About HS Code 5512
Heading 5512 encompasses woven fabrics composed predominantly of synthetic staple fibres, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres. This classification is crucial for international trade as it defines a broad category of textiles known for their durability, versatility, and often, cost-effectiveness. Synthetic staple fibres, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are short, discontinuous fibres that are spun into yarn, mimicking the feel and processing of natural fibres like cotton or wool. The '85% or more' threshold establishes a clear boundary, ensuring that fabrics primarily deriving their characteristics from these man-made components are classified here. Key sub-categories often differentiate by the specific synthetic fibre (e.g., polyester, nylon), weave type (plain, twill, satin), or specific end-use (e.g., upholstery, technical textiles). For trade compliance professionals, accurate classification under 5512 is vital for determining applicable tariffs, quotas, and trade agreement eligibility, preventing costly delays or penalties. Historically, the rise of synthetic fibres in the mid-20th century revolutionized the textile industry, offering properties like wrinkle resistance, quick-drying, and strength, making these fabrics indispensable across apparel, home furnishings, and industrial applications. This heading is a cornerstone of Chapter 55, which focuses entirely on man-made staple fibres, illustrating their significance as raw materials for a vast array of textile products.
Products Under This Code
100% polyester woven suiting fabric, high-strength nylon staple fibre canvas, acrylic staple fibre blanket fabric, synthetic staple fibre lining material, polyester staple fibre upholstery fabric, durable nylon outdoor apparel fabric, automotive interior fabric (polyester staple), technical filter fabric (polypropylene staple), high-tenacity industrial woven fabric, polyester-based uniform fabric, synthetic staple fibre workwear fabric, faux fur base fabric (acrylic staple), waterproof tent fabric (polyester staple), luggage fabric (nylon staple), flag and banner fabric (polyester staple), medical gown fabric (polypropylene staple), decorative curtain fabric (polyester staple), shoe lining fabric (nylon staple), sportswear base fabric (polyester staple), high-performance geotextile base fabric, synthetic staple fibre insulation fabric, abrasion-resistant furniture fabric, sound-absorbing automotive textile, synthetic staple fibre reinforcement fabric.
Real World Examples
A textile mill in China exports large container shipments of 100% polyester staple fibre woven fabric to garment manufacturers in Vietnam for the production of sportswear and uniforms. This trade typically flows via ocean freight from major Chinese ports like Shanghai or Ningbo to Vietnamese ports such as Hai Phong or Ho Chi Minh City. Similarly, a South Korean company imports durable nylon staple fibre woven fabric from Taiwan, which is then utilized in manufacturing heavy-duty backpacks and outdoor gear for global markets; these shipments often traverse the East China Sea. Furthermore, European automotive suppliers frequently source high-performance woven fabrics, predominantly polyester staple fibre based, from Turkey for car seat upholstery and interior trim, with goods transported by truck or short-sea shipping across the Mediterranean into Central Europe.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassifications for Heading 5512 often arise from confusion with fabrics made of synthetic *filament* yarns (e.g., 5407), where the key distinction is staple (short, spun) versus filament (continuous) fibres. Another frequent error is confusing it with fabrics containing less than 85% synthetic staple fibres, particularly those mixed with cotton (5513 or 5514), where the percentage composition is critical. Additionally, if the fabric has been coated, impregnated, or laminated, it might fall under Chapter 59 (e.g., 5903 or 5906), as these processes fundamentally alter the fabric's character. Careful analysis of fibre type, percentage, and any post-weaving treatments is essential.
Subheadings 6
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Major global exporters for goods under 5512 include China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, and Turkey, leveraging their advanced textile manufacturing capabilities. Key importers are often garment-producing hubs like Vietnam and Bangladesh, as well as large consumer markets such as the USA and EU countries (e.g., Germany, Italy). Trade in these fabrics is frequently influenced by regional trade agreements like RCEP, USMCA, and various EU FTAs, which can offer preferential tariff treatment. However, synthetic fabrics are also occasionally subject to anti-dumping duties or specific trade remedies, depending on the origin and market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 5512?
HS code 5512 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibres. Heading 5512 encompasses woven fabrics composed predominantly of synthetic staple fibres, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres. This classification is crucial for international trade as it defines a broad category of textiles known for their durability, versatility, and often, cost-effectiveness. Synthetic staple fibres, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are short, discontinuous fibres that are spun into yarn, mimicking the feel and processing of natural fibres like cotton or wool. The '85% or more' threshold establishes a clear boundary, ensuring that fabrics primarily deriving their characteristics from these man-made components are classified here. Key sub-categories often differentiate by the specific synthetic fibre (e.g., polyester, nylon), weave type (plain, twill, satin), or specific end-use (e.g., upholstery, technical textiles). For trade compliance professionals, accurate classification under 5512 is vital for determining applicable tariffs, quotas, and trade agreement eligibility, preventing costly delays or penalties. Historically, the rise of synthetic fibres in the mid-20th century revolutionized the textile industry, offering properties like wrinkle resistance, quick-drying, and strength, making these fabrics indispensable across apparel, home furnishings, and industrial applications. This heading is a cornerstone of Chapter 55, which focuses entirely on man-made staple fibres, illustrating their significance as raw materials for a vast array of textile products.
What products fall under HS code 5512?
100% polyester woven suiting fabric, high-strength nylon staple fibre canvas, acrylic staple fibre blanket fabric, synthetic staple fibre lining material, polyester staple fibre upholstery fabric, durable nylon outdoor apparel fabric, automotive interior fabric (polyester staple), technical filter fabric (polypropylene staple), high-tenacity industrial woven fabric, polyester-based uniform fabric, synthetic staple fibre workwear fabric, faux fur base fabric (acrylic staple), waterproof tent fabric (polyester staple), luggage fabric (nylon staple), flag and banner fabric (polyester staple), medical gown fabric (polypropylene staple), decorative curtain fabric (polyester staple), shoe lining fabric (nylon staple), sportswear base fabric (polyester staple), high-performance geotextile base fabric, synthetic staple fibre insulation fabric, abrasion-resistant furniture fabric, sound-absorbing automotive textile, synthetic staple fibre reinforcement fabric.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5512?
Common misclassifications for Heading 5512 often arise from confusion with fabrics made of synthetic *filament* yarns (e.g., 5407), where the key distinction is staple (short, spun) versus filament (continuous) fibres. Another frequent error is confusing it with fabrics containing less than 85% synthetic staple fibres, particularly those mixed with cotton (5513 or 5514), where the percentage composition is critical. Additionally, if the fabric has been coated, impregnated, or laminated, it might fall under Chapter 59 (e.g., 5903 or 5906), as these processes fundamentally alter the fabric's character. Careful analysis of fibre type, percentage, and any post-weaving treatments is essential.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 5512?
Major global exporters for goods under 5512 include China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, and Turkey, leveraging their advanced textile manufacturing capabilities. Key importers are often garment-producing hubs like Vietnam and Bangladesh, as well as large consumer markets such as the USA and EU countries (e.g., Germany, Italy). Trade in these fabrics is frequently influenced by regional trade agreements like RCEP, USMCA, and various EU FTAs, which can offer preferential tariff treatment. However, synthetic fabrics are also occasionally subject to anti-dumping duties or specific trade remedies, depending on the origin and market conditions.
How is HS code 5512 structured?
HS code 5512 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (12) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.