HS Code 55.15 – Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 55

HS code 5515 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 55. Heading 5515 serves as the residual 'not elsewhere specified' category for woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres within Chapter 55. This heading encompasses fabrics that do not fit into the more specific classifications of 5512 (high synthetic content), 5513 (lightweight, cotton blend), or 5514 (heavyweight, cotton blend). This means that fabrics classified here typically have less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibres and are mixed with fibres *other than cotton* (e.g., wool, linen, silk, ramie, or other man-made fibres like artificial staple fibres), or they are 100% synthetic but possess characteristics that preclude them from 5512. The scope is broad, covering a vast array of specialized blends and technical textiles. The 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere specified) aspect makes it a crucial catch-all for unique or complex blends. For trade compliance, precise identification of all fibre components and their percentages, along with the absence of cotton as the main or sole blending fibre, is paramount. This heading highlights the immense diversity and innovation in man-made staple fibre textiles, where specific performance characteristics are achieved through intricate blending, demonstrating the advanced capabilities of the modern textile industry beyond basic cotton or high-synthetic blends.

Polyester-wool blend suiting fabric, acrylic-viscose blend dress fabric, polyester-linen blend curtain fabric, nylon-rayon blend upholstery fabric, modacrylic-polyester blend protective fabric, polypropylene-polyester blend outdoor fabric, acrylic-silk blend decorative fabric, synthetic staple fibre fabrics mixed with ramie, blended technical textiles (non-cotton), polyester-other synthetic staple fibre blends, specialized industrial fabrics (synthetic staple blends, non-cotton), high-performance outdoor apparel fabrics (synthetic staple blends), faux fur fabrics (not meeting 5512), blended furnishing fabrics (non-cotton), synthetic staple fibre fabrics mixed with cashmere, blended automotive interior fabrics (non-cotton), synthetic staple fibre fabrics mixed with flax, blended shirting fabrics (non-cotton), blended coat fabrics (non-cotton), blended suit linings (non-cotton), synthetic staple fibre fabrics mixed with hemp, specialty uniform fabrics (non-cotton blends), blended medical fabrics (non-cotton), flame-retardant industrial fabrics.

Misclassification under 5515 often occurs when traders fail to correctly identify the blending fibre. The key distinction from 5513 and 5514 is that the blend is *not* mainly or solely with cotton; if cotton is present, but not the main or sole blending fibre, or if other fibres dominate, 5515 applies. Confusion with 5512 (85% or more synthetic) is also common if the synthetic content is high but not quite 85%, or if it's a blend with another specific synthetic. Additionally, if the blend is predominantly a natural fibre (e.g., more than 50% wool), it might fall into other chapters like 51 for wool. Accurate fibre analysis is paramount to navigate these distinctions.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5515 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.1B, 49% of world exports), India ($413M) and Türkiye ($227M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5515 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $375M, 9.5% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $264M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $253M). World imports came to about $4.0B, 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.

HS code 5515 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (15) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.