HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5911.31 – Textiles; fabrics and felts, endless or fitted with linking devices, of a kind used in paper-making or similar machines, weighing less than 650g/m2
HS code 5911.31 is the 6-digit subheading for textiles, fabrics and felts, endless or fitted with linking devices, of a kind used in paper-making or similar machines, weighing less than 650g/m2. It is used for lightweight paper machine forming fabrics, press felts (under 650g/m2), dryer screens (lightweight), pulp dewatering belts and non-woven fabrics for paper production.
What HS 5911.31 covers
This HS code covers lightweight textile fabrics and felts, weighing less than 650g/m², that are specifically designed for use in paper-making or similar continuous process machines. These materials are typically endless or fitted with linking devices, forming critical components in the paper production line for conveying, dewatering, and pressing pulp. Their lightweight nature is often suited for forming or dryer sections where precise handling and efficient moisture removal are paramount. Importers are primarily paper mills, pulp manufacturers, and other continuous process industries. Exporters are highly specialized technical textile manufacturers who engineer these fabrics for the demanding conditions of paper production, including resistance to chemicals, heat, and mechanical stress. The 'paper-making machines' and weight specification are key differentiators.
- Covers
- Lightweight paper machine forming fabrics
- Press felts (under 650g/m2)
- Dryer screens (lightweight)
- Pulp dewatering belts
- Non-woven fabrics for paper production
- Lightweight conveyor belts for wet processes
- Examples
- Valmet Forming Fabrics
- Voith Paper Machine Clothing
- Albany International (lightweight fabrics)
- AstenJohnson (lightweight press felts)
- Xerium Technologies (now Andritz Fabrics and Rolls)
Codes often confused with 5911.31
Common mistake. Can be confused with heavier paper-making fabrics (591132) if the weight specification is overlooked, or with general industrial conveyor belts (591000) if their specific application in paper machines is not identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 591131, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 591131 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 Germany $60M 22% of world exports
- 2 Canada $34M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $23M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $276M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $38M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $37M 12% of world imports
- 3 Kyrgyzstan $25M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $305M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 5911.31
Brazil does not split HS 5911.31: its NCM code is 5911.31.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 59.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5911.31
What is HS code 591131?
HS code 591131 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Textiles; fabrics and felts, endless or fitted with linking devices, of a kind used in paper-making or similar machines, weighing less than 650g/m2. This HS code covers lightweight textile fabrics and felts, weighing less than 650g/m², that are specifically designed for use in paper-making or similar continuous process machines. These materials are typically endless or fitted with linking devices, forming critical components in the paper production line for conveying, dewatering, and pressing pulp. Their lightweight nature is often suited for forming or dryer sections where precise handling and efficient moisture removal are paramount. Importers are primarily paper mills, pulp manufacturers, and other continuous process industries. Exporters are highly specialized technical textile manufacturers who engineer these fabrics for the demanding conditions of paper production, including resistance to chemicals, heat, and mechanical stress. The 'paper-making machines' and weight specification are key differentiators.
What products fall under HS code 591131?
Lightweight paper machine forming fabrics, press felts (under 650g/m2), dryer screens (lightweight), pulp dewatering belts, non-woven fabrics for paper production, lightweight conveyor belts for wet processes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 591131?
Can be confused with heavier paper-making fabrics (591132) if the weight specification is overlooked, or with general industrial conveyor belts (591000) if their specific application in paper machines is not identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 591131?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 591131 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($60M, 22% of world exports), Canada ($34M) and China ($23M). World exports came to about $276M, 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 591131?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 591131 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($38M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($37M) and Kyrgyzstan ($25M). World imports came to about $305M, 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 591131 structured?
HS code 591131 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (59) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 591131?
In Brazil, HS code 591131 is NCM 5911.31.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.