Product classification
HS code for Synthetic strips: 5404.90
Filament, synthetic, strip and the like (e.g.. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm.
Classification of synthetic strips under HS 5404.90
Synthetic strips and similar products, such as artificial straw, are classified under HS code 540490 when their apparent width does not exceed 5mm. This classification is part of Chapter 54, which deals with man-made filaments. The 5mm width limit is a critical threshold in the Harmonized System; if the strip exceeds this width, it is generally classified as a plastic product in Chapter 39 rather than a textile product. These strips are typically produced by extruding synthetic polymers like polypropylene or polyethylene. They are used extensively in the manufacture of woven bags, decorative ribbons, and furniture webbing. The classification depends on the material being a synthetic textile material and the physical dimensions meeting the narrow-width criteria. This code excludes monofilaments that have a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1mm, which are classified elsewhere within the same heading.
- Covers
- Polypropylene strips (width <= 5mm)
- Artificial straw made of synthetic polymers
- Synthetic decorative strips for weaving
- Narrow polyethylene strips for industrial use
- Synthetic raffia-style strips
- Also under 5404.90
- SWM Polypropylene Strips
- Monosuisse Synthetic Raffia
- TenCate Artificial Grass Filaments
Codes often confused with 5404.90
Common mistake. The primary misclassification occurs with HS code 3920, which covers plates, sheets, and strips of plastics. The distinction is purely dimensional; if the strip is wider than 5mm, it is no longer considered a textile 'strip' under 540490. Another confusion arises with 540411, which is specifically for elastomeric monofilament, whereas 540490 is for strips and other shapes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540490 (the code used for synthetic strips), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540490 (the code used for synthetic strips) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 540490, not only synthetic strips.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $102M 21% of world exports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$82M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $72M 15% of world exports
World total: $490M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $130M 25% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $37M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $33M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $522M 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 strips
Brazil classifies synthetic strips under NCM 5404.90.00: HS 5404.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic strips
What is the HS code for Synthetic strips?
The HS code for Synthetic strips is 540490 (Filament, synthetic; strip and the like (e.g.. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm). The HS code for synthetic strips and artificial straw with a width not exceeding 5mm is 540490.
How do I classify Synthetic strips for customs?
Synthetic strips is classified under HS code 540490 — Filament, synthetic; strip and the like (e.g.. artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What happens if the strip is 6mm wide?
If the width exceeds 5mm, the product is typically classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics), specifically heading 3920 or 3921, depending on the construction.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic strips (HS 540490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540490 (the code used for synthetic strips) in UN Comtrade data were China ($102M, 21% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $82M) and Germany ($72M). World exports came to about $490M, 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 strips (HS 540490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540490 (the code used for synthetic strips) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($130M, 25% of world imports), Belgium ($37M) and the Netherlands ($33M). World imports came to about $522M, 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 strips the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540490 for Synthetic strips 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 strips in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic strips (HS 540490) is classified under NCM 5404.90.00.