HS code for sewing thread
The U.S. HS code for sewing thread is usually 5401.10.00.00 (polyester), with a 11.4% general duty and an estimated total of 23.9% from China and 23.9% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 48.9% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | 5401.10.00.00 | 11.4% | 23.9% |
- 5401.10.00.00: Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale / Of synthetic filaments (200)
What decides the code
Polyester sewing thread is classified under heading 5401 as sewing thread of synthetic man-made filaments, specifically 5401.10.00.00.
- The fiber is synthetic, here polyester, which places the thread in the synthetic filaments subheading 5401.10.00.00 rather than the artificial filaments subheading.
- The article is sewing thread of man-made filaments, which is the product named in heading 5401.
- Whether the thread is put up for retail sale does not change the subheading, since heading 5401 covers both.
- A thread of cotton or other natural fiber would fall outside heading 5401 and be classified elsewhere.
Common mistakes
- Classifying polyester sewing thread under 5402 treats it as yarn of synthetic filaments, but 5402 covers yarns other than sewing thread.
- Classifying it under 5508 treats it as sewing thread of man-made staple fibers, but this product is filament thread, not staple fiber thread.
- Classifying it under 5401.20 assumes artificial filaments, but polyester is a synthetic filament, so 5401.10.00.00 applies.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 23.9% = 11.4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 48.9%.
- Vietnam
- 23.9% = 11.4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 5401.10.00.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Polyester
- CN 5401 10 90, 5%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for sewing thread?
The U.S. HTS code for sewing thread is usually 5401.10.00.00 (polyester). The first six digits, 5401.10, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on sewing thread from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 5401.10.00.00 is 11.4%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 23.9% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 23.9%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.