HS code · 4-digit heading

HS Code 59.06 – Textile fabrics, rubberised; other than those of heading no. 5902

What HS 59.06 covers

This heading (5906) encompasses a diverse range of textile fabrics that have been rubberised, excluding the specific tire cord fabrics classified under heading 5902. In international trade, this classification is crucial for products where a textile base is combined with rubber for enhanced properties such as waterproofing, air retention, or grip. The scope extends to fabrics where rubber is visibly applied to one or both sides, or where the textile is impregnated throughout with rubber, provided the textile character remains discernible. Key sub-categories often include rubberised knitted or crocheted fabrics, and other rubberised textile fabrics by weight. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying these fabrics is paramount as the rubberisation process significantly alters the fabric's properties and end-use, distinguishing it from basic textiles (Chapters 50-55) or even other coated/impregnated fabrics (e.g., 5903 for plastics). This matters for duty rates, import regulations, and potential anti-dumping measures. Historically, rubberised textiles have been vital for protective clothing, inflatable goods, and industrial applications requiring flexibility and sealing. Its placement within Chapter 59 highlights its status as a "special" textile, modified beyond its primary woven or knitted state to serve specific functional purposes, bridging the gap between raw textiles and finished manufactured goods.

Covers
  • Waterproof rainwear fabric
  • Diving suit fabric
  • Inflatable boat fabric
  • Rubberised conveyor belt covers (not complete belts)
  • Protective apron material
  • Medical examination glove fabric
  • Automotive interior trim fabrics (rubberised for grip)
  • Soundproofing textile panels with rubber backing
  • Bicycle inner tube repair patches (fabric base)
  • Industrial sealing gaskets (fabric reinforced rubber)
  • Air mattress fabrics
  • Tent floor fabrics (rubberised)
  • Waterproof bag materials
  • Rubberised canvas for outdoor covers
  • Anti-slip mat materials
  • Specialized footwear components (rubberised textile)
  • Fuel bladder fabrics
  • Protective linings for chemical tanks
  • Rubberised geotextiles
  • Insulation fabrics with rubber coating
  • Medical sheeting
  • High-pressure hose outer layers
Examples

A German manufacturer of high-end outdoor gear imports specialized rubberised nylon fabric from South Korea for their waterproof jackets and trousers. This fabric, known for its durability and flexibility, travels via sea freight through major ports like Busan to Hamburg, Germany, utilizing the extensive container shipping routes. A US company producing inflatable rafts and kayaks sources heavy-duty rubberised polyester fabric from a supplier in China. These large rolls of fabric are shipped across the Pacific to major US ports like Los Angeles or Long Beach, where they are then transported inland for manufacturing. An Indian automotive parts supplier imports rubberised knitted fabric from Japan to be used in the manufacturing of floor mats and interior trim components that require anti-slip properties. The material is typically shipped from Japanese ports like Yokohama to Chennai or Mumbai, facilitating the assembly of vehicles for both domestic and export markets. A UK-based medical supplies company procures thin, flexible rubberised cotton fabric from Vietnam for use in reusable protective medical aprons and specialized bedding. These shipments often arrive at Felixstowe or Southampton, supporting the healthcare sector's need for durable, washable, and barrier-protective materials.

Subheadings under 59.06 3

5906.10Textile fabrics, rubberised; (excluding those of heading no. 5902), adhesive tape of a width not exceeding 20cm5906.91Textile fabrics, rubberised; (excluding those of heading no. 5902 and adhesive tape of a width not exceeding 20cm), knitted or crocheted5906.99Textile fabrics, rubberised; (excluding those of heading no. 5902 and adhesive tape of a width not exceeding 20cm), not knitted or crocheted

3 Brazil NCM codes in heading 59.06 →

Codes often confused with 59.06

Common mistake. A common error is confusing rubberised fabrics with basic textile fabrics (Chapters 50-55) or those merely coated with plastics (5903). For instance, a fabric coated with PVC might be mistakenly classified here, but it belongs to 5903. The key differentiator for 5906 is the rubber component. Another point of confusion can be with complete rubber articles reinforced with textiles (Chapter 40), where the textile character is subservient to the rubber. For example, a finished rubber conveyor belt (4010) is distinct from a rubberised fabric for a conveyor belt (5906 or 5910). Additionally, tire cord fabrics (5902) are explicitly excluded from 5906, demanding careful distinction.

