HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5903.10 – Textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with poly(vinyl chloride)
HS code 5903.10 is the 6-digit subheading for textile fabrics, impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with poly(vinyl chloride). It is used for PVC-coated polyester fabric, vinyl-laminated canvas, PVC tarpaulin material, waterproof PVC textile and PVC-backed upholstery fabric.
What HS 5903.10 covers
This HS code covers textile fabrics that have been enhanced with a layer of poly(vinyl chloride), or PVC, making them waterproof, durable, and often flame-retardant. These versatile materials are widely used across various industries, from outdoor gear and protective clothing to architectural structures and automotive interiors. Major importers include manufacturers of tarpaulins, tents, luggage, and upholstery, as well as construction companies. Exporters are typically countries with strong chemical and textile manufacturing sectors capable of producing both the base fabric and the PVC coating. The trade in these fabrics is influenced by global construction activity, consumer demand for durable goods, and industrial applications requiring robust, weather-resistant textiles. Key considerations for traders include the specific weight and thickness of the PVC coating, the type of base textile (e.g., polyester, nylon), and compliance with various safety and environmental standards.
- Covers
- PVC-coated polyester fabric
- Vinyl-laminated canvas
- PVC tarpaulin material
- Waterproof PVC textile
- PVC-backed upholstery fabric
- Flexible PVC architectural membrane
- Examples
- Ferrari Precontraint (for architectural membranes)
- Serge Ferrari Soltis (for sun protection)
- Mehler Texnologies Valmex (for boat covers)
- Sioen B8000 (for truck tarpaulins)
- Sattler AG (for awnings)
Codes often confused with 5903.10
Common mistake. This code is distinct from other plastic-coated fabrics like those with polyurethane (590320) or other plastics (590390), specifically identifying PVC as the coating material. It's crucial to verify the exact plastic used for coating.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 590310, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 590310 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 $2.4B 61% of world exports
- 2 Italy $222M 5.7% of world exports
- 3 Portugal $153M 3.9% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $287M 10% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$247M 8.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Mexico $136M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $2.8B 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 5903.10
Brazil does not split HS 5903.10: its NCM code is 5903.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 59.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5903.10
What is HS code 590310?
HS code 590310 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with poly(vinyl chloride). This HS code covers textile fabrics that have been enhanced with a layer of poly(vinyl chloride), or PVC, making them waterproof, durable, and often flame-retardant. These versatile materials are widely used across various industries, from outdoor gear and protective clothing to architectural structures and automotive interiors. Major importers include manufacturers of tarpaulins, tents, luggage, and upholstery, as well as construction companies. Exporters are typically countries with strong chemical and textile manufacturing sectors capable of producing both the base fabric and the PVC coating. The trade in these fabrics is influenced by global construction activity, consumer demand for durable goods, and industrial applications requiring robust, weather-resistant textiles. Key considerations for traders include the specific weight and thickness of the PVC coating, the type of base textile (e.g., polyester, nylon), and compliance with various safety and environmental standards.
What products fall under HS code 590310?
PVC-coated polyester fabric, Vinyl-laminated canvas, PVC tarpaulin material, Waterproof PVC textile, PVC-backed upholstery fabric, Flexible PVC architectural membrane
What are common misclassifications for HS code 590310?
This code is distinct from other plastic-coated fabrics like those with polyurethane (590320) or other plastics (590390), specifically identifying PVC as the coating material. It's crucial to verify the exact plastic used for coating.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 590310?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 590310 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.4B, 61% of world exports), Italy ($222M) and Portugal ($153M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 590310?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 590310 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($287M, 10% of world imports), Vietnam (about $247M) and Mexico ($136M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 590310 structured?
HS code 590310 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (59) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 590310?
In Brazil, HS code 590310 is NCM 5903.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.