HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 55.14 – Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight exceeding 170g/m2
What HS 55.14 covers
Heading 5514 classifies heavyweight woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, and importantly, weighing *exceeding* 170 g/m². This classification is vital for durable and robust textiles where the blend of synthetic strength and cotton comfort is desired in a heavier construction. The 'less than 85%' synthetic content, combined with cotton, provides a balanced fabric suitable for more demanding applications than those found in 5513. The weight criterion (exceeding 170 g/m²) is the key distinguishing factor, setting these fabrics apart for uses like workwear, heavier apparel, and upholstery. Sub-categories often involve specific weave patterns like twill or gabardine, or different blend ratios. For trade compliance, accurately determining the fibre composition, the presence of cotton as the main or sole blending fibre, and the fabric's weight is critical for correct tariff application, adherence to quotas, and origin rules. These heavier blends are a testament to the versatility of man-made staple fibres, offering enhanced performance and longevity. This heading reinforces Chapter 55's role in encompassing diverse woven textile products derived from man-made staple fibres, tailored for specific functional requirements.
- Covers
- Heavyweight polyester-cotton twill for workwear
- Blended gabardine for trousers
- Heavy uniform fabric (poly-cotton)
- Jacket fabric (synthetic-cotton blend)
- Heavy chino fabric (poly-cotton)
- Denim-look fabric (poly-cotton blend)
- Upholstery base fabric (heavy)
- Durable bag fabric (blended)
- Heavy school uniform fabric
- Industrial apron fabric
- Protective apparel fabric (blended)
- Heavy blended sateen
- Heavy drill fabric (poly-cotton)
- Blended canvas (heavy)
- Outdoor gear fabric (heavy)
- Automotive interior fabric (heavy duty)
- Heavy curtain fabric
- Military uniform fabric (blended)
- Durable medical uniform fabric
- Heavy blended poplin
- Heavy blended oxford
- Blended duck fabric
- Heavy blended herringbone
- Durable sportswear fabric
- Heavy blended outer shell fabric.
- Examples
A US workwear manufacturer regularly imports large rolls of heavy-duty polyester-cotton twill fabric, typically weighing 250 g/m² with a 60% polyester, 40% cotton blend, from China. These fabrics are used for producing durable work trousers and jackets, with shipments commonly traveling via trans-Pacific ocean freight to ports such as Long Beach or Savannah. Similarly, an EU company sources heavyweight blended fabrics, for instance, a 70% polyester, 30% cotton blend at 200 g/m², from Turkey for manufacturing sturdy corporate uniforms and industrial apparel, often transported by road or short-sea shipping into Central European distribution centers. Furthermore, a garment factory in Mexico imports heavy poly-cotton blend fabric, around 190 g/m², from India for making robust school uniforms and utility wear, with goods typically arriving via ocean freight through the Panama Canal to Mexican ports like Manzanillo.
Subheadings under 55.14 12
Codes often confused with 55.14
Common mistake. The primary misclassification challenge for 5514 lies in distinguishing it from 5513; the definitive factor is the fabric's weight, with 5514 being for fabrics *exceeding* 170 g/m², while 5513 is for those *not exceeding* this limit. Traders often mistakenly classify these blends under pure cotton headings (e.g., 5209 or 5210), overlooking the significant synthetic staple fibre content. Conversely, confusion with 5512 (85% or more synthetic) can occur if the synthetic percentage is not precisely measured. Accurate determination of both fibre composition and grammage is paramount to avoid classification errors.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 5514, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5514 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Myanmar, with 20% of world imports. Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 11% of its imports here ($12M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $585M 40% of world exports
- 2 Italy $136M 9.3% of world exports
- 3 Germany $97M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Myanmar $389M 20% of world imports
- 2 Morocco $114M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$107M 5.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 11% of its imports here ($12M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $2.0B 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 55.14
What is HS code 5514?
HS code 5514 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 exceeding 170g/m2. Heading 5514 classifies heavyweight woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, and importantly, weighing *exceeding* 170 g/m². This classification is vital for durable and robust textiles where the blend of synthetic strength and cotton comfort is desired in a heavier construction. The 'less than 85%' synthetic content, combined with cotton, provides a balanced fabric suitable for more demanding applications than those found in 5513. The weight criterion (exceeding 170 g/m²) is the key distinguishing factor, setting these fabrics apart for uses like workwear, heavier apparel, and upholstery. Sub-categories often involve specific weave patterns like twill or gabardine, or different blend ratios. For trade compliance, accurately determining the fibre composition, the presence of cotton as the main or sole blending fibre, and the fabric's weight is critical for correct tariff application, adherence to quotas, and origin rules. These heavier blends are a testament to the versatility of man-made staple fibres, offering enhanced performance and longevity. This heading reinforces Chapter 55's role in encompassing diverse woven textile products derived from man-made staple fibres, tailored for specific functional requirements.
What products fall under HS code 5514?
Heavyweight polyester-cotton twill for workwear, blended gabardine for trousers, heavy uniform fabric (poly-cotton), jacket fabric (synthetic-cotton blend), heavy chino fabric (poly-cotton), denim-look fabric (poly-cotton blend), upholstery base fabric (heavy), durable bag fabric (blended), heavy school uniform fabric, industrial apron fabric, protective apparel fabric (blended), heavy blended sateen, heavy drill fabric (poly-cotton), blended canvas (heavy), outdoor gear fabric (heavy), automotive interior fabric (heavy duty), heavy curtain fabric, military uniform fabric (blended), durable medical uniform fabric, heavy blended poplin, heavy blended oxford, blended duck fabric, heavy blended herringbone, durable sportswear fabric, heavy blended outer shell fabric.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5514?
The primary misclassification challenge for 5514 lies in distinguishing it from 5513; the definitive factor is the fabric's weight, with 5514 being for fabrics *exceeding* 170 g/m², while 5513 is for those *not exceeding* this limit. Traders often mistakenly classify these blends under pure cotton headings (e.g., 5209 or 5210), overlooking the significant synthetic staple fibre content. Conversely, confusion with 5512 (85% or more synthetic) can occur if the synthetic percentage is not precisely measured. Accurate determination of both fibre composition and grammage is paramount to avoid classification errors.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5514?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5514 in UN Comtrade data were China ($585M, 40% of world exports), Italy ($136M) and Germany ($97M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 5514?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5514 in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($389M, 20% of world imports), Morocco ($114M) and Vietnam (about $107M). World imports came to about $2.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 11% of its imports here ($12M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 5514 structured?
HS code 5514 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (14) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.