What is the HS code for synthetic sewing thread?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 54
HS chapter 54: Man-made filaments
Section XI — Textiles and textile articles
Goods classified under this chapter include various types of man-made filaments and textile strips, such as synthetic sewing threads and artificial yarns. For instance, if you're importing a shipment of synthetic sewing thread in spools, this chapter will guide you in determining the appropriate HS code.
To identify the correct HS-4 code, examine the product's form and intended use. For example, if your product is a synthetic filament yarn that is not sold at retail, you would look at 5402 or 5403 depending on whether it is synthetic or artificial. Each heading specifies the characteristics that differentiate them.
Next, drill down to HS-6 by checking the specific dimensions and properties of your product. For instance, if your synthetic yarn is less than 67 decitex, you would refer to 5402. If it’s 67 decitex or more, you would consider 5404 or 5406 based on whether it’s monofilament or put up for retail sale.
Be mindful of the notes and exclusions in this chapter, as they can clarify which products fit under each heading. For example, if your product is a woven fabric made from synthetic filament yarn, you would refer to 5407 or 5408 depending on the type of filament used.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
man-made filaments · synthetic sewing thread · artificial yarn · synthetic filament yarn · monofilament · woven fabrics · textile materials · HS code for textiles · importing synthetic yarn · exporting textile strips · non-retail textile products · filament dimensions · textile classification · synthetic vs artificial yarn · retail packaging for yarn · textile import regulations · HS-4 and HS-6 codes
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify synthetic filament yarn for import
- understanding HS codes for textile imports
- differences between synthetic and artificial yarn
- how to determine retail vs non-retail textile products
- guidelines for importing man-made textile materials
- what to check for HS-4 textile codes
- common issues with man-made filament classifications
- how to find the right HS code for woven fabrics
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- Synthetic sewing thread in spools (HS-5401)
- Non-retail synthetic filament yarn (HS-5402)
- Non-retail artificial filament yarn (HS-5403)
- Synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more (HS-5404)
- Artificial monofilament of 67 decitex or more (HS-5405)
- Retail synthetic filament yarn (HS-5406)
- Woven fabric made from synthetic filament yarn (HS-5407)
- Woven fabric made from artificial filament yarn (HS-5408)
Common classification questions
How to classify artificial filament yarn?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What are the dimensions for HS-5404?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Is my product considered retail or non-retail?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
How do I determine the right HS-6 code?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What notes should I check for textile imports?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are included in HS-54?
- HS-54 includes man-made filaments, synthetic and artificial yarns, sewing threads, and woven fabrics made from these materials.
- How do I know if my product is retail or non-retail?
- Check if the product is packaged for sale to consumers. If it is, it falls under retail; otherwise, it's non-retail.
- What should I consider when classifying monofilament?
- Look at the decitex and cross-sectional dimensions. Monofilaments of 67 decitex or more have specific headings.
- Are there any special notes for importing textile strips?
- Yes, check the chapter notes for specific exclusions or definitions that may affect classification.
- Can I classify woven fabrics under HS-54?
- Yes, woven fabrics made from synthetic or artificial filament yarns are classified under HS-5407 and HS-5408.
- What if my product doesn't fit neatly into one heading?
- Review the notes and definitions for each heading to find the best fit, or consult with a customs broker.
- How do I find the right HS-6 code for my textile product?
- Analyze the product's characteristics, including material type and dimensions, to select the appropriate HS-6 code.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 54 (8)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
5401
Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale
5402
Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex
5403
Artificial filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitex
5404
Synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more, of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm; strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw) of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mm
5405
Artificial monofilament of 67 decitex or more, no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm; strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of artificial textile materials of a width not exceeding 5mm
5406
Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale
5407
Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 5404
5408
Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 5404
Browse first heading (HS-4 5401)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (5401). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.