 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale).

How do I classify Rayon yarn for customs?

Rayon yarn is classified under HS code 551012 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for Rayon yarn (multiple/cabled)?

The HS code for multiple or cabled rayon yarn with 85% or more artificial staple fibers is 5510.12.

Is viscose yarn covered under this code?

Yes, viscose is a type of artificial fiber. If it is in staple form and twisted into multiple or cabled plies, it falls under 5510.12.

Which countries are the top exporters of rayon yarn (HS 551012)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551012 (the code used for rayon yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($70M, 54% of world exports), Indonesia ($20M) and India ($18M). World exports came to about $129M, 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 yarn (HS 551012)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 551012 (the code used for rayon yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $49M, 37% of world imports), France ($15M) and Türkiye ($11M). World imports came to about $132M, 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 yarn the same in all countries?

The base HS code 551012 for Rayon 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 rayon yarn in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 551012 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for rayon yarn depends on the product's details: 5510.12.11 (Folded/cabled viscose yarn (not modal), min 85%), 5510.12.12 (Folded/cabled modal staple yarn, 85% or more), 5510.12.13 (Folded/cabled lyocell staple yarn, 85% or more), 5510.12.19 (Other folded/cabled cellulosic yarn, 85% or more), 5510.12.90 (Folded/cabled non-cellulose artificial yarn, 85%+).