Product classification
HS code for Synthetic elastic yarn: 5402.44
Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of synthetic elastic yarn under HS 5402.44
Synthetic elastic yarn is classified under HS code 5402.44. This code is specific to synthetic filament yarn that is elastomeric, single, and untwisted (or with a twist not exceeding 50 turns per meter). The classification is governed by the technical specifications of the yarn, particularly its ability to be stretched to three times its original length and return to its initial state. This category excludes yarns that have been textured or those prepared for retail sale. The yarn must be a monofilament or multifilament of less than 67 decitex to remain within this heading. Classification under 5402.44 is critical for industrial textile manufacturers who use these yarns as raw materials for knitting or weaving stretch fabrics. The 'not for retail sale' provision implies that the yarn is typically wound on large bobbins or cones intended for industrial machinery rather than consumer use.
- Covers
- Spandex (elastane) single filament yarn
- Unprocessed elastomeric synthetic filaments
- Lycra monofilament (under 67 decitex)
- Untwisted synthetic elastic filaments for industrial use
- Polyurethane-based elastic yarns
- Also under 5402.44
- Invista Lycra
- Hyosung Creora
- Asahi Kasei Roica
- Xiamen Huafeng Spandex
- Taekwang Industrial Spandex
Codes often confused with 5402.44
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 5402.31 through 5402.39, which covers textured yarns. If the elastic yarn has undergone a texturing process (like false-twist), it must be moved to the textured subheadings. Another error is 5604.10, which is reserved for rubber thread and cord covered with textile materials. If the elastic core is a synthetic polymer rather than vulcanized rubber, 5402.44 is the correct designation. Finally, sewing thread is excluded and falls under 5401.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540244 (the code used for synthetic elastic yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540244 (the code used for synthetic elastic yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 540244, not only synthetic elastic yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $335M 28% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$189M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $142M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $185M 15% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $100M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Italy $84M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 synthetic elastic yarn
Brazil classifies synthetic elastic yarn under NCM 5402.44.00: HS 5402.44 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic elastic yarn
What is the HS code for Synthetic elastic yarn?
The HS code for Synthetic elastic yarn is 540244 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The correct HS code for single, untwisted synthetic elastomeric filament yarn is 5402.44.
How do I classify Synthetic elastic yarn for customs?
Synthetic elastic yarn is classified under HS code 540244 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, elastomeric, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Lycra classified under this code?
Yes, Lycra is a brand of elastane, and if it is imported as a single, non-textured filament for industrial use, it falls under 5402.44.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic elastic yarn (HS 540244)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540244 (the code used for synthetic elastic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($335M, 28% of world exports), Vietnam (about $189M) and the Netherlands ($142M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 synthetic elastic yarn (HS 540244)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540244 (the code used for synthetic elastic yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($185M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($100M) and Italy ($84M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Synthetic elastic yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540244 for Synthetic elastic 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 synthetic elastic yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic elastic yarn (HS 540244) is classified under NCM 5402.44.00.