Heading 5308

Yarn of other vegetable textile fibers; paper yarn

4 declarable lines

Heading 5308 covers yarn made from vegetable textile fibers that are not covered by the flax or jute yarn headings, plus paper yarn. It splits into three groups: coir yarn, true hemp yarn, and an "other" group that is further divided into paper yarn and all remaining vegetable fiber yarns. Most lines in the heading enter free of duty, with paper yarn as the exception.

Products in this heading

Coir yarn made from coconut husk fiber, sold in hanks or spools
True hemp yarn (Cannabis sativa L.) for cordage and weaving
Paper yarn on cones for knitting or weaving
Ramie yarn sold as a raw material for fabric production
Sisal yarn for brush and mat manufacturing
Abaca (Manila hemp) yarn, which is not true hemp
Paper yarn twine for packaging and tying

How to choose the right subheading

Fiber source: coir goes to 5308.10, true hemp to 5308.20, everything else to 5308.90.
Whether the item is paper yarn, which takes its own line 5308.90.10.00.
Whether the goods are spun yarn rather than raw fiber, tow or waste, which stay in 5301 to 5303.
Whether the yarn has been made up into twine, cordage or rope, which moves it to heading 5607.
Whether the goods are yarn at all, since woven fabrics of these fibers are classified in other headings.

Often confused with

Flax yarn
Flax yarn has its own dedicated heading in chapter 53.
Heading 5306
Yarn of jute or other bast fibers of heading 5303
Jute yarn and bast fiber yarn from heading 5303 are classified there, not in 5308.
Heading 5307
Raw true hemp fiber, not spun
Heading 5302 covers true hemp raw, processed but not spun, and its tow and waste.
Heading 5302
Twine, cordage, ropes and cables
Once the yarn is twisted into twine or rope it leaves chapter 53 for heading 5607.
Heading 5607
Woven fabrics of flax
Finished woven fabric is classified by fabric heading, not as yarn.
Heading 5309

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for paper yarn?

Paper yarn is classified under 5308.90.10.00 and carries a general (MFN) rate of 2.7%.

What is the duty on coir yarn?

Coir yarn falls under 5308.10.00.00 and the general (MFN) rate is Free.

How do I classify true hemp yarn?

Spun true hemp yarn goes in 5308.20.00.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free. Unspun true hemp fiber is not classified here and belongs to heading 5302.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.