HS Code 54.08 – Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 5404

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.

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.

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.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5408 in UN Comtrade data were China ($317M, 30% of world exports), Italy ($224M) and Japan ($107M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5408 in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($121M, 9.8% of world imports), Kazakhstan ($110M) and Spain ($88M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.

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.