Product classification
HS code for Synthetic monofilament: 5404.19
Monofilament n.e.c. in heading no 5404, of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm.
Classification of synthetic monofilament under HS 5404.19
Synthetic monofilament is classified under HS code 5404.19 based on its physical dimensions and material composition as defined in the Harmonized System's Chapter 54. This chapter covers man-made filaments, and heading 5404 specifically addresses synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more, provided that no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm. Subheading 5404.19 is a residual category for monofilaments that do not fall under the specific subheadings for elastomeric or polypropylene materials. The classification depends strictly on the linear density (decitex) and the thickness. If the cross-section exceeds 1 mm, the product is no longer considered a textile filament but is instead classified as a plastic shape under Chapter 39. This distinction is critical for customs compliance, as it changes the applicable duty rates and regulatory requirements. The material must be synthetic, such as nylon or polyester, to remain within this heading.
- Covers
- Nylon monofilament for industrial use
- Polyester monofilament for mesh production
- Bulk synthetic fishing line (not put up for retail sale)
- 3D printer filament (if cross-section is 1mm or less)
- Synthetic bristles for brushes (meeting decitex requirements)
- Also under 5404.19
- DuPont Nylon Monofilament
- Toray Polyester Monofilament
- BASF Acrylic Monofilament
Codes often confused with 5404.19
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing 5404.19 with HS code 3916. While both cover monofilaments, 3916 is used when any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, classifying the item as a plastic rod or profile. Additionally, synthetic filament yarn under 5402 is often confused with monofilament; however, 5402 applies to yarns with a linear density of less than 67 decitex. Importers must also distinguish these from 5404.11, which is reserved specifically for elastomeric monofilament.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540419 (the code used for synthetic monofilament), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540419 (the code used for synthetic monofilament) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% 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 540419, not only synthetic monofilament.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $205M 24% of world exports
- 2 United States $130M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $120M 14% of world exports
World total: $870M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $106M 12% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $85M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $66M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $878M 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 monofilament
Brazil splits HS 5404.19 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5404.19.11Absorbable imitation catgut monofilament
- 5404.19.19Non-absorbable imitation catgut monofilament
- 5404.19.90Other synthetic monofilament, 67 dtex or more
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic monofilament
What is the HS code for Synthetic monofilament?
The HS code for Synthetic monofilament is 540419 (Monofilament n.e.c. in heading no 5404; of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm). The HS code for synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more, with a cross-section not exceeding 1mm (excluding elastomeric and polypropylene), is 5404.19.
How do I classify Synthetic monofilament for customs?
Synthetic monofilament is classified under HS code 540419 — Monofilament n.e.c. in heading no 5404; of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does decitex affect the classification of monofilament?
Decitex measures the mass in grams per 10,000 meters. If the monofilament is less than 67 decitex, it is generally classified as synthetic filament yarn under heading 5402 rather than 5404.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic monofilament (HS 540419)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540419 (the code used for synthetic monofilament) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($205M, 24% of world exports), the United States ($130M) and China ($120M). World exports came to about $870M, 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 monofilament (HS 540419)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540419 (the code used for synthetic monofilament) in UN Comtrade data were China ($106M, 12% of world imports), Mexico ($85M) and Germany ($66M). World imports came to about $878M, 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 monofilament the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540419 for Synthetic monofilament 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 monofilament in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540419 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for synthetic monofilament depends on the product's details: 5404.19.11 (Absorbable imitation catgut monofilament), 5404.19.19 (Non-absorbable imitation catgut monofilament), 5404.19.90 (Other synthetic monofilament, 67 dtex or more).