Product classification
HS code for Retail synthetic blend yarn: 5511.20
Yarn, (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale.
Classification of retail synthetic blend yarn under HS 5511.20
HS code 5511.20 is designated for yarn consisting of synthetic staple fibers where the synthetic component constitutes less than 85% by weight of the total, provided the product is put up for retail sale. This classification is part of Chapter 55, which deals with man-made staple fibers. The distinction between staple fibers (discontinuous) and filaments (continuous) is crucial; this code specifically excludes continuous filament yarns. To qualify for this code, the yarn must be blended with other fibers—such as cotton, wool, or cellulosics—and must be packaged in a manner suitable for retail, such as in balls or skeins with a weight limit usually not exceeding 500 grams. This classification is common for knitting yarns where synthetic fibers are blended with natural fibers to improve durability or reduce cost while being sold in craft stores.
- Covers
- Acrylic-cotton blend knitting yarn (60/40 ratio)
- Polyester-wool blend yarn for retail sale
- Synthetic staple fiber yarn mixed with flax
- Multi-color synthetic blend skeins for craft
- Polyamide blend yarn in 100g balls
- Also under 5511.20
- Lion Brand Yarn (various blends)
- Red Heart Yarns (blended lines)
- Bernat Yarns (blended lines)
- Patons Yarns (blended lines)
- Caron Yarns (blended lines)
Codes often confused with 5511.20
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 5511.10 if the synthetic content is miscalculated as being 85% or more. It is also confused with 5509.53 (polyester staple fiber yarn blended with cotton, not for retail). The "retail" status, defined by packaging and weight limits under 500g, is the primary separator from the industrial headings in 5509 and 5510.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551120 (the code used for retail synthetic blend yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551120 (the code used for retail synthetic blend yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 551120, not only retail synthetic blend yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Türkiye $31M 41% of world exports
- 2 China $12M 16% of world exports
- 3 Italy $5.3M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $75M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $10M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $5.3M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 France $4.1M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $65M 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 code for retail synthetic blend yarn
Brazil classifies retail synthetic blend yarn under NCM 5511.20.00: HS 5511.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about retail synthetic blend yarn
What is the HS code for Retail synthetic blend yarn?
The HS code for Retail synthetic blend yarn is 551120 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale). The HS code for yarn of synthetic staple fibers (less than 85% by weight) put up for retail sale is 5511.20.
How do I classify Retail synthetic blend yarn for customs?
Retail synthetic blend yarn is classified under HS code 551120 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include sewing thread?
No, sewing thread of man-made staple fibers is classified separately under HS code 5508, regardless of whether it is put up for retail sale.
Which countries are the top exporters of retail synthetic blend yarn (HS 551120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551120 (the code used for retail synthetic blend yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($31M, 41% of world exports), China ($12M) and Italy ($5.3M). World exports came to about $75M, 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 synthetic blend yarn (HS 551120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551120 (the code used for retail synthetic blend yarn) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($5.3M) and France ($4.1M). World imports came to about $65M, 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 synthetic blend yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551120 for Retail synthetic blend 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 synthetic blend yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, retail synthetic blend yarn (HS 551120) is classified under NCM 5511.20.00.