About HS Code 5408
Heading 5408 specifically covers woven fabrics made from artificial filament yarn, including those obtained from materials of heading 5404. The core of this classification lies in the use of 'artificial' filament yarns, which are man-made fibers derived from natural polymers, primarily regenerated cellulose (e.g., viscose rayon, acetate, modal, lyocell, cuprammonium). The 'woven' construction is also a defining characteristic, excluding knitted or non-woven fabrics. While the heading mentions materials from 5404 (synthetic monofilament/strip), the predominant characteristic for classification here remains the artificial filament yarn. Sub-categories are differentiated by the specific artificial fiber type, weave pattern, and finish. Accurate classification under 5408 is paramount for trade compliance, as it distinguishes these fabrics from their synthetic counterparts (5407) and impacts applicable duties, quotas, and rules of origin, which are particularly important in the textile sector. Historically, artificial filament fabrics were developed to mimic natural silk, offering drape, luster, and breathability. This heading plays a vital role within Chapter 54 by segmenting woven fabrics based on their man-made filament origin, catering to specific aesthetic and functional requirements in apparel, home textiles, and decorative applications.
Products Under This Code
Woven viscose rayon lining fabric, woven acetate satin fabric, woven cuprammonium rayon dress fabric, woven modal fabric for apparel, woven lyocell twill fabric, woven acetate taffeta, woven viscose crepe fabric, woven regenerated cellulose shantung, woven Bemberg lining fabric, woven acetate brocade, woven viscose chiffon, woven artificial silk blend fabric (artificial predominating), woven cuprammonium lining fabric, woven modal blend fabric (modal predominating), woven lyocell denim-look fabric, woven acetate interlining fabric, woven viscose for decorative purposes, woven regenerated cellulose for home textiles, woven acetate for ribbons, woven lyocell for soft furnishings, woven viscose for blouses, woven cupro for luxury linings, woven Tencel fabric, woven Modal jersey (if woven), woven acetate for scarves.
Real World Examples
An Italian fashion house imports luxurious rolls of woven acetate satin fabric from China, which is then used to create high-end linings for blazers and evening wear, valued for its smooth feel and elegant drape. A US textile company sources woven viscose rayon fabric from India, destined for manufacturing women's blouses and dresses, chosen for its breathability and fluid drape. A Japanese sustainable fashion brand imports woven lyocell twill from Turkey, utilizing its eco-friendly properties and soft texture for contemporary apparel collections.
Common Misclassification
A primary misclassification risk for 5408 is confusing it with 5407, which covers woven fabrics of *synthetic* filament yarn. The distinction between 'artificial' (regenerated cellulose) and 'synthetic' (petrochemical-based) fibers is fundamental and directly affects classification, duties, and trade policy. Another common error involves classifying fabrics with special characteristics, such as pile fabrics, narrow woven fabrics, or certain embroidered fabrics, which would typically fall under Chapter 58. Additionally, if the fabric has undergone further processing like coating, impregnation, or lamination, it might be more appropriately classified under Chapter 59, as its essential character may have changed from a basic woven fabric.
Subheadings 9
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Key exporters of woven fabrics under HS 5408 include China, India, Indonesia, and Turkey, which have significant capacities for producing artificial filament yarns and weaving them into fabrics. Major importers are often fashion-centric markets like the European Union, the United States, and Japan, as well as garment manufacturing hubs such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. Tariffs and trade agreements for these fabrics are similar in complexity to synthetic filament fabrics, with various preferential treatments available through FTAs. The demand for specific artificial fibers can influence trade routes and sourcing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 5408?
HS code 5408 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 5404. Heading 5408 specifically covers woven fabrics made from artificial filament yarn, including those obtained from materials of heading 5404. The core of this classification lies in the use of 'artificial' filament yarns, which are man-made fibers derived from natural polymers, primarily regenerated cellulose (e.g., viscose rayon, acetate, modal, lyocell, cuprammonium). The 'woven' construction is also a defining characteristic, excluding knitted or non-woven fabrics. While the heading mentions materials from 5404 (synthetic monofilament/strip), the predominant characteristic for classification here remains the artificial filament yarn. Sub-categories are differentiated by the specific artificial fiber type, weave pattern, and finish. Accurate classification under 5408 is paramount for trade compliance, as it distinguishes these fabrics from their synthetic counterparts (5407) and impacts applicable duties, quotas, and rules of origin, which are particularly important in the textile sector. Historically, artificial filament fabrics were developed to mimic natural silk, offering drape, luster, and breathability. This heading plays a vital role within Chapter 54 by segmenting woven fabrics based on their man-made filament origin, catering to specific aesthetic and functional requirements in apparel, home textiles, and decorative applications.
What products fall under HS code 5408?
Woven viscose rayon lining fabric, woven acetate satin fabric, woven cuprammonium rayon dress fabric, woven modal fabric for apparel, woven lyocell twill fabric, woven acetate taffeta, woven viscose crepe fabric, woven regenerated cellulose shantung, woven Bemberg lining fabric, woven acetate brocade, woven viscose chiffon, woven artificial silk blend fabric (artificial predominating), woven cuprammonium lining fabric, woven modal blend fabric (modal predominating), woven lyocell denim-look fabric, woven acetate interlining fabric, woven viscose for decorative purposes, woven regenerated cellulose for home textiles, woven acetate for ribbons, woven lyocell for soft furnishings, woven viscose for blouses, woven cupro for luxury linings, woven Tencel fabric, woven Modal jersey (if woven), woven acetate for scarves.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5408?
A primary misclassification risk for 5408 is confusing it with 5407, which covers woven fabrics of *synthetic* filament yarn. The distinction between 'artificial' (regenerated cellulose) and 'synthetic' (petrochemical-based) fibers is fundamental and directly affects classification, duties, and trade policy. Another common error involves classifying fabrics with special characteristics, such as pile fabrics, narrow woven fabrics, or certain embroidered fabrics, which would typically fall under Chapter 58. Additionally, if the fabric has undergone further processing like coating, impregnation, or lamination, it might be more appropriately classified under Chapter 59, as its essential character may have changed from a basic woven fabric.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 5408?
Key exporters of woven fabrics under HS 5408 include China, India, Indonesia, and Turkey, which have significant capacities for producing artificial filament yarns and weaving them into fabrics. Major importers are often fashion-centric markets like the European Union, the United States, and Japan, as well as garment manufacturing hubs such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. Tariffs and trade agreements for these fabrics are similar in complexity to synthetic filament fabrics, with various preferential treatments available through FTAs. The demand for specific artificial fibers can influence trade routes and sourcing strategies.
How is HS code 5408 structured?
HS code 5408 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 54 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (54) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.