HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5603.91 – Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing not more than 25g/m2)
HS code 5603.91 is the 6-digit subheading for nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing not more than 25g/m2). It is used for disposable wipes, tea bags, coffee filter paper, medical face mask layers and sanitary napkin top sheets.
What HS 5603.91 covers
This category covers very lightweight nonwoven fabrics, weighing not more than 25 grams per square meter, and crucially, not made from man-made filaments. This implies they are often composed of natural fibers like cellulose or cotton, or man-made staple fibers such as rayon, rather than continuous synthetic filaments. These delicate materials are extensively used in disposable hygiene products, medical applications, and lightweight packaging due to their inherent softness, absorbency, and breathability. Manufacturers in Asia and Europe are significant exporters, supplying consumer goods industries worldwide. The trade in these materials is driven by the global demand for cost-effective, single-use products, making precise weight and fiber composition critical for accurate classification and market positioning.
- Covers
- Disposable wipes
- Tea bags
- Coffee filter paper
- Medical face mask layers
- Sanitary napkin top sheets
- Diaper backsheets
- Lightweight interlinings
- Examples
- Kimberly-Clark nonwovens
- P&G hygiene materials
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö filter media
- Fitesa hygiene nonwovens
- Berry Global nonwovens
Codes often confused with 5603.91
Common mistake. Often confused with 560311 (nonwovens of man-made filaments, <=25g/m2) if the 'not of man-made filaments' condition is overlooked, or with 560392 if the weight exceeds 25g/m2.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 560391, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 560391 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 $251M 58% of world exports
- 2 Germany $38M 8.8% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $24M 5.5% of world exports
World total: $430M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $38M 11% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$26M 7.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $24M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $356M 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 codes for 5603.91 4
Brazil splits HS 5603.91 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5603.91.10 Polyester staple nonwoven, max 25 g/m²De poliéster
- 5603.91.20 Polypropylene staple nonwoven, max 25 g/m²De polipropileno
- 5603.91.30 Viscose staple nonwoven, max 25 g/m²De raiom viscose
- 5603.91.90 Other non-filament nonwoven, max 25 g/m²Outros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 56.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5603.91
What is HS code 560391?
HS code 560391 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing not more than 25g/m2). This category covers very lightweight nonwoven fabrics, weighing not more than 25 grams per square meter, and crucially, not made from man-made filaments. This implies they are often composed of natural fibers like cellulose or cotton, or man-made staple fibers such as rayon, rather than continuous synthetic filaments. These delicate materials are extensively used in disposable hygiene products, medical applications, and lightweight packaging due to their inherent softness, absorbency, and breathability. Manufacturers in Asia and Europe are significant exporters, supplying consumer goods industries worldwide. The trade in these materials is driven by the global demand for cost-effective, single-use products, making precise weight and fiber composition critical for accurate classification and market positioning.
What products fall under HS code 560391?
Disposable wipes, Tea bags, Coffee filter paper, Medical face mask layers, Sanitary napkin top sheets, Diaper backsheets, Lightweight interlinings
What are common misclassifications for HS code 560391?
Often confused with 560311 (nonwovens of man-made filaments, <=25g/m2) if the 'not of man-made filaments' condition is overlooked, or with 560392 if the weight exceeds 25g/m2.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 560391?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 560391 in UN Comtrade data were China ($251M, 58% of world exports), Germany ($38M) and Thailand ($24M). World exports came to about $430M, 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 560391?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 560391 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($38M, 11% of world imports), Vietnam (about $26M) and Germany ($24M). World imports came to about $356M, 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 560391 structured?
HS code 560391 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (56) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) 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 560391?
Brazil splits HS code 560391 into 4 NCM codes: 5603.91.10 (Polyester staple nonwoven, max 25 g/m²), 5603.91.20 (Polypropylene staple nonwoven, max 25 g/m²), 5603.91.30 (Viscose staple nonwoven, max 25 g/m²), 5603.91.90 (Other non-filament nonwoven, max 25 g/m²). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.