Product classification
HS code for Synthetic staple fiber yarn: 5509.42
Yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5509, not put up for retail sale.
Classification of synthetic staple fiber yarn under HS 5509.42
HS code 5509.42 is assigned to multiple (folded) or cabled yarn that contains 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers. This classification is part of Chapter 55, which covers man-made staple fibers and the yarns derived from them. Heading 5509 is specific to yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibers that is not put up for retail sale. The subheading 5509.42 is reserved for yarns made of "other" synthetic fibers—those not classified as polyester, acrylic, or modacrylic—that have been twisted together in a multiple or cabled construction. The 85% weight threshold is a critical legal requirement; if the synthetic content is lower, the yarn may be classified under different headings in Chapter 55 or Chapter 52/54 depending on the blend. Furthermore, the "not put up for retail sale" condition distinguishes industrial or bulk yarn from consumer-packaged products. This code is vital for industrial textile manufacturers who utilize specialized synthetic yarns for heavy-duty applications.
- Covers
- Multiple ply polypropylene yarn
- Cabled aramid yarn
- Folded vinylal yarn
- Industrial synthetic staple yarn
- Multi-strand synthetic yarn
- Cabled p-aramid yarn
- Also under 5509.42
- Coats Epic (industrial yarn)
- A&E Wildcat (industrial yarn)
- Saurer Allma (yarn twisting technology implies industrial yarn)
- Vardhman Textiles (industrial yarns)
- K.P.R. Mill Limited (industrial yarns)
Codes often confused with 5509.42
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include 5508.10, which is for sewing thread, and 5511.10, which is for yarn put up for retail sale. Additionally, if the yarn is made of continuous filaments rather than staple fibers, it would fall under heading 5402. Misidentifying the yarn construction (single vs. multiple) can also lead to using 5509.41 instead of 5509.42.
Top exporters and importers of HS 550942 (the code used for synthetic staple fiber yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 550942 (the code used for synthetic staple fiber yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 550942, not only synthetic staple fiber yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $26M 35% of world exports
- 2 Italy $20M 27% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $6.4M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $75M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $11M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $9.8M 15% of world imports
- 3 Russia* ~$7.0M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $67M 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 staple fiber yarn
Brazil classifies synthetic staple fiber yarn under NCM 5509.42.00: HS 5509.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic staple fiber yarn
What is the HS code for Synthetic staple fiber yarn?
The HS code for Synthetic staple fiber yarn is 550942 (Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5509, not put up for retail sale). The HS code for multiple or cabled yarn containing 85% or more of other synthetic staple fibers is 5509.42.
How do I classify Synthetic staple fiber yarn for customs?
Synthetic staple fiber yarn is classified under HS code 550942 — Yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5509, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does "not put up for retail sale" mean?
It refers to yarn packaged for industrial use, typically on large cones or beams, rather than small balls or skeins intended for individual consumers.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic staple fiber yarn (HS 550942)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 550942 (the code used for synthetic staple fiber yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($26M, 35% of world exports), Italy ($20M) and Türkiye ($6.4M). World exports came to about $75M, 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 staple fiber yarn (HS 550942)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 550942 (the code used for synthetic staple fiber yarn) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($9.8M) and Russia (about $7.0M). World imports came to about $67M, 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 staple fiber yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 550942 for Synthetic staple fiber 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 staple fiber yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic staple fiber yarn (HS 550942) is classified under NCM 5509.42.00.