HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5603.94 – Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 150g/m2)
HS code 5603.94 is the 6-digit subheading for nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 150g/m2). It is used for heavy-duty industrial wipes, geotextile fabrics (natural fiber), automotive sound insulation felts, filtration media for liquids and construction underlayment.
What HS 5603.94 covers
This HS code encompasses heavy nonwoven fabrics, weighing more than 150 grams per square meter, that are not made from man-made filaments. Instead, they are typically composed of natural fibers like cotton, wool, jute, or cellulose, and may be impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated. These robust materials are crucial intermediate goods in various industrial sectors. Key importers are manufacturers in construction, automotive, filtration, and heavy-duty cleaning industries, seeking durable and often biodegradable or specific-performance nonwovens. Exporters are generally countries with strong natural fiber production and advanced nonwoven manufacturing capabilities. The trade in these goods is driven by demand for materials that offer specific properties such as high absorbency, sound insulation, or structural reinforcement, making them vital for specialized applications where synthetic alternatives may not be suitable or preferred.
- Covers
- Heavy-duty industrial wipes
- Geotextile fabrics (natural fiber)
- Automotive sound insulation felts
- Filtration media for liquids
- Construction underlayment
- Agricultural ground covers
- Furniture backing material
- Heavy-duty protective covers
- Examples
- Freudenberg (industrial nonwovens)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (filtration media)
- TWE Group (automotive nonwovens)
- Lydall (specialty nonwovens)
Codes often confused with 5603.94
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 560310 (nonwovens of man-made filaments) or 560393 (lighter nonwovens of non-man-made filaments), as the distinction lies in the fiber type and grammage.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 560394, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 560394 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 $695M 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $343M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $313M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $286M 13% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$203M 9.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $167M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 5603.94 4
Brazil splits HS 5603.94 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5603.94.10 Polyester staple nonwoven, over 150 g/m²De poliéster
- 5603.94.20 Polypropylene staple nonwoven, over 150 g/m²De polipropileno
- 5603.94.30 Viscose staple nonwoven, over 150 g/m²De raiom viscose
- 5603.94.90 Other non-filament nonwoven, over 150 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 5603.94
What is HS code 560394?
HS code 560394 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 more than 150g/m2). This HS code encompasses heavy nonwoven fabrics, weighing more than 150 grams per square meter, that are not made from man-made filaments. Instead, they are typically composed of natural fibers like cotton, wool, jute, or cellulose, and may be impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated. These robust materials are crucial intermediate goods in various industrial sectors. Key importers are manufacturers in construction, automotive, filtration, and heavy-duty cleaning industries, seeking durable and often biodegradable or specific-performance nonwovens. Exporters are generally countries with strong natural fiber production and advanced nonwoven manufacturing capabilities. The trade in these goods is driven by demand for materials that offer specific properties such as high absorbency, sound insulation, or structural reinforcement, making them vital for specialized applications where synthetic alternatives may not be suitable or preferred.
What products fall under HS code 560394?
Heavy-duty industrial wipes, Geotextile fabrics (natural fiber), Automotive sound insulation felts, Filtration media for liquids, Construction underlayment, Agricultural ground covers, Furniture backing material, Heavy-duty protective covers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 560394?
This code can be confused with 560310 (nonwovens of man-made filaments) or 560393 (lighter nonwovens of non-man-made filaments), as the distinction lies in the fiber type and grammage.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 560394?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 560394 in UN Comtrade data were China ($695M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($343M) and Japan ($313M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 560394?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 560394 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($286M, 13% of world imports), Vietnam (about $203M) and China ($167M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 560394 structured?
HS code 560394 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 (94) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 560394?
Brazil splits HS code 560394 into 4 NCM codes: 5603.94.10 (Polyester staple nonwoven, over 150 g/m²), 5603.94.20 (Polypropylene staple nonwoven, over 150 g/m²), 5603.94.30 (Viscose staple nonwoven, over 150 g/m²), 5603.94.90 (Other non-filament nonwoven, over 150 g/m²). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.