Product classification
HS code for Retail filament yarn: 5406.00
Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale.
Classification of retail filament yarn under HS 5406.00
Retail filament yarn is classified under HS code 5406.00. This classification is part of Chapter 54, which encompasses man-made filaments. Unlike staple fibers, filaments are continuous strands of great length. Heading 5406 is a specific category for man-made filament yarn (excluding sewing thread) that has been put up for retail sale. This heading is unique because it does not differentiate between synthetic (polyester, nylon) and artificial (viscose, acetate) filaments at the four-digit level, provided they are packaged for the retail market. The classification relies on the definition of \"put up for retail sale\" found in the Section XI legal notes, which specifies weight limits and the nature of the support (e.g., cards, reels, or hanks). If the yarn is on large industrial cones or exceeds the weight thresholds, it must be classified under 5402 or 5403.
- Covers
- Nylon filament yarn in retail hanks
- Polyester filament yarn on small consumer reels
- Viscose filament yarn for retail embroidery
- Multi-filament synthetic yarn for retail sale
- Monofilament yarn put up for retail use
- Also under 5406.00
- Lion Brand Yarn
- Red Heart Yarns
- Bernat Yarns
- DMC Embroidery Floss
- Patons Yarns
Codes often confused with 5406.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 5401.00, which is reserved for sewing thread. Even if sewing thread is for retail, it stays in 5401. Another common error is using 5402 (synthetic filament yarn) or 5403 (artificial filament yarn), which are only for yarns NOT put up for retail sale. Finally, yarn made from staple fibers (short lengths) for retail must be classified under heading 5511, not 5406.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540600 (the code used for retail filament yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540600 (the code used for retail filament yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% 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 540600, not only retail filament yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $80M 60% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $14M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $7.8M 5.9% of world exports
World total: $133M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $43M 36% of world imports
- 2 Japan $5.3M 4.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $4.7M 4.0% of world imports
World total: $119M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 retail filament yarn
Brazil splits HS 5406.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5406.00.10Synthetic filament yarn for retail sale
- 5406.00.20Artificial filament yarn for retail sale
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about retail filament yarn
What is the HS code for Retail filament yarn?
The HS code for Retail filament yarn is 540600 (Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale). The HS code for man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread) put up for retail sale is 5406.00.
How do I classify Retail filament yarn for customs?
Retail filament yarn is classified under HS code 540600 — Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 5406.00 include natural fiber yarns like cotton or wool?
No, 5406.00 is strictly for man-made filaments. Cotton yarns for retail are in heading 5207, and wool yarns for retail are in heading 5109.
Which countries are the top exporters of retail filament yarn (HS 540600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540600 (the code used for retail filament yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($80M, 60% of world exports), Türkiye ($14M) and the United States ($7.8M). World exports came to about $133M, 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 retail filament yarn (HS 540600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540600 (the code used for retail filament yarn) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 36% of world imports), Japan ($5.3M) and Germany ($4.7M). World imports came to about $119M, 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 Retail filament yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540600 for Retail filament 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 retail filament yarn in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540600 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for retail filament yarn depends on the product's details: 5406.00.10 (Synthetic filament yarn for retail sale), 5406.00.20 (Artificial filament yarn for retail sale).