HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5911.32 – Textiles; fabrics and felts, endless or fitted with linking devices, of a kind used in paper-making or similar machines, weighing 650g/m2 or more
HS code 5911.32 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 650g/m2 or more. It is used for heavy-duty paper machine press felts, robust dryer fabrics, thick forming fabrics, pulp dewatering belts (heavy) and industrial filter belts for paper sludge.
What HS 5911.32 covers
This code pertains to heavier textile fabrics and felts, weighing 650g/m² or more, specifically engineered for use in paper-making or similar continuous process machines. These robust materials are designed for sections of the paper machine that require greater strength, durability, and absorbency, such as heavy-duty press sections or certain dryer applications. Like their lighter counterparts, they are typically endless or fitted with linking devices, playing a vital role in the mechanical and dewatering stages of paper production. Importers are large-scale paper mills and pulp producers globally. Exporters are highly specialized technical textile manufacturers who produce these durable fabrics to withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures, pressure, and chemical exposure. The 'paper-making machines' and the '650g/m2 or more' weight are the critical distinctions.
- Covers
- Heavy-duty paper machine press felts
- Robust dryer fabrics
- Thick forming fabrics
- Pulp dewatering belts (heavy)
- Industrial filter belts for paper sludge
- Heavy-weight conveyor belts for wet processes
- Examples
- Valmet Press Felts (heavy)
- Voith Paper Machine Clothing (heavy)
- Albany International (heavy-duty fabrics)
- AstenJohnson (heavy press felts)
- Xerium Technologies (now Andritz Fabrics and Rolls)
Codes often confused with 5911.32
Common mistake. Can be confused with lighter paper-making fabrics (591131) if the weight specification is overlooked, or with general industrial felts (5602) if their specific application in paper machines is not identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 591132, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 591132 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 $143M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $125M 14% of world exports
- 3 Austria $84M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $909M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $139M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $89M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 China $52M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $933M 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 5911.32
Brazil does not split HS 5911.32: its NCM code is 5911.32.00.
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 5911.32
What is HS code 591132?
HS code 591132 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 650g/m2 or more. This code pertains to heavier textile fabrics and felts, weighing 650g/m² or more, specifically engineered for use in paper-making or similar continuous process machines. These robust materials are designed for sections of the paper machine that require greater strength, durability, and absorbency, such as heavy-duty press sections or certain dryer applications. Like their lighter counterparts, they are typically endless or fitted with linking devices, playing a vital role in the mechanical and dewatering stages of paper production. Importers are large-scale paper mills and pulp producers globally. Exporters are highly specialized technical textile manufacturers who produce these durable fabrics to withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures, pressure, and chemical exposure. The 'paper-making machines' and the '650g/m2 or more' weight are the critical distinctions.
What products fall under HS code 591132?
Heavy-duty paper machine press felts, robust dryer fabrics, thick forming fabrics, pulp dewatering belts (heavy), industrial filter belts for paper sludge, heavy-weight conveyor belts for wet processes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 591132?
Can be confused with lighter paper-making fabrics (591131) if the weight specification is overlooked, or with general industrial felts (5602) if their specific application in paper machines is not identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 591132?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 591132 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($143M, 16% of world exports), China ($125M) and Austria ($84M). World exports came to about $909M, 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 591132?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 591132 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($139M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($89M) and China ($52M). World imports came to about $933M, 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 591132 structured?
HS code 591132 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 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 591132?
In Brazil, HS code 591132 is NCM 5911.32.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.