Product classification

HS code for Retail rayon yarn: 5511.30

Yarn, (not sewing thread), of artificial staple fibres, put up for retail sale.

Classification of retail rayon yarn under HS 5511.30

Retail rayon yarn is classified under HS code 5511.30 based on its material composition and packaging. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System covers man-made staple fibers. Heading 5511 is designated for yarn (other than sewing thread) of man-made staple fibers that are put up for retail sale. The term \"put up for retail sale\" is a technical definition in the HS Explanatory Notes, usually referring to specific weight limits, such as not exceeding 125 grams for certain yarns, or packaging types like balls, hanks, or cards intended for individual consumers. Subheading 5511.30 specifically identifies yarn made from artificial staple fibers. Artificial fibers are derived from natural polymers, such as cellulose, which distinguishes them from synthetic fibers like polyester. Common examples include viscose rayon, acetate, and lyocell. The yarn must be made from staple fibers—fibers that have been cut to specific lengths—rather than continuous filaments, which would fall under Chapter 54. This classification ensures that consumer-ready textile materials are distinguished from industrial-scale raw materials, allowing for accurate tariff application and trade statistics collection.

Covers
  • Viscose rayon knitting yarn in 50g balls
  • Acetate crochet yarn put up on small cards
  • Lyocell embroidery yarn for retail sale
  • Blended artificial staple fiber yarns for hand-knitting
  • Rayon yarn hanks intended for consumer use
Also under 5511.30
  • Lion Brand Yarn (Heartland)
  • Red Heart Yarns (Super Saver)
  • Bernat Yarn (Satin)
  • Caron Yarn (Simply Soft)
  • Patons Yarn (Classic Wool DK Superwash)

Codes often confused with 5511.30

Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 5509.51 or 5510.11, which cover yarns of man-made staple fibers that are NOT put up for retail sale, usually found on industrial cones. It is also frequently mixed up with HS code 5403, which covers artificial filament yarn. The distinction between \"staple\" (Chapter 55) and \"filament\" (Chapter 54) is a common source of error. Furthermore, synthetic staple fiber yarns for retail sale are classified under 5511.10 or 5511.20, not 5511.30.

5509.51Yarn; (not sewing thread), of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale5510.11Yarn; (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 decitex5511.10Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale5511.20Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 551130 (the code used for retail rayon yarn), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551130 (the code used for retail rayon yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 19% 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 551130, not only retail rayon yarn.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $7.2M
  2. 2 Türkiye $6.6M
  3. 3 Italy $1.8M

World total: $21M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $4.0M
  2. 2 Uzbekistan* ~$3.9M
  3. 3 United States $1.6M

World total: $21M 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 retail rayon yarn

Brazil classifies retail rayon yarn under NCM 5511.30.00: HS 5511.30 with 00 added.

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

Questions about retail rayon yarn

What is the HS code for Retail rayon yarn?

The HS code for Retail rayon yarn is 551130 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), of artificial staple fibres, put up for retail sale). The HS code for yarn of artificial staple fibers put up for retail sale is 5511.30.

How do I classify Retail rayon yarn for customs?

Retail rayon yarn is classified under HS code 551130 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), of artificial staple fibres, put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I know if my yarn is \"put up for retail sale\"?

Generally, if the yarn is in balls, skeins, or hanks weighing 125 grams or less, or on supports like cards, it meets the retail sale criteria under Section XI of the HS code.

Which countries are the top exporters of retail rayon yarn (HS 551130)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551130 (the code used for retail rayon yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.2M, 34% of world exports), Türkiye ($6.6M) and Italy ($1.8M). World exports came to about $21M, 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 rayon yarn (HS 551130)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 551130 (the code used for retail rayon yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($4.0M, 19% of world imports), Uzbekistan (about $3.9M) and the United States ($1.6M). World imports came to about $21M, 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 rayon yarn the same in all countries?

The base HS code 551130 for Retail 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 retail rayon yarn in Brazil?

In Brazil, retail rayon yarn (HS 551130) is classified under NCM 5511.30.00.