HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 55.13 – 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
What HS 55.13 covers
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.
- Covers
- 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.
- 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.
Subheadings under 55.13 11
Codes often confused with 55.13
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 5513, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5513 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Myanmar, with 14% 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 $742M 56% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $148M 11% of world exports
- 3 India $48M 3.6% 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: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Myanmar $222M 14% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$166M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$103M 6.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.6B 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.
Questions about HS 55.13
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 are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5513?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5513 in UN Comtrade data were China ($742M, 56% of world exports), Pakistan ($148M) and India ($48M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 5513?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5513 in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($222M, 14% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $166M) and Vietnam (about $103M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 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.