Heading 5509

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

27 declarable lines

Heading 5509 covers yarn of synthetic staple fibers, other than sewing thread, that is not put up for retail sale. Lines are split first by fiber content, with 85% or more of one synthetic fiber in subheadings 5509.11 through 5509.42 and other yarn in 5509.51 through 5509.99. Within each group the break is single yarn versus multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, then by the fiber it is mixed with.

Products in this heading

Single yarn of 100% polyester staple fibers for weaving
Multiple (folded) polyester staple yarn with a final Z twist
Single yarn of nylon or other polyamide staple fibers
Acrylic staple yarn, multiple (folded) or cabled, for sweaters
Polyester staple yarn mixed with cotton
Polyester staple yarn mixed with wool or fine animal hair
Single yarn of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) staple fibers
Acrylic staple yarn mixed with artificial staple fibers

How to choose the right subheading

Fiber content: whether one synthetic fiber makes up 85% or more by weight, and which fiber it is
Form: single yarn versus multiple (folded) or cabled yarn
Blend partner: whether the yarn is mixed mainly or solely with wool, cotton, artificial staple fibers or other fibers
Presentation: the yarn must not be put up for retail sale
Use: sewing thread is excluded from this heading

Often confused with

Sewing thread of synthetic staple fibers
Sewing thread has its own heading even when not put up for retail sale.
Heading 5508
Synthetic staple yarn put up for retail sale
Retail put-up yarn of man-made staple fibers is classified in 5511.
Heading 5511
Yarn of artificial staple fibers
Viscose and other artificial staple yarns go to 5510, not 5509.
Heading 5510
Woven fabric of synthetic staple fibers
Finished woven cloth is a fabric heading, not a yarn heading.
Heading 5515
Synthetic staple fibers carded or combed for spinning
Loose prepared fibers are classified in 5506, before spinning.
Heading 5506

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for multiple polyester staple yarn?

Multiple (folded) or cabled yarn of 85% or more polyester staple fibers is 5509.22.00.90, dutiable at 10.6% general (MFN). If it has a final Z twist, use 5509.22.00.10, also 10.6% general (MFN).

What is the duty on acrylic staple yarn?

Single yarn of 85% or more acrylic or modacrylic staple fibers is 5509.31.00.00 at 9% general (MFN). The multiple (folded) or cabled version is 5509.32.00.00 at 10% general (MFN).

How do I classify polyester staple yarn mixed with cotton?

Use 5509.53.00.30 if the yarn does not exceed 52 nm, or 5509.53.00.60 if it exceeds 52 nm. Both lines carry a 13.2% general (MFN) rate.

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.