HS Code 5511 — Man-Made Staple Yarn for Retail Sale

This code identifies yarns made from synthetic or artificial staple fibres that are packaged specifically for end-consumers. This includes knitting wool and hobby yarns found in retail shops, usually sold in small balls, hanks, or skeins.

What's included

Hand-knitting acrylic yarn balls
Retail-packaged rayon yarn
Skeins of synthetic mix hobby yarn
Crochet yarn made of artificial staple fibres

What's excluded

Industrial bulk yarn → use 5509 (Industrial yarn is not put up for retail sale and comes in much larger formats.)
Wool yarn for retail → use 5109 (Natural animal hair fibres are classified in Chapter 51.)

Common examples

100g balls of double knit acrylic yarn
Retail-ready skeins of polyester soft-touch yarn
Viscose knitting yarn in multi-packs
Chenille-style synthetic yarn for retail

Frequently asked questions

What defines 'put up for retail sale'?

Generally, yarn packaged in balls, hanks, or skeins of a weight not exceeding 125g (for some blends) or 500g, or provided on cards/reels for consumer use.

Trade & shipping notes

Typical duty range: 6% - 20%
Documentation: Check for mandatory textile labelling requirements (fibre content) in the destination country.
Typical shipping mode: LCL
Top exporters: Turkey, China, Italy, India
Top importers: USA, UK, Germany, Australia

Key takeaway

Covers consumer-facing yarns; distinguish by the packaging format and weight rather than just the fibre.

Man-Made Staple Yarn for Retail Sale