HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5515.91 – Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres n.e.c. in chapter 55, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments
HS code 5515.91 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, of synthetic staple fibres n.e.c. in chapter 55, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments. It is used for polyester staple/filament blend suiting, nylon staple/filament blend activewear fabric, polypropylene staple/filament industrial fabric, blended lining fabric and technical outerwear fabric.
What HS 5515.91 covers
This code encompasses woven fabrics made from synthetic staple fibers (excluding acrylic/modacrylic) that are predominantly blended with man-made filaments. This typically involves polyester, nylon, or polypropylene staple fibers mixed with their filament counterparts or other man-made filaments like rayon or acetate. These blends are meticulously engineered to achieve specific performance characteristics such as enhanced durability, wrinkle resistance, moisture-wicking properties, and improved drape, often at a competitive cost. They are extensively used in activewear, workwear, linings, and various industrial applications, including automotive textiles. Major importers include apparel manufacturers, automotive suppliers, and home furnishing companies, while exporters are large-scale textile producers, particularly in Asia. The versatility and cost-effectiveness of these blends make them a staple in global textile trade.
- Covers
- Polyester staple/filament blend suiting
- Nylon staple/filament blend activewear fabric
- Polypropylene staple/filament industrial fabric
- Blended lining fabric
- Technical outerwear fabric
- Workwear fabric (synthetic blend)
- Automotive interior fabric
- Examples
- Cordura (some blends)
- Gore-Tex (base fabrics)
- specific performance fabrics from companies like Invista or Toray
- automotive textile suppliers like Lear Corporation
Codes often confused with 5515.91
Common mistake. Frequently confused with 551521 (acrylic/modacrylic staple with man-made filaments) if the specific synthetic staple fiber isn't identified, or with codes for 100% synthetic filament fabrics (Chapter 54) if the staple component is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 551591, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 551591 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Tunisia, with about 13% of world imports. Vietnam 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 2.2% of its imports here ($161K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $17M 26% of world exports
- 2 France $8.3M 13% of world exports
- 3 India $6.1M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $65M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Tunisia* ~$9.8M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Canada $7.0M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$6.9M 9.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam 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 2.2% of its imports here ($161K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $77M 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 5515.91
Brazil does not split HS 5515.91: its NCM code is 5515.91.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 55.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5515.91
What is HS code 551591?
HS code 551591 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres n.e.c. in chapter 55, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments. This code encompasses woven fabrics made from synthetic staple fibers (excluding acrylic/modacrylic) that are predominantly blended with man-made filaments. This typically involves polyester, nylon, or polypropylene staple fibers mixed with their filament counterparts or other man-made filaments like rayon or acetate. These blends are meticulously engineered to achieve specific performance characteristics such as enhanced durability, wrinkle resistance, moisture-wicking properties, and improved drape, often at a competitive cost. They are extensively used in activewear, workwear, linings, and various industrial applications, including automotive textiles. Major importers include apparel manufacturers, automotive suppliers, and home furnishing companies, while exporters are large-scale textile producers, particularly in Asia. The versatility and cost-effectiveness of these blends make them a staple in global textile trade.
What products fall under HS code 551591?
Polyester staple/filament blend suiting, Nylon staple/filament blend activewear fabric, Polypropylene staple/filament industrial fabric, Blended lining fabric, Technical outerwear fabric, Workwear fabric (synthetic blend), Automotive interior fabric
What are common misclassifications for HS code 551591?
Frequently confused with 551521 (acrylic/modacrylic staple with man-made filaments) if the specific synthetic staple fiber isn't identified, or with codes for 100% synthetic filament fabrics (Chapter 54) if the staple component is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 551591?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 551591 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 26% of world exports), France ($8.3M) and India ($6.1M). World exports came to about $65M, 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 551591?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 551591 in UN Comtrade data were Tunisia (about $9.8M, 13% of world imports), Canada ($7.0M) and Vietnam (about $6.9M). World imports came to about $77M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 2.2% of its imports here ($161K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
How is HS code 551591 structured?
HS code 551591 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (55) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 551591?
In Brazil, HS code 551591 is NCM 5515.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.