HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5513.21 – Fabrics, woven; plain weave, dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2
HS code 5513.21 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, plain weave, dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2. It is used for dyed poly-cotton poplin, colored polyester-cotton shirting, printed plain weave blend, finished lightweight poly-cotton and dyed poly-cotton broadcloth.
What HS 5513.21 covers
This HS code identifies lightweight, plain weave fabrics made from polyester staple fibres blended predominantly with cotton, where the polyester content is less than 85% by weight, and the fabric has been dyed, not exceeding 170g/m2. These fabrics are widely traded as finished or semi-finished goods for the apparel industry, particularly for shirting, blouses, and light casual wear, offering a balance of synthetic durability and cotton's natural feel, now enhanced with color. Countries with advanced dyeing and finishing capabilities, such as China, India, and Pakistan, are major exporters, supplying to global garment manufacturers and fashion brands. Key trade factors include colorfastness, shade consistency, and suitability for various garment constructions, as these fabrics are often directly cut and sewn into consumer products, making their aesthetic qualities paramount.
- Covers
- Dyed poly-cotton poplin
- Colored polyester-cotton shirting
- Printed plain weave blend
- Finished lightweight poly-cotton
- Dyed poly-cotton broadcloth
- Pigment-dyed poly-cotton fabric
- Yarn-dyed poly-cotton plain weave
- Examples
- Uniqlo (shirting fabrics)
- H&M (blouse fabrics)
- Gap (casual wear fabrics)
- Zara (lightweight apparel fabrics)
- Brooks Brothers (some shirting blends)
Codes often confused with 5513.21
Common mistake. Often confused with 551311, which is the unbleached or bleached version of these fabrics, or 551323, which covers dyed twill weaves. The 'plain weave' and 'dyed' conditions are crucial for accurate classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 551321, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 551321 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $256M 65% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $37M 9.4% of world exports
- 3 United States $26M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$50M 17% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$23M 7.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Honduras* ~$18M 6.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $295M 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 5513.21
Brazil does not split HS 5513.21: its NCM code is 5513.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.13 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5513.21
What is HS code 551321?
HS code 551321 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics, woven; plain weave, dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2. This HS code identifies lightweight, plain weave fabrics made from polyester staple fibres blended predominantly with cotton, where the polyester content is less than 85% by weight, and the fabric has been dyed, not exceeding 170g/m2. These fabrics are widely traded as finished or semi-finished goods for the apparel industry, particularly for shirting, blouses, and light casual wear, offering a balance of synthetic durability and cotton's natural feel, now enhanced with color. Countries with advanced dyeing and finishing capabilities, such as China, India, and Pakistan, are major exporters, supplying to global garment manufacturers and fashion brands. Key trade factors include colorfastness, shade consistency, and suitability for various garment constructions, as these fabrics are often directly cut and sewn into consumer products, making their aesthetic qualities paramount.
What products fall under HS code 551321?
Dyed poly-cotton poplin, Colored polyester-cotton shirting, Printed plain weave blend, Finished lightweight poly-cotton, Dyed poly-cotton broadcloth, Pigment-dyed poly-cotton fabric, Yarn-dyed poly-cotton plain weave
What are common misclassifications for HS code 551321?
Often confused with 551311, which is the unbleached or bleached version of these fabrics, or 551323, which covers dyed twill weaves. The 'plain weave' and 'dyed' conditions are crucial for accurate classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 551321?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 551321 in UN Comtrade data were China ($256M, 65% of world exports), Pakistan ($37M) and the United States ($26M). World exports came to about $391M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 551321?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 551321 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $50M, 17% of world imports), Vietnam (about $23M) and Honduras (about $18M). World imports came to about $295M, 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 551321 structured?
HS code 551321 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (13) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 551321?
In Brazil, HS code 551321 is NCM 5513.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.