Product classification
HS code for Synthetic filament yarn: 5402.49
Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, n.e.c. in heading no. 5402, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of synthetic filament yarn under HS 5402.49
Synthetic filament yarn classified under HS code 5402.49 represents a specific category of man-made textile materials. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), this classification is determined by the physical state of the fiber and its processing level. Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including monofilament of less than 67 decitex. The subheading 5402.49 is a residual category for "other" single yarns that are untwisted or have a twist not exceeding 50 turns per metre. These yarns are distinct because they are not textured and do not meet the high-tenacity requirements of nylon, polyesters, or viscose rayon. The classification relies heavily on the linear density (decitex) and the mechanical properties of the filament. Importers must ensure the yarn is not for retail sale, as that would shift the classification to heading 5406. The technical distinction between filament (continuous) and staple (discontinuous) fibers is the primary factor in selecting Chapter 54 over Chapter 55.
- Covers
- Single synthetic filament yarn, untwisted
- Synthetic yarn with a twist of 45 turns per metre
- Non-textured polyester filament yarn
- Polypropylene filament yarn (single, low twist)
- Nylon monofilament under 67 decitex
- Also under 5402.49
- DuPont (nylon yarns)
- Teijin (polyester yarns)
- Lenzing (specialty fibers)
- BASF (various polymers)
- Mitsubishi Chemical.
Codes often confused with 5402.49
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5402.31 through 5402.39, which covers textured yarns. Texturizing involves physical modification to increase bulk or elasticity; if the yarn has undergone this process, 5402.49 is incorrect. Another common error is using 5401.10 for sewing thread; however, sewing thread must meet specific finishing and twist requirements. Furthermore, if the monofilament is 67 decitex or more, it must be classified under 5404.11 to 5404.19. Finally, yarn made from synthetic staple fibers falls under Chapter 55, specifically heading 5509.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540249 (the code used for synthetic filament yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540249 (the code used for synthetic filament yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 540249, not only synthetic filament yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $227M 30% of world exports
- 2 Japan $157M 21% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $103M 14% of world exports
World total: $744M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $87M 13% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $58M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 China $43M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $668M 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 codes for synthetic filament yarn
Brazil splits HS 5402.49 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5402.49.10Polyethylene single yarn, 26 cN/tex or more
- 5402.49.90Other synthetic single yarn, max 50 turns/m
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic filament yarn
What is the HS code for Synthetic filament yarn?
The HS code for Synthetic filament yarn is 540249 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, n.e.c. in heading no. 5402, not for retail sale, not sewing thread). The HS code for other single synthetic filament yarn, untwisted or with a twist not exceeding 50 turns per metre, is 5402.49.
How do I classify Synthetic filament yarn for customs?
Synthetic filament yarn is classified under HS code 540249 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre, n.e.c. in heading no. 5402, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does decitex affect the classification of synthetic yarn?
Decitex measures the mass in grams per 10,000 metres of yarn. For monofilaments, if the measurement is 67 decitex or higher, the product moves from 5402 to 5404. For multifilament yarns, the decitex helps distinguish between various subheadings within 5402 based on the weight and intended industrial or textile application.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic filament yarn (HS 540249)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540249 (the code used for synthetic filament yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($227M, 30% of world exports), Japan ($157M) and the Netherlands ($103M). World exports came to about $744M, 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 filament yarn (HS 540249)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540249 (the code used for synthetic filament yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($87M, 13% of world imports), South Korea ($58M) and China ($43M). World imports came to about $668M, 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 filament yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540249 for Synthetic filament 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 filament yarn in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540249 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for synthetic filament yarn depends on the product's details: 5402.49.10 (Polyethylene single yarn, 26 cN/tex or more), 5402.49.90 (Other synthetic single yarn, max 50 turns/m).