HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 4601.99 – Plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of plaiting materials; products of non-vegetable materials
HS code 4601.99 is the 6-digit subheading for plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of plaiting materials, products of non-vegetable materials. It is used for synthetic fiber braids, paper yarn plaits, metallic thread plaits, plastic strips for weaving and carbon fiber plaits.
What HS 4601.99 covers
This unique category covers plaiting materials and plaits made from non-vegetable sources, offering a broad scope for innovation beyond traditional natural fibers. This can include materials like synthetic fibers, paper yarn, metallic strips, or even animal hair, all processed into a plaited form. These materials are traded for diverse applications, ranging from industrial uses requiring specific properties like durability or water resistance, to decorative purposes in fashion accessories or home furnishings where unique aesthetics are desired. Importers often include manufacturers looking for specialized material characteristics not found in vegetable alternatives. Exporters can be specialized textile, plastics, or material producers globally. Key considerations include the material's specific properties (e.g., strength, flexibility, resistance to elements) and its intended end-use, which often dictates the choice over natural alternatives.
- Covers
- Synthetic fiber braids
- Paper yarn plaits
- Metallic thread plaits
- Plastic strips for weaving
- Carbon fiber plaits
- Glass fiber braids
- Animal hair plaits
- Examples
- 3M (industrial woven materials)
- various fashion accessory brands (synthetic woven bags)
- specialized composite manufacturers
- craft suppliers for synthetic yarns
Codes often confused with 4601.99
Common mistake. Can be confused with textile yarns (Chapter 50-59) if not clearly in a plaited form, or with finished articles of plastic (Chapter 39) or metal (Chapter 72-83) if the plaiting is not the primary characteristic. The key is the 'plaited' form.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 460199, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 460199 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 33% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $89M 47% of world exports
- 2 India $43M 23% of world exports
- 3 France $21M 11% of world exports
World total: $190M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$44M 33% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Netherlands $8.8M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Italy $6.1M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $135M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 4601.99
Brazil does not split HS 4601.99: its NCM code is 4601.99.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 46.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 4601.99
What is HS code 460199?
HS code 460199 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of plaiting materials; products of non-vegetable materials. This unique category covers plaiting materials and plaits made from non-vegetable sources, offering a broad scope for innovation beyond traditional natural fibers. This can include materials like synthetic fibers, paper yarn, metallic strips, or even animal hair, all processed into a plaited form. These materials are traded for diverse applications, ranging from industrial uses requiring specific properties like durability or water resistance, to decorative purposes in fashion accessories or home furnishings where unique aesthetics are desired. Importers often include manufacturers looking for specialized material characteristics not found in vegetable alternatives. Exporters can be specialized textile, plastics, or material producers globally. Key considerations include the material's specific properties (e.g., strength, flexibility, resistance to elements) and its intended end-use, which often dictates the choice over natural alternatives.
What products fall under HS code 460199?
Synthetic fiber braids, Paper yarn plaits, Metallic thread plaits, Plastic strips for weaving, Carbon fiber plaits, Glass fiber braids, Animal hair plaits
What are common misclassifications for HS code 460199?
Can be confused with textile yarns (Chapter 50-59) if not clearly in a plaited form, or with finished articles of plastic (Chapter 39) or metal (Chapter 72-83) if the plaiting is not the primary characteristic. The key is the 'plaited' form.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 460199?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 460199 in UN Comtrade data were China ($89M, 47% of world exports), India ($43M) and France ($21M). World exports came to about $190M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 460199?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 460199 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $44M, 33% of world imports), the Netherlands ($8.8M) and Italy ($6.1M). World imports came to about $135M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 460199 structured?
HS code 460199 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (46) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 460199?
In Brazil, HS code 460199 is NCM 4601.99.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.