Product classification

HS code for Retail synthetic yarn: 5511.10

Yarn, (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale.

Classification of retail synthetic yarn under HS 5511.10

Yarn classified under HS code 5511.10 consists of 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers and is prepared for retail sale. This high-concentration synthetic yarn is distinct from blends because the synthetic staple fiber is the dominant material. The classification relies on the definition of "staple fibers" found in the Harmonized System, which refers to fibers of a finite length that must be spun into yarn, as opposed to continuous filaments. For customs purposes, the "put up for retail sale" requirement is met if the yarn is packaged in units not exceeding 500 grams. This includes yarn wound on cards, reels, or tubes, as well as yarn in hanks or skeins. This code is the standard for most pure acrylic or polyester hand-knitting yarns found in retail craft environments.

Covers
  • 100% Acrylic hand-knitting yarn
  • 90% Polyester staple fiber yarn in 100g balls
  • Nylon staple fiber yarn for retail sale
  • High-bulk synthetic yarns for home crafts
  • Pure synthetic staple fiber yarn in 50g skeins
Also under 5511.10
  • Lion Brand Yarn (e.g., "Homespun" acrylic)
  • Red Heart Yarns (e.g., "Super Saver" acrylic)
  • Bernat Yarns (e.g., "Satin" acrylic)
  • Stylecraft Special DK
  • King Cole Pricewise DK

Codes often confused with 5511.10

Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5402.31 (textured nylon filament yarn) because both are synthetic; however, 5511.10 must be composed of staple fibers. It is also confused with 5508.10 (sewing thread), which has a different construction and specific use-case definition in the HS legal notes. Furthermore, if the synthetic content is less than 85%, it must move to 5511.20.

5402.31Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of nylon or other polyamides, measuring per single yarn not more than 50 decitex, not for retail sale, not sewing thread5508.10Sewing thread; of synthetic staple fibres, whether or not 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 551110 (the code used for retail synthetic yarn), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551110 (the code used for retail synthetic yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 551110, not only retail synthetic yarn.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Türkiye $158M
  2. 2 China $60M
  3. 3 India $36M

World total: $377M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $123M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $30M
  3. 3 Germany $27M

World total: $403M 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 yarn

Brazil classifies retail synthetic yarn under NCM 5511.10.00: HS 5511.10 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 yarn

What is the HS code for Retail synthetic yarn?

The HS code for Retail synthetic yarn is 551110 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale). The HS code for yarn of synthetic staple fibers (85% or more by weight) put up for retail sale is 5511.10.

How do I classify Retail synthetic yarn for customs?

Retail synthetic yarn is classified under HS code 551110 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between staple fibers and filaments?

Staple fibers are discontinuous fibers of finite length that require spinning to form yarn, whereas filaments are continuous strands of indefinite length.

Which countries are the top exporters of retail synthetic yarn (HS 551110)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551110 (the code used for retail synthetic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($158M, 42% of world exports), China ($60M) and India ($36M). World exports came to about $377M, 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 yarn (HS 551110)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 551110 (the code used for retail synthetic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($123M, 31% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($30M) and Germany ($27M). World imports came to about $403M, 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 yarn the same in all countries?

The base HS code 551110 for Retail synthetic 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 yarn in Brazil?

In Brazil, retail synthetic yarn (HS 551110) is classified under NCM 5511.10.00.