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HS-4 · Heading

5509Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale

Chapter 55: Man-made staple fibres

Plain-language overview

Use HS-4 5509 when importing yarn made from synthetic staple fibres, such as nylon or polyester, that is not packaged for retail sale. For example, a shipment of bulk nylon yarn intended for textile manufacturing would fall under this heading.

When deciding among the HS-6 subheadings, consider the composition and form of the yarn. If your product is a single yarn containing 85% or more by weight of nylon, you would classify it under 550911. However, if it’s a multiple (folded) yarn of the same composition, it should be classified under 550912.

For yarns made primarily of polyester, the distinction is similar. A single yarn with 85% or more polyester belongs to 550921, while a multiple yarn of the same type falls under 550922. Pay attention to the weight percentages and whether the yarn is single or multiple to ensure correct classification.

Keywords & topics

Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.

synthetic staple fibres yarn · non-retail yarn classification · nylon yarn import code · polyester yarn HS code · acrylic yarn classification · yarn for textiles · bulk yarn shipping · yarn mixtures · synthetic yarn imports · HS-4 5509

Examples

Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.

  • Bulk shipments of nylon yarn for fabric production (HS-6 550911 or 550912)
  • Polyester yarns used in clothing manufacturing (HS-6 550921 or 550922)
  • Acrylic yarns for knitting or crocheting (HS-6 550931 or 550932)
  • Yarns mixed with wool for high-end textiles (HS-6 550961 or 550991)
  • Yarns containing a blend of synthetic and cotton fibres (HS-6 550953 or 550992)

Common questions

Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.

What is the HS code for synthetic yarn?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How do I classify non-retail yarn shipments?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What are the differences between HS-6 yarn subheadings?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Can I use HS-4 5509 for mixed fibre yarns?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What percentage of fibre determines the HS classification?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to import polyester yarn without retail packaging?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Related topics

Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.

importing synthetic staple fibre yarns

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

understanding HS-4 5509 subheadings

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

how to classify non-retail yarns

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

choosing the right HS code for yarn

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

differences between single and multiple yarn classifications

Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.

yarn mixtures and their HS classifications

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

bulk yarn shipping regulations

Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.

synthetic yarns for textile manufacturing

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What types of yarn are covered under HS-4 5509?
HS-4 5509 covers yarns made from synthetic staple fibres, including nylon, polyester, and acrylic, that are not packaged for retail sale.
How do I determine the correct HS-6 code for my yarn?
To determine the correct HS-6 code, assess the yarn's composition (e.g., nylon, polyester) and whether it is single or multiple. Each combination has a specific subheading.
Can I classify blended yarns under HS-4 5509?
Yes, blended yarns that contain synthetic staple fibres can be classified under HS-4 5509, but ensure you select the appropriate subheading based on the dominant fibre.
What does 'not put up for retail sale' mean?
'Not put up for retail sale' means the yarn is sold in bulk or for industrial use, rather than in consumer-ready packaging.
Is there a specific weight percentage for classification?
Yes, for most subheadings under HS-4 5509, the yarn must contain 85% or more by weight of the specified synthetic fibre to qualify for that classification.

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HS-6 subheadings (18)

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