HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5903.20 – Textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with polyurethane
HS code 5903.20 is the 6-digit subheading for textile fabrics, impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with polyurethane. It is used for PU-coated nylon fabric, polyurethane laminated polyester, breathable PU textile, waterproof PU fabric for apparel and PU artificial leather base.
What HS 5903.20 covers
This category encompasses textile fabrics treated with polyurethane (PU), a polymer known for its flexibility, abrasion resistance, and often breathable yet waterproof properties. Unlike PVC, PU coatings tend to be softer and more environmentally friendly in some applications, making them popular for high-performance apparel, medical textiles, and automotive interiors. Key importers include manufacturers of outdoor sportswear, medical devices, furniture, and automotive components. Exporters are typically countries with advanced chemical industries and textile finishing capabilities. The global trade in these fabrics is driven by consumer demand for durable and comfortable goods, as well as industrial needs for specialized protective materials. Traders should pay close attention to the specific type of polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic, thermoset), the coating method, and the base fabric composition, as these factors significantly impact the material's performance and end-use applications.
- Covers
- PU-coated nylon fabric
- Polyurethane laminated polyester
- Breathable PU textile
- Waterproof PU fabric for apparel
- PU artificial leather base
- Medical grade PU-coated fabric
- Examples
- Gore-Tex (outer shell fabrics)
- Polartec NeoShell (breathable waterproof fabric)
- Ultrafabrics (automotive/marine upholstery)
- Schoeller Textil (functional fabrics)
- SympaTex (waterproof membranes)
Codes often confused with 5903.20
Common mistake. This code is specifically for polyurethane coatings, differentiating it from PVC-coated fabrics (590310) or those coated with other plastics (590390). Misclassification often occurs if the specific polymer type is not clearly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 590320, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 590320 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 19% 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 $2.8B 46% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $568M 9.2% of world exports
- 3 United States $361M 5.9% of world exports
World total: $6.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$1.0B 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$321M 6.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $312M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $5.3B 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 5903.20
Brazil does not split HS 5903.20: its NCM code is 5903.20.00.
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 5903.20
What is HS code 590320?
HS code 590320 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with polyurethane. This category encompasses textile fabrics treated with polyurethane (PU), a polymer known for its flexibility, abrasion resistance, and often breathable yet waterproof properties. Unlike PVC, PU coatings tend to be softer and more environmentally friendly in some applications, making them popular for high-performance apparel, medical textiles, and automotive interiors. Key importers include manufacturers of outdoor sportswear, medical devices, furniture, and automotive components. Exporters are typically countries with advanced chemical industries and textile finishing capabilities. The global trade in these fabrics is driven by consumer demand for durable and comfortable goods, as well as industrial needs for specialized protective materials. Traders should pay close attention to the specific type of polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic, thermoset), the coating method, and the base fabric composition, as these factors significantly impact the material's performance and end-use applications.
What products fall under HS code 590320?
PU-coated nylon fabric, Polyurethane laminated polyester, Breathable PU textile, Waterproof PU fabric for apparel, PU artificial leather base, Medical grade PU-coated fabric
What are common misclassifications for HS code 590320?
This code is specifically for polyurethane coatings, differentiating it from PVC-coated fabrics (590310) or those coated with other plastics (590390). Misclassification often occurs if the specific polymer type is not clearly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 590320?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 590320 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.8B, 46% of world exports), South Korea ($568M) and the United States ($361M). World exports came to about $6.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 590320?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 590320 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $1.0B, 19% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $321M) and Indonesia ($312M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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.
How is HS code 590320 structured?
HS code 590320 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 590320?
In Brazil, HS code 590320 is NCM 5903.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.