HS Code 58.02 – Fabrics; terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics other than narrow fabrics of heading no. 5806; tufted textile fabrics, excluding products of heading no. 5703

HS code 5802 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics; terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics other than narrow fabrics of heading no. 5806; tufted textile fabrics, excluding products of heading no. 5703. Heading 5802 encompasses an important category of textile fabrics in international trade: terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, excluding narrow fabrics of heading 5806, and tufted textile fabrics, excluding products of heading 5703. This classification is critical for manufacturers and traders dealing with a wide range of home textiles and apparel components. The core characteristic of terry fabrics is the presence of uncut loops or pile, typically on both sides, which gives them high absorbency and a soft texture. Tufted textile fabrics, on the other hand, are created by inserting yarns into a pre-existing base fabric, forming a pile surface. The distinction from heading 5703 is crucial; 5703 covers tufted carpets and other textile floor coverings, while 5802 includes tufted fabrics for other uses, such as bedspreads or bathmats that are not considered floor coverings. Similarly, the exclusion of narrow fabrics (heading 5806) means that items like terry ribbons or narrow terry edgings would fall elsewhere. The classification under 5802 matters for trade compliance as the specific material composition (cotton, synthetic, blended) will further dictate sub-headings and associated duties, quotas, and trade agreement benefits. Historically, the production of terry fabrics has been a cornerstone of the textile industry in many countries, particularly those with strong cotton cultivation, given their widespread use in everyday items like towels and bathrobes. This heading forms a significant part of Section XI, which covers textiles and textile articles, highlighting the diverse manufacturing processes within the sector.

Cotton bath towels, hand towels, face cloths, beach towels, bathrobes, terry cloth fabric by the roll, terry washcloths, kitchen towels (terry), terry fabric for baby products, terry fabric for sportswear, tufted bedspreads, tufted bathmats (not floor coverings), terry velour fabric, organic cotton terry fabric, bamboo terry fabric, microfibre terry fabric, polyester terry fabric, terry fabric for cleaning cloths, ter terry fabrics for upholstery, terry fabric for car seat covers, specialized industrial terry fabrics, printed terry fabric, yarn-dyed terry fabric, jacquard terry fabric, dobby terry fabric

A common mistake is confusing tufted fabrics of 5802 with tufted textile floor coverings of heading 5703. The distinction lies in their primary intended use and construction characteristics that designate them as floor coverings. Another error involves classifying knitted terry fabrics (Chapter 60) under 5802, which is specifically for *woven* terry fabrics. Additionally, narrow terry fabrics, such as terry bias tapes or ribbons, should be classified under heading 5806 if they meet the criteria for narrow woven fabrics, not 5802.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5802 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($65M, 32% of world exports), China ($47M) and Türkiye ($16M). World exports came to about $207M, 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 5802 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($93M, 35% of world imports), Paraguay ($17M) and Vietnam (about $15M). World imports came to about $266M, 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 5802 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 58 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (58) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.