HS Code for Spun silk yarn (bulk)

Spun silk yarn in bulk is classified under HS code 5005.00. This code is part of Chapter 50, which covers silk and silk-related products. The classification is determined by the source of the fiber and the intended market stage. Unlike raw silk (5004.00), which is produced by reeling continuous filaments from cocoons, spun silk is manufactured from silk waste. This waste includes broken cocoons, fluff, and other by-products of the reeling process that are combed and spun into yarn, similar to the process used for cotton or wool. The designation "not put up for retail sale" is a technical requirement for 5005.00, meaning the yarn is typically wound on large cones, bobbins, or in large hanks intended for industrial weaving or knitting machines. If the yarn were packaged in small quantities for individual consumers, it would move to heading 5006. This distinction ensures that industrial raw materials are tracked separately from finished consumer goods. Spun silk yarn is valued for its soft texture and is often used in high-end textiles, but because it is made from shorter fibers (waste), it is classified separately from the more expensive continuous filament yarns.

Products Included

• Schappe silk yarn in bulk
• Bourette silk yarn (from waste)
• Industrial spun silk on cones
• Unbleached or bleached spun silk yarn
• Dyed spun silk yarn for industrial weaving

Common Misclassification

Spun silk yarn is frequently misclassified under 5004.00, which is reserved for silk yarn made from raw silk (not waste). The distinction lies in the manufacturing process: reeling vs. spinning. Another common error is 5006.00, which applies to silk yarn "put up for retail sale." To avoid this, one must check the weight and packaging; generally, yarn on cones exceeding 125 grams or in hanks of a certain weight is considered bulk. Additionally, yarns made from a blend of silk and other fibers (like wool or cotton) may be classified in Chapters 51 or 52 depending on which fiber predominates by weight, according to the Section XI Note 2.

FAQ

What is the HS code for spun silk yarn?

The HS code for yarn spun from silk waste, not put up for retail sale, is 5005.00.

What does "not put up for retail sale" mean?

It refers to yarn packaged for industrial use, typically on large cones or in bulk hanks, rather than small balls or skeins intended for individual hobbyists.