Accurate classification of the Spandex Bare Yarn HS Code is more than just a paperwork requirement — it directly affects tariff rates, customs clearance speed, and total import costs. In the global textile supply chain, even a minor misclassification can result in shipment delays, penalties, or unexpected duties.
This guide clarifies the correct HS code for Spandex bare yarn, explains how it differs from covered spandex yarn, and provides practical guidance to ensure full trade compliance and optimize your logistics costs.
Understanding HS Codes for Textile Yarns
Navigating international trade starts with the Harmonized System (HS), a universal language for classifying products. For textile yarns, precision in this system is non-negotiable.
What is an HS Code?
An HS Code is an internationally standardized numerical method for classifying traded products. Used by customs authorities worldwide, it determines tariff rates, tracks trade statistics, and ensures regulatory compliance. For manufacturers and traders, it is the foundational element of all cross-border shipping documentation.
HS Code Structure Related to Yarn Classification
The HS code is a logical, hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (First 2 digits): Broad product category. Man-made filaments fall under Chapter 54.
- Heading (First 4 digits): Specific product group. Synthetic filament yarn is under 5402.
- Subheading (6 digits): Detailed product description. This level differentiates between yarn types and is standardized globally.
Countries then add national suffixes (e.g., 8 or 10 digits) for further granularity.
Specific HS Codes for Spandex Bare Yarn
Correctly identifying Spandex bare yarn requires understanding its specific form and how it differs from other elastomeric yarns.
Common HS Codes for Bare Spandex Yarn
Spandex bare yarn, also known as uncovered or raw elastane yarn, is typically classified under a precise subheading. The most accurate and widely used 6-digit HS code is 5402.44.
- 54: Man-made filaments.
- 5402: Synthetic filament yarn.
- 5402.44: Specifically denotes “Elastomeric yarn (Spandex).”
This code directly describes the product’s essential character without any covering or core-spun modification.
Differentiation from Covered Spandex Yarn Codes
This distinction is critical for accurate classification:
Spandex Bare Yarn (5402.44): This refers to pure elastomeric (spandex/elastane) filament yarn, typically supplied on cones, without any covering or additional materials. It is classified under HS 5402.44 – Elastomeric yarn (including spandex).
Covered Spandex Yarn (Air-covered, Single-covered, Double-covered): When spandex is covered or combined with another fiber (e.g., nylon, polyester, cotton), the classification may change depending on the structure and whether the covering alters the product’s essential character:
- Many air-covered yarns (spandex + nylon/polyester interlaced) may still fall under HS 5402, as they maintain the characteristics of filament yarn.
- Some fully textile-covered spandex yarns may fall under HS 5604, which includes rubber thread and yarn of Chapter 54 covered with textile material.
Therefore, covered spandex yarn is not always classified under 5604 — the HS code depends on the yarn structure and how the covering affects its essential character.
Incorrectly declaring covered yarn as bare spandex yarn remains a common and costly mistake.
Variations in Regional Customs Practices
While 5402.44 is the globally standardized HS base code (first 6 digits), the final duty-paying code varies depending on each country’s extended tariff schedule. For example:
- The US HTSUS may use 5402.44.0010.
- The EU TARIC may use 5402.44.0000.
Always confirm the full national code in the official customs tariff of the importing country or consult with a customs broker to ensure full trade compliance.
Practical Impact of Correct HS Code Usage
Using the correct HS code for Spandex bare yarn has direct and significant implications for your business operations and profitability.
Influence on Tariff and Duty Calculations
The HS code is the primary factor determining the import duty rate and taxes (like VAT). An incorrect code can result in:
- Underpayment: Leading to future audits, back-paid duties, and substantial penalties.
- Overpayment: Unnecessarily increasing your product cost and reducing competitiveness.
Ensuring Customs Compliance and Avoiding Penalties
Consistency is critical in customs documentation. The HS code 5402.44 must be declared consistently and identically across all shipping documents — including the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and any Certificate of Origin. Even minor discrepancies between documents may trigger customs red flags, leading to inspections, port holds, reassessment of duties, and avoidable delays that disrupt your supply chain and increase logistics costs.
Tips for Accurate HS Code Identification
- Provide Detailed Product Descriptions: Clearly state “100% Spandex Bare Yarn,” “Untwisted,” “On Cones” to your broker.
- Leverage Official Resources: Consult the customs website of the importing country for the most up-to-date tariff schedule.
- Seek Expert Advice: Partner with a licensed customs broker experienced in textile classification.
- Consider a Binding Ruling: For high-volume shipments, apply for an advance ruling from the importing authority to get a legally binding classification.
Conclusion
Precise classification of Spandex bare yarn under HS code 5402.44 is a critical component of international trade. It is not merely an administrative task but a strategic business practice that safeguards against financial loss, ensures compliance, and guarantees the efficient movement of your goods across borders. Mastering this classification empowers your business to trade with confidence and reliability.
As a leading manufacturer of high-quality Spandex bare yarn, we provide precise HS code guidance to our international partners. Contact our team today for reliable product sourcing and expert support in trade compliance.
TANI THREAD CO., LTD
- Address: Thanh Hoa Hamlet, Thanh Dien Commune, Chau Thanh District, Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam
- Hotline: 0984.841.239
- Email: sale@tanithread.com
- Website: tanithread.com
- Fanpage: Tani Thread