59.03Textile fabrics impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics, other than those of heading no. 590240.10Conveyor or transmission belts or belting, of vulcanised rubber59.10Textiles; transmission or conveyor belts or belting, of textile material, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics, or reinforced with metal or other material59.02Textile fabrics; tyrecord of high tenacity yarn of nylon or other polyamides polyesters or viscose rayon

Top exporters and importers of HS code 5906, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5906 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 9.1% 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. 1 Germany $362M
  2. 2 China $286M
  3. 3 United States $196M

World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Mexico $162M
  2. 2 Germany $144M
  3. 3 United States $141M

World total: $1.8B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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.

Questions about HS 59.06

What is HS code 5906?

HS code 5906 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Textile fabrics, rubberised; other than those of heading no. 5902. This heading (5906) encompasses a diverse range of textile fabrics that have been rubberised, excluding the specific tire cord fabrics classified under heading 5902. In international trade, this classification is crucial for products where a textile base is combined with rubber for enhanced properties such as waterproofing, air retention, or grip. The scope extends to fabrics where rubber is visibly applied to one or both sides, or where the textile is impregnated throughout with rubber, provided the textile character remains discernible. Key sub-categories often include rubberised knitted or crocheted fabrics, and other rubberised textile fabrics by weight. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying these fabrics is paramount as the rubberisation process significantly alters the fabric's properties and end-use, distinguishing it from basic textiles (Chapters 50-55) or even other coated/impregnated fabrics (e.g., 5903 for plastics). This matters for duty rates, import regulations, and potential anti-dumping measures. Historically, rubberised textiles have been vital for protective clothing, inflatable goods, and industrial applications requiring flexibility and sealing. Its placement within Chapter 59 highlights its status as a "special" textile, modified beyond its primary woven or knitted state to serve specific functional purposes, bridging the gap between raw textiles and finished manufactured goods.

What products fall under HS code 5906?

Waterproof rainwear fabric, diving suit fabric, inflatable boat fabric, rubberised conveyor belt covers (not complete belts), protective apron material, medical examination glove fabric, automotive interior trim fabrics (rubberised for grip), soundproofing textile panels with rubber backing, bicycle inner tube repair patches (fabric base), industrial sealing gaskets (fabric reinforced rubber), air mattress fabrics, tent floor fabrics (rubberised), waterproof bag materials, rubberised canvas for outdoor covers, anti-slip mat materials, specialized footwear components (rubberised textile), fuel bladder fabrics, protective linings for chemical tanks, rubberised geotextiles, insulation fabrics with rubber coating, medical sheeting, high-pressure hose outer layers

What are common misclassifications for HS code 5906?

A common error is confusing rubberised fabrics with basic textile fabrics (Chapters 50-55) or those merely coated with plastics (5903). For instance, a fabric coated with PVC might be mistakenly classified here, but it belongs to 5903. The key differentiator for 5906 is the rubber component. Another point of confusion can be with complete rubber articles reinforced with textiles (Chapter 40), where the textile character is subservient to the rubber. For example, a finished rubber conveyor belt (4010) is distinct from a rubberised fabric for a conveyor belt (5906 or 5910). Additionally, tire cord fabrics (5902) are explicitly excluded from 5906, demanding careful distinction.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5906?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5906 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($362M, 21% of world exports), China ($286M) and the United States ($196M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 5906?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5906 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($162M, 9.1% of world imports), Germany ($144M) and the United States ($141M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 5906 structured?

HS code 5906 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 59 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (59) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.