Product classification
HS code for vegetable fiber yarn: 5308.90
Yarn, of vegetable textile fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5306, 5307 and 5308.
Classification of vegetable fiber yarn under HS 5308.90
Vegetable fiber yarn is classified under HS code 5308.90 when it is composed of vegetable textile fibers not specifically named in other headings of Chapter 53. This chapter is dedicated to "Other vegetable textile fibers; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn." Heading 5308 specifically covers yarns of these fibers. Subheading 5308.90 acts as the residual category for yarns made from fibers like ramie, sisal, agave, or abaca. The classification depends on the material being in the form of a yarn—a continuous strand of textile fibers that has been spun or otherwise twisted and is suitable for use in weaving, knitting, or other textile manufacturing. The fibers must be of vegetable origin and must not be flax (5306), jute (5307), coir (5308.10), or true hemp (5308.20). Accurate classification requires identifying the specific plant species from which the fiber is derived. This code is vital for tracking the trade of specialty natural fibers used in sustainable textiles and industrial applications.
- Covers
- Ramie yarn
- Sisal yarn
- Agave fiber yarn
- Abaca (Manila hemp) yarn
- Pineapple fiber (piña) yarn
- Yucca fiber yarn
- Also under 5308.90
- Sisalana sisal yarn
- Abaca Fiber Co. abaca yarn
- Ramietex ramie yarn
- Paper Yarn Co. paper yarn
Codes often confused with 5308.90
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 5306.10 or 5306.20 (flax yarn) and 5307.10 or 5307.20 (jute yarn). It is also common to see misclassification with 5308.20 (true hemp yarn), which is a separate subheading. Furthermore, if the yarn is put up for retail sale, it might be confused with headings in Chapter 54 or 56 depending on the construction and packaging, though Chapter 53 generally retains these natural fibers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 530890 (the code used for vegetable fiber yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530890 (the code used for vegetable fiber yarn) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 28% 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 530890, not only vegetable fiber yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $19M 30% of world exports
- 2 Italy $12M 18% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $8.0M 12% of world exports
World total: $64M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $26M 28% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $5.5M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 China $5.3M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $93M 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 vegetable fiber yarn
Brazil classifies vegetable fiber yarn under NCM 5308.90.00: HS 5308.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vegetable fiber yarn
What is the HS code for vegetable fiber yarn?
The HS code for vegetable fiber yarn is 530890 (Yarn; of vegetable textile fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5306, 5307 and 5308). The HS code for yarn made of other vegetable textile fibers (excluding flax, jute, coir, and hemp) is 5308.90.
How do I classify vegetable fiber yarn for customs?
vegetable fiber yarn is classified under HS code 530890 — Yarn; of vegetable textile fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5306, 5307 and 5308. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is paper yarn classified under 5308.90?
No, paper yarn has its own specific subheading within the same heading, which is 5308.90.90 in some local tariffs, but it is generally grouped under the 5308 heading. Always check if a specific code for paper yarn exists in your national tariff.
Which countries are the top exporters of vegetable fiber yarn (HS 530890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530890 (the code used for vegetable fiber yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($19M, 30% of world exports), Italy ($12M) and Brazil ($8.0M). World exports came to about $64M, 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 vegetable fiber yarn (HS 530890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 530890 (the code used for vegetable fiber yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($26M, 28% of world imports), Portugal ($5.5M) and China ($5.3M). World imports came to about $93M, 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 vegetable fiber yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 530890 for vegetable 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 vegetable fiber yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, vegetable fiber yarn (HS 530890) is classified under NCM 5308.90.00.