Product classification

HS code for Synthetic raffia: 5405.00

Monofilament, synthetic, of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials with width not over 5mm.

Classification of synthetic raffia under HS 5405.00

Synthetic raffia is classified under HS code 540500, a heading that specifically addresses synthetic monofilament and strips used in the textile industry. This classification is determined by the physical properties and dimensions of the material rather than its final application. To fall under 540500, the synthetic monofilament must have a linear density of 67 decitex or more, and its cross-sectional dimension must not exceed 1 mm. For strip and the like, which includes the flat, ribbon-like material known as synthetic raffia or artificial straw, the apparent width must not exceed 5 mm. These strips are typically produced by extruding a polymer, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, through a die or by cutting a wide plastic film into narrow ribbons. The material is designed to mimic the appearance and utility of natural raffia fibers derived from palm trees. If the width of the strip exceeds 5 mm, it is no longer considered a textile material for HS purposes and is instead classified under Chapter 39 as plastic plates, sheets, or film. Therefore, precise measurement of the width is the most critical step in determining the correct HS code for this product. Additionally, the material must be synthetic, meaning it is created through the polymerization of organic monomers, as opposed to artificial fibers which are derived from natural polymers like cellulose.

Covers
  • Polypropylene strips with a width of 5mm or less
  • Synthetic artificial straw for weaving
  • Synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more
  • Polyethylene raffia-style ribbon for textile use
Also under 5405.00
  • DuPont Nylon Monofilament
  • SWM Polypropylene Strips
  • Toray Polyester Monofilament

Codes often confused with 5405.00

Common mistake. The most significant area of confusion lies between HS code 540500 and Chapter 39 (Plastics). If a synthetic strip exceeds 5 mm in width, it is legally excluded from Section XI (Textiles) and must be classified under 3920 or 3921. This is a common point of contention during customs audits. Additionally, synthetic raffia is often confused with natural raffia, which falls under 140490 or 4601. Another potential error is 540411, which applies to synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex; the weight of the yarn is a critical threshold for 540500.

5404.90Filament, synthetic; strip and the like (e.g.. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm39.20Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive); non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, n.e.c. in chapter 3939.21Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip n.e.c. in chapter 391404.90Vegetable products; n.e.c. in chapter 1446.01Plaits and similar products of plaiting materials, assembled into strips or not; plaiting materials, plaits and the like bound together in parallel strands or woven in sheet form, finished articles or not5404.11Elastomeric monofilament; of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm

Top exporters and importers of HS 540500 (the code used for synthetic raffia), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540500 (the code used for synthetic raffia) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% 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 540500, not only synthetic raffia.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $4.1M
  2. 2 China $2.5M
  3. 3 Italy $1.3M

World total: $10M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $13M
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $3.0M
  3. 3 United States $2.5M

World total: $27M 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 code for synthetic raffia

Brazil classifies synthetic raffia under NCM 5405.00.00: HS 5405.00 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about synthetic raffia

What is the HS code for Synthetic raffia?

The HS code for Synthetic raffia is 540500 (Monofilament, synthetic; of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials with width not over 5mm). The HS code for synthetic raffia (strip not exceeding 5mm) is 540500.

How do I classify Synthetic raffia for customs?

Synthetic raffia is classified under HS code 540500 — Monofilament, synthetic; of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials with width not over 5mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What happens if the synthetic raffia strip is wider than 5mm?

If the strip width exceeds 5 mm, it is classified as plastic under Chapter 39, typically under heading 3920 or 3921, rather than as a textile material.

Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic raffia (HS 540500)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540500 (the code used for synthetic raffia) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.1M, 39% of world exports), China ($2.5M) and Italy ($1.3M). World exports came to about $10M, 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 raffia (HS 540500)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 540500 (the code used for synthetic raffia) in UN Comtrade data were China ($13M, 48% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($3.0M) and the United States ($2.5M). World imports came to about $27M, 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 raffia the same in all countries?

The base HS code 540500 for Synthetic raffia 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 raffia in Brazil?

In Brazil, synthetic raffia (HS 540500) is classified under NCM 5405.00.00.