Product classification
HS code for Textured polyester filament: 5402.33
Yarn, synthetic, filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing thread.
Classification of textured polyester filament under HS 5402.33
The classification of textured polyester filament under HS code 540233 is governed by the technical specifications of the yarn and its intended commercial form. Chapter 54 deals with synthetic filament yarns, and heading 5402 specifically addresses synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread) not put up for retail sale. The subheading 540233 is reserved for textured yarns of polyesters. Texturing is a critical distinction in the textile industry, as it transforms flat, smooth filaments into yarns with increased volume, stretch, and softness. This is often achieved through processes like false-twist texturing or air-jet texturing. The code also specifies that the yarn must not be for retail sale, meaning it is typically traded in bulk on large bobbins, tubes, or cones for industrial knitting or weaving. Furthermore, the filaments must be less than 67 decitex if they are monofilaments. This yarn is a staple in the production of activewear, hosiery, and various industrial textiles. The classification relies on the chemical composition (polyester) and the physical modification (texturing), which differentiates it from flat or high-tenacity yarns used in more rigid applications.
- Covers
- Drawn Textured Yarn (DTY) of polyester
- Air-textured polyester filament yarn
- Textured polyester multifilament yarn for industrial weaving
- Crimped polyester filament yarn on industrial cones
- Textured polyester yarn for circular knitting
- Also under 5402.33
- Reliance Industries Recron DTY
- Toray T-400
- Hyosung Creora
- Indorama Ventures DTY
- Far Eastern New Century (FENC) DTY
Codes often confused with 5402.33
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with 540247, which is used for non-textured (flat) polyester filaments. Another common error involves 540110, which is the code for polyester sewing thread; sewing thread is distinguished by its finish and twist intended for stitching. Additionally, if the yarn is packaged for retail sale (e.g., small balls or skeins for home use), it must be classified under 540600.
Top exporters and importers of HS 540233 (the code used for textured polyester filament), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 540233 (the code used for textured polyester filament) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 9.0% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 34% of its exports here ($76M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 540233, not only textured polyester filament.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.9B 65% of world exports
- 2 India $349M 7.8% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $182M 4.1% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 34% of its exports here ($76M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$424M 9.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Pakistan $366M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $365M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $4.7B 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 codes for textured polyester filament
Brazil splits HS 5402.33 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5402.33.10Unbleached textured polyester filament yarn
- 5402.33.20Dyed textured polyester filament yarn
- 5402.33.90Other textured polyester filament yarn
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about textured polyester filament
What is the HS code for Textured polyester filament?
The HS code for Textured polyester filament is 540233 (Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing thread).
How do I classify Textured polyester filament for customs?
Textured polyester filament is classified under HS code 540233 — Yarn, synthetic; filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for DTY polyester yarn?
Drawn Textured Yarn (DTY) made of polyester is classified under HS code 540233, provided it is not for retail sale.
Is polyester sewing thread classified under 540233?
No, sewing thread has its own heading. Polyester sewing thread is classified under HS code 540110.
Which countries are the top exporters of textured polyester filament (HS 540233)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 540233 (the code used for textured polyester filament) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.9B, 65% of world exports), India ($349M) and Türkiye ($182M). World exports came to about $4.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 34% of its exports here ($76M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of textured polyester filament (HS 540233)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 540233 (the code used for textured polyester filament) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $424M, 9.0% of world imports), Pakistan ($366M) and Brazil ($365M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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 Textured polyester filament the same in all countries?
The base HS code 540233 for Textured polyester filament 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 textured polyester filament in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 540233 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for textured polyester filament depends on the product's details: 5402.33.10 (Unbleached textured polyester filament yarn), 5402.33.20 (Dyed textured polyester filament yarn), 5402.33.90 (Other textured polyester filament yarn).