HS Code 5508Sewing thread of man-made staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale
2 six-digit codes · Heading 8 of 16 in Chapter 55 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
It applies whether the thread is sold on small retail reels or in bulk.
Heading 5508 splits exactly two ways. Goods answering to “Sewing thread of man-made staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail sale” classify either at 550810 or at 550820, and the wording in the table below is the whole of what separates them. The heading is number 8 of 16 in Chapter 55, Man-made staple fibres, which runs to 110 six-digit codes in all.
What HS code 5508 covers
Staple fibres are short lengths of fibre, not one endless strand. They are twisted together to make thread.
How the thread is sold does not change that. A small reel on a shop shelf and a large cone for a factory both fit the wording "whether or not put up for retail sale". So retail packing never moves sewing thread to another heading.
If you search for the HS code for synthetic staple fibre sewing thread or artificial staple fibre sewing thread, this is the heading you want. The next step is to pick the right six-digit code.
HS 550810 vs 550820: synthetic or artificial sewing thread
The only split under this heading is the kind of fibre.
Synthetic fibres are made fully from chemicals. Artificial fibres are made by treating natural material, such as wood pulp. So the key question is simple: what is the fibre made from? The maker's spec sheet or the commercial invoice usually tells you.
Both codes carry the same retail wording. That wording never decides between them. Only the fibre type does.
- 550810: sewing thread of synthetic staple fibres
- 550820: sewing thread of artificial staple fibres
- Same rule for both: retail or bulk put-up does not matter
Sewing thread vs yarn: related headings in Chapter 55
Many traders mix up thread and yarn.
So the difference between sewing thread 5508 and yarn 5509 comes down to use. Other yarn goes under 5509, 5510 or 5511, depending on the fibre and how it is packed.
Fibres before spinning sit earlier in the chapter. Heading 5507 does the same for artificial ones. Fibres that have not yet been prepared are in 5503 and 5504.
How to confirm the correct HS code for sewing thread
Work through a few checks before you file or quote a code. They take only minutes.
The first six digits of an HS code come from the Harmonized System, so they are shared by customs systems around the world. Countries may add extra digits of their own. At six digits, yes. For the full national code, check the local tariff line.
- Confirm the product is thread made for sewing, not yarn for weaving or knitting.
- Find out whether the fibre is synthetic or artificial.
- Ignore retail packing. It does not change the heading.
- Test your choice with the HS code classifier if you are unsure.
HS code 5508 import export data: buyers and suppliers
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources.
Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
Related
- Chapter 55: Man-made staple fibres
- HS 5509 synthetic staple fibre yarn
- HS 5510 artificial staple fibre yarn
- HS 5511 yarn put up for retail sale
- HS 5506 processed synthetic staple fibres
- HS 5507 processed artificial staple fibres
- All HS code chapters
- Sewing thread import data
- Sewing thread export data
- Find sewing thread buyers
- Find sewing thread suppliers
- HS code classifier
- Book a free demo
Nearby headings in Chapter 55
- 5502Artificial filament tow2 codes
- 5503Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for…6 codes
- 5504Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for…2 codes
- 5505Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres2 codes
- 5506Synthetic staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning5 codes
- 5507Artificial staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning1 code
- 5509Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for…18 codes
- 5510Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibres, not put up for…5 codes
- 5511Yarn (not sewing thread), of man-made staple fibres, put up for retail sale3 codes
- 5512Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of…6 codes
- 5513Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight…11 codes
- 5514Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight…12 codes
Who ships under 5508?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 2 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section XI: Textiles and Textile Articles, chapters 50–63.
HS Code 5508: common questions
What is the difference between HS 550810 and 550820?
The fibre type is the only difference.
Is sewing thread put up for retail sale classified under 5508?
Yes. The heading says "whether or not put up for retail sale", so both retail reels and bulk thread belong here.
How is sewing thread 5508 different from yarn under 5509, 5510 or 5511?
Sewing thread stays in 5508, while other man-made staple fibre yarn goes to the yarn headings.
Who imports and exports sewing thread under HS 5508?
Search by this HS code on EximDataX to see the importers and exporters behind the shipments. A free demo can show you the records for your own market.
How often is HS 5508 trade data updated?
Refresh timing depends on the market. The data section above gives the details, and a demo can confirm the timing for the countries you need.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.