Product classification
HS code for Synthetic monofilament 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 monofilament yarn under HS 5402.49
HS code 5402.49 is used for specific types of synthetic filament yarn. Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex. Subheading 5402.49 is a residual category for "other" single yarns that are untwisted or have a twist not exceeding 50 turns per meter. This classification is distinct from textured yarns or high-tenacity yarns. The decitex value is a critical factor; if the monofilament is 67 decitex or more, it moves to heading 5404. The yarn must be composed of synthetic filaments, which are continuous fibers produced through chemical processes. This code is typically applied to industrial yarns or yarns intended for further manufacturing processes rather than those packaged for end-consumer use (retail sale). Understanding the difference between monofilament and multifilament is also key, as this code specifically targets monofilament structures within the specified weight and twist parameters. The material must be a single filament of synthetic polymer to meet the monofilament definition under this subheading.
- Covers
- Single synthetic monofilament yarn (< 67 decitex)
- Untwisted polyester filament yarn
- Low-twist nylon monofilament
- Synthetic single yarn, untwisted, for industrial weaving
- Polypropylene monofilament yarn for technical textiles
- 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. Common misclassifications include 5402.31 through 5402.39 for textured yarns, and 5404.11 through 5404.19 for monofilaments that are 67 decitex or heavier. Additionally, if the yarn is prepared for retail sale (e.g., small spools for home use), it must be classified under heading 5406. Sewing thread is also excluded and falls under 5401.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540249 (the code used for synthetic monofilament yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540249 (the code used for synthetic monofilament 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 monofilament 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 monofilament 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 monofilament yarn
What is the HS code for Synthetic monofilament yarn?
The HS code for Synthetic monofilament 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 monofilament yarn, untwisted or with low twist, less than 67 decitex, is 5402.49.
How do I classify Synthetic monofilament yarn for customs?
Synthetic monofilament 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.
What is the decitex limit for this code?
This code applies only to monofilaments with a linear density of less than 67 decitex; heavier filaments fall under heading 5404.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic monofilament yarn (HS 540249)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540249 (the code used for synthetic monofilament 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 monofilament yarn (HS 540249)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540249 (the code used for synthetic monofilament 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 monofilament yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540249 for Synthetic monofilament 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 monofilament yarn in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540249 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for synthetic monofilament 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).