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54

Tariff Chapter 54

Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex

What does heading 5402 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 5402 covers yarn of synthetic filaments (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale. This includes yarn of nylon, polyesters, polypropylene and other synthetic fibres, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex. This yarn is a fundamental raw material for the textile industry. Import of synthetic filament yarn into the EU is subject to duty rates of 4% to 5%. Classification depends on the polymer type and yarn texture (textured, twisted, multiply twisted). Products must comply with REACH standards and EU textile labelling requirements. Heading 5402 is part of Chapter 54 (textiles, fabrics and clothing) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 5402 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 5402 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 5402

Import of synthetic filament yarn into the EU is subject to duty rates of 4% to 5%. Products must comply with REACH standards and EU textile labelling requirements. Duty rates for synthetic filament yarn are 4%-5% depending on the polymer type and processing. The distinction between textured and non-textured yarn is fundamental for tariff classification. Monofilament of less than 67 dtex is classified under heading 5402, while 67 dtex or more falls under 5404. Products must comply with the REACH Regulation - check restricted substances in Annex XVII. When importing goods under heading 5402 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 5402 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 5402 are subject to labelling and fibre composition controls. Required documentation includes: fibre composition labels (EU Regulation 1007/2011), OEKO-TEX certificates, REACH reports. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Classification of goods under heading 5402 - key considerations

Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn (nylon, polyester, PP) not put up for retail sale. Sewing thread - 5401, staple fibres - Chapter 55. HT yarn for tyres/belts has separate subheadings. Common mistake: monofilament >1mm classified here instead of 5404. Retail yarn - 5406. Decisive: polymer type, yarn titre and packaging.

Frequently asked questions

What are the EU duty rates for synthetic filament yarn?
Duty rates for synthetic filament yarn under heading 5402 range from 0% to 4%. Classification depends on polymer type (nylon, polyester, polypropylene) and yarn texture - textured, twisted, or multiply twisted. Synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitex also falls under this heading. Some subheadings benefit from zero duty, while others attract up to 4%. The precise rate depends on the CN subheading. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents are required for importing synthetic filament yarn?
Importing synthetic yarn requires standard customs documentation: commercial invoice specifying polymer type and yarn parameters, bill of lading and customs declaration. Products must comply with REACH requirements. Fibre composition labelling per Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 is mandatory. Certificate of origin is required for preferential rates. This applies to goods classified under heading 5402 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing synthetic filament yarn?
Correct classification of synthetic yarn requires determining polymer type and texture, which affects the duty rate. Yarn requires protection from moisture and contamination during transport. Heading 5402 covers only yarn not put up for retail sale - retail yarn is classified under heading 5406. Quality control should include linear density and tensile strength testing. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.