Product classification
HS code for Silk thread: 5006.00
Silk yarn and yarn spun from silk waste, put up for retail sale, and silk-worm gut.
Classification of silk thread under HS 5006.00
Silk thread intended for consumer use is classified under HS code 5006.00. This code specifically covers silk yarn and yarn spun from silk waste that has been put up for retail sale. In the context of the Harmonized System, "put up for retail sale" refers to yarn wound on supports (like reels, tubes, or cards) or in hanks and skeins of a specific limited weight. This classification is distinct from industrial silk yarns which are imported in bulk for textile manufacturing. The inclusion of silk-worm gut in this heading further consolidates specialized silk filaments used for non-medical purposes under this single classification.
- Covers
- Silk sewing thread on reels for retail
- Embroidery silk thread in small skeins
- Silk yarn for hand-knitting put up for retail
- Natural silkworm gut
- Silk waste yarn for retail sale
- Also under 5006.00
- DMC silk embroidery floss
- Habu Textiles silk yarn
- Treenway Silks retail yarn
- Pearsall's Gossamer silk thread
- Cortland silk-worm gut
Codes often confused with 5006.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 5004.00 (silk yarn not for retail) and 5005.00 (yarn spun from silk waste not for retail). These codes are for industrial-sized bobbins or cones used in factories. If the thread is synthetic but looks like silk, it must be classified under 5401.10 (synthetic sewing thread). Importers often confuse silk thread with "silk-like" polyester thread, which leads to significant duty discrepancies as Chapter 50 is strictly for natural silk.
Top exporters and importers of HS 500600 (the code used for silk thread), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 500600 (the code used for silk thread) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, 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 500600, not only silk thread.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $1.0M 13% of world exports
- 2 India $990K 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $817K 11% of world exports
World total: $7.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $4.9M 31% of world imports
- 2 United States $3.0M 19% of world imports
- 3 India $1.0M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $16M 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 silk thread
Brazil classifies silk thread under NCM 5006.00.00: HS 5006.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about silk thread
What is the HS code for Silk thread?
The HS code for Silk thread is 500600 (Silk yarn and yarn spun from silk waste; put up for retail sale, and silk-worm gut). The HS code for silk thread put up for retail sale is 5006.00. Bulk industrial silk yarn is classified under 5004.00.
How do I classify Silk thread for customs?
Silk thread is classified under HS code 500600 — Silk yarn and yarn spun from silk waste; put up for retail sale, and silk-worm gut. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines retail sale for silk thread?
To qualify for 5006.00, the thread must be on a support or in a package weighing a specific amount (usually 125g or less for silk) or meet specific length and winding criteria defined in the Section XI notes.
Which countries are the top exporters of silk thread (HS 500600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 500600 (the code used for silk thread) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.0M, 13% of world exports), India ($990K) and Germany ($817K). World exports came to about $7.6M, 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 silk thread (HS 500600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 500600 (the code used for silk thread) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($4.9M, 31% of world imports), the United States ($3.0M) and India ($1.0M). World imports came to about $16M, 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 Silk thread the same in all countries?
The base HS code 500600 for Silk thread 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 silk thread in Brazil?
In Brazil, silk thread (HS 500600) is classified under NCM 5006.00.00.