HS Code 58.01 – Fabrics; woven pile and chenille fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 5806

HS code 5801 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics; woven pile and chenille fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 5806. HS Code 5801 covers "Fabrics; woven pile and chenille fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 5806." This heading is crucial for distinguishing specific types of woven fabrics characterized by their surface texture. 'Woven pile fabrics' are created with an extra set of yarns that form loops or cut ends (like velvet, velveteen, corduroy, and plush) on the surface, giving them a soft, raised texture. 'Chenille fabrics' are made using chenille yarns, which have a fuzzy, caterpillar-like appearance, giving the fabric a distinctive soft pile. The exclusion of 5802 (terry toweling and tufted fabrics) and 5806 (narrow woven fabrics) is critical, as these headings cover other specialized fabrics with different manufacturing characteristics or dimensions. This classification is specifically for *fabrics in the piece*, not made-up articles or floor coverings. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 5801 is vital for determining correct duty rates, understanding trade agreement eligibility (e.g., 'yarn forward' rules), and ensuring proper statistical tracking of textile inputs for various industries, including upholstery, apparel, and decorative textiles. It is a cornerstone heading within Chapter 58, which is dedicated to special woven fabrics, tufted textile fabrics, lace, tapestries, trimmings, and embroidery.

Woven velvet fabrics, velveteen fabrics, corduroy fabrics, woven plush fabrics, chenille fabrics (in the piece), broadloom velvet, woven velour fabrics, woven pile upholstery fabrics, woven pile drapery fabrics, woven pile apparel fabrics, cut pile woven fabrics, loop pile woven fabrics, Fustian fabrics, imitation fur fabrics (woven pile type), woven mohair velvet, woven pile carpet fabric (before being made up as floor covering), woven jacquard velvet, silk velvet, cotton velvet, polyester velvet, rayon chenille fabric, micro-corduroy, crushed velvet fabric, stretch velvet fabric.

Common misclassifications for 5801 include confusing it with other pile fabrics. It is crucial to distinguish 5801 (woven pile and chenille fabrics) from 5802 (terry toweling and *tufted* textile fabrics), as the manufacturing method (woven vs. tufted) is the key differentiator. Similarly, it differs from 6001 (knitted or crocheted pile fabrics) as 5801 is strictly *woven*. Another error is classifying narrow woven pile fabrics under 5801 when they correctly belong in 5806. Finally, if a woven pile product is clearly identifiable as a *floor covering*, it should be classified in Chapter 57, not as a fabric in 5801, even if it has a woven pile structure.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5801 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 54% of world exports), Italy ($156M) and Türkiye ($140M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5801 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $260M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($206M) and Poland ($149M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 5801 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 58 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (58) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.