About HS Code 5513
Heading 5513 specifically covers lightweight woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, and crucially, weighing not more than 170 g/m². This classification is vital for textiles that combine the desirable properties of both synthetic and natural fibres. The 'less than 85%' synthetic content and the specific mixture with cotton highlight a balance often sought for comfort, breathability, and durability in lighter garments. The weight criterion (not exceeding 170 g/m²) is a precise boundary, distinguishing these fabrics for applications like shirting, blouses, and other summer or lightweight apparel. Sub-categories might include various weave types (poplin, twill, sateen) or specific blend ratios (e.g., 65% polyester/35% cotton). For trade compliance, correctly identifying the fibre composition, the specific blend with cotton, and the fabric's weight is paramount for accurate tariff application and adherence to textile quotas or origin rules. These blended fabrics represent a significant evolution in textile manufacturing, offering enhanced performance characteristics beyond single-fibre fabrics. This heading seamlessly integrates within Chapter 55's focus on man-made staple fibres, demonstrating their versatility when combined with natural fibres to create diverse textile solutions.
Products Under This Code
Lightweight polyester-cotton shirting fabric, blended poplin for blouses, lightweight uniform fabric (poly-cotton), summer dress fabric (synthetic-cotton blend), children's wear fabric (poly-cotton), lightweight lining material, medical scrubs fabric (poly-cotton), school uniform fabric (lightweight), casual shirt fabric (blended), lightweight poly-cotton twill, blended percale fabric, lightweight sateen (poly-cotton), blended voile fabric, lightweight gabardine blend, lightweight chino fabric (poly-cotton), blended chambray fabric, lightweight denim-look fabric (poly-cotton), blended oxford fabric, light quilt top fabric, blended interlining fabric, lightweight curtain fabric, lightweight apparel fabric, blended printed fabric, lightweight activewear fabric, blended sleepwear fabric.
Real World Examples
A garment factory in Bangladesh frequently imports large consignments of lightweight polyester-cotton blend shirting fabric, typically around 120-150 g/m², from Pakistan for manufacturing men's casual shirts destined for European and North American markets. These shipments are usually transported by sea from Karachi to Chittagong. Concurrently, a US apparel brand sources lightweight poly-cotton blended fabric, often 65% polyester and 35% cotton, from Chinese mills for women's blouses and summer dresses, with goods traveling via trans-Pacific ocean freight to ports like Los Angeles. Furthermore, a Vietnamese uniform manufacturer imports rolls of 50% polyester, 50% cotton blend fabric, weighing 160 g/m², from India to produce school uniforms for the domestic market, with shipments arriving from Chennai or Mumbai to Hai Phong.
Common Misclassification
The most common misclassification for 5513 arises from its close relation to 5514; the critical differentiator is the fabric's weight: 5513 is for fabrics *not exceeding* 170 g/m², while 5514 is for those *exceeding* 170 g/m². Another frequent error is classifying these blends under pure cotton headings (e.g., 5208 or 5209), neglecting the synthetic staple fibre content, which, even if less than 85%, moves it out of cotton-only classifications. Conversely, confusion with 5512 (85% or more synthetic content) can occur if the synthetic percentage is not accurately determined. Precise measurement of weight and fibre composition is paramount.
Subheadings 11
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of these lightweight blended fabrics include China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Indonesia, benefiting from competitive production costs and extensive textile industries. Primary importers are garment manufacturing hubs like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, alongside consumer markets such as the USA and EU member states. Trade in these fabrics often benefits from preferential tariff schemes under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) or regional trade agreements like RCEP and CPTPP, which can significantly impact import duties and market access for developing nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 5513?
HS code 5513 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170g/m2. Heading 5513 specifically covers lightweight woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, and crucially, weighing not more than 170 g/m². This classification is vital for textiles that combine the desirable properties of both synthetic and natural fibres. The 'less than 85%' synthetic content and the specific mixture with cotton highlight a balance often sought for comfort, breathability, and durability in lighter garments. The weight criterion (not exceeding 170 g/m²) is a precise boundary, distinguishing these fabrics for applications like shirting, blouses, and other summer or lightweight apparel. Sub-categories might include various weave types (poplin, twill, sateen) or specific blend ratios (e.g., 65% polyester/35% cotton). For trade compliance, correctly identifying the fibre composition, the specific blend with cotton, and the fabric's weight is paramount for accurate tariff application and adherence to textile quotas or origin rules. These blended fabrics represent a significant evolution in textile manufacturing, offering enhanced performance characteristics beyond single-fibre fabrics. This heading seamlessly integrates within Chapter 55's focus on man-made staple fibres, demonstrating their versatility when combined with natural fibres to create diverse textile solutions.
What products fall under HS code 5513?
Lightweight polyester-cotton shirting fabric, blended poplin for blouses, lightweight uniform fabric (poly-cotton), summer dress fabric (synthetic-cotton blend), children's wear fabric (poly-cotton), lightweight lining material, medical scrubs fabric (poly-cotton), school uniform fabric (lightweight), casual shirt fabric (blended), lightweight poly-cotton twill, blended percale fabric, lightweight sateen (poly-cotton), blended voile fabric, lightweight gabardine blend, lightweight chino fabric (poly-cotton), blended chambray fabric, lightweight denim-look fabric (poly-cotton), blended oxford fabric, light quilt top fabric, blended interlining fabric, lightweight curtain fabric, lightweight apparel fabric, blended printed fabric, lightweight activewear fabric, blended sleepwear fabric.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5513?
The most common misclassification for 5513 arises from its close relation to 5514; the critical differentiator is the fabric's weight: 5513 is for fabrics *not exceeding* 170 g/m², while 5514 is for those *exceeding* 170 g/m². Another frequent error is classifying these blends under pure cotton headings (e.g., 5208 or 5209), neglecting the synthetic staple fibre content, which, even if less than 85%, moves it out of cotton-only classifications. Conversely, confusion with 5512 (85% or more synthetic content) can occur if the synthetic percentage is not accurately determined. Precise measurement of weight and fibre composition is paramount.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 5513?
Major exporters of these lightweight blended fabrics include China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Indonesia, benefiting from competitive production costs and extensive textile industries. Primary importers are garment manufacturing hubs like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, alongside consumer markets such as the USA and EU member states. Trade in these fabrics often benefits from preferential tariff schemes under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) or regional trade agreements like RCEP and CPTPP, which can significantly impact import duties and market access for developing nations.
How is HS code 5513 structured?
HS code 5513 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.