HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5512.11 – Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, unbleached or bleached
HS code 5512.11 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, unbleached or bleached. It is used for greige polyester sheeting, bleached polyester poplin, unbleached polyester twill, raw polyester canvas and bleached polyester broadcloth.
What HS 5512.11 covers
This category encompasses woven fabrics made predominantly (85% or more by weight) from polyester staple fibres, in their raw (unbleached) or simply bleached state. These fabrics are fundamental intermediates in the textile industry, serving as the base material for a vast array of finished goods. They are traded globally between textile mills, converters, and apparel manufacturers. Importers are typically looking for cost-effective, durable, and versatile base fabrics that can then be dyed, printed, or further processed into finished products like apparel, home textiles, or industrial applications. The trade volume is immense, reflecting polyester's dominance in modern textiles due to its strength, wrinkle resistance, and affordability.
- Covers
- Greige polyester sheeting
- Bleached polyester poplin
- Unbleached polyester twill
- Raw polyester canvas
- Bleached polyester broadcloth
- Examples
- Reliance Industries (polyester base fabrics)
- Toray Industries (unprocessed polyester textiles)
- Invista (fabric components for various brands)
Codes often confused with 5512.11
Common mistake. It can be confused with 551219 (dyed or printed polyester fabrics) or 5407 (woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn). The key differentiators are the 'staple fibres' (short fibers) and the 'unbleached or bleached' state.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 551211, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 551211 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.1% of world imports. Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $179M 60% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $32M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $12M 4.1% of world exports
Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $299M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $22M 8.1% of world imports
- 2 Morocco $21M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$15M 5.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $266M 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 5512.11
Brazil does not split HS 5512.11: its NCM code is 5512.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5512.11
What is HS code 551211?
HS code 551211 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, unbleached or bleached. This category encompasses woven fabrics made predominantly (85% or more by weight) from polyester staple fibres, in their raw (unbleached) or simply bleached state. These fabrics are fundamental intermediates in the textile industry, serving as the base material for a vast array of finished goods. They are traded globally between textile mills, converters, and apparel manufacturers. Importers are typically looking for cost-effective, durable, and versatile base fabrics that can then be dyed, printed, or further processed into finished products like apparel, home textiles, or industrial applications. The trade volume is immense, reflecting polyester's dominance in modern textiles due to its strength, wrinkle resistance, and affordability.
What products fall under HS code 551211?
Greige polyester sheeting, bleached polyester poplin, unbleached polyester twill, raw polyester canvas, bleached polyester broadcloth
What are common misclassifications for HS code 551211?
It can be confused with 551219 (dyed or printed polyester fabrics) or 5407 (woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn). The key differentiators are the 'staple fibres' (short fibers) and the 'unbleached or bleached' state.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 551211?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 551211 in UN Comtrade data were China ($179M, 60% of world exports), Pakistan ($32M) and Germany ($12M). World exports came to about $299M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 551211?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 551211 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($22M, 8.1% of world imports), Morocco ($21M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $15M). World imports came to about $266M, 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 551211 structured?
HS code 551211 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 551211?
In Brazil, HS code 551211 is NCM 5512.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.