HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 60.01 – Fabrics; pile fabrics, including long pile fabrics and terry fabrics, knitted or crocheted
What HS 60.01 covers
Heading 6001 encompasses knitted or crocheted pile fabrics, including long pile fabrics and terry fabrics. This classification focuses on the distinct surface structure of the fabric, characterized by loops or cut ends of yarn standing proud from the base fabric, creating a soft, absorbent, or decorative texture. Key sub-categories include knitted terry fabrics, known for their absorbency and commonly used in towels and bathrobes, and knitted pile fabrics like velour, plush, or faux fur, which offer softness and warmth, often utilized in apparel, toys, and home furnishings. The scope of 6001 specifically excludes woven pile fabrics, which fall under Chapter 58, emphasizing the manufacturing method (knitted or crocheted) as a primary differentiator. This distinction is vital for trade compliance as duty rates and import regulations can vary significantly between woven and knitted goods. For importers and exporters, accurately identifying the pile formation and knitting technique is paramount to avoid misclassification. Historically, knitted pile fabrics have evolved with consumer demand for comfortable and versatile textiles, becoming staples in activewear, leisurewear, and children's clothing. This heading's relationship to its parent chapter (Chapter 60) establishes it as the primary classification for all types of knitted and crocheted fabrics featuring a pile surface, setting it apart from other non-pile knitted fabrics in subsequent headings.
- Covers
- Knitted terry cloth for towels
- Knitted velour fabric for tracksuits
- Knitted plush fabric for toys
- Knitted faux fur fabric for coats
- Loop pile knitted fabric
- Cut pile knitted fabric
- High-pile knitted fabric for blankets
- Knitted fleece with a pile surface
- Micro-terry knitted fabric
- Knitted chenille fabric (if pile)
- Knitted shaggy fabric
- Knitted towel fabric in the piece
- Knitted minky fabric
- Knitted sherpa fabric
- Knitted velvet fabric
- Knitted corduroy fabric (knitted version)
- Knitted brushed back fabric (if forming a pile)
- Knitted imitation fur fabric
- Knitted loop fabric for bathrobes
- Knitted fabric for baby clothing (pile surface)
- Knitted fabric for slippers (pile surface)
- Knitted fabric for pet beds (pile surface).
- Examples
A Turkish textile manufacturer exports large rolls of knitted terry fabric (via Istanbul to Rotterdam) to a UK company specializing in bathrobes and spa wear, correctly classifying it under 6001. A Chinese factory produces knitted faux fur fabric (from Shanghai to Long Beach) for toy manufacturers in the United States, ensuring the 'knitted' and 'pile' characteristics are accurately reflected in the customs declaration. A Vietnamese apparel company imports knitted velour fabric (via Ho Chi Minh City to Hamburg) from South Korea for their line of comfortable loungewear, leveraging the specific classification for knitted pile fabrics.
Subheadings under 60.01 7
Codes often confused with 60.01
Common mistake. Common classification errors for 6001 include confusing knitted pile fabrics with woven pile fabrics (e.g., woven terry fabric in 5802, or woven corduroy in 5801), or with non-pile knitted fabrics (e.g., jersey or interlock in 6006). The key differentiator is the manufacturing method: knitting versus weaving. Another mistake is classifying finished articles like bathrobes or plush toys under 6001; these, once cut and sewn, typically fall under Chapters 61 or 63, respectively. For example, a finished bathrobe would be in 6207 or 6208, not 6001, which is for fabrics in the piece. Ensure the product is indeed a 'fabric' and not a 'made-up article'.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 6001, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 6001 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 82% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 16% 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 $6.0B 82% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $322M 4.4% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $144M 2.0% of world exports
World total: $7.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$1.1B 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Cambodia* ~$775M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$540M 8.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $6.6B 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.
Questions about HS 60.01
What is HS code 6001?
HS code 6001 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics; pile fabrics, including long pile fabrics and terry fabrics, knitted or crocheted. Heading 6001 encompasses knitted or crocheted pile fabrics, including long pile fabrics and terry fabrics. This classification focuses on the distinct surface structure of the fabric, characterized by loops or cut ends of yarn standing proud from the base fabric, creating a soft, absorbent, or decorative texture. Key sub-categories include knitted terry fabrics, known for their absorbency and commonly used in towels and bathrobes, and knitted pile fabrics like velour, plush, or faux fur, which offer softness and warmth, often utilized in apparel, toys, and home furnishings. The scope of 6001 specifically excludes woven pile fabrics, which fall under Chapter 58, emphasizing the manufacturing method (knitted or crocheted) as a primary differentiator. This distinction is vital for trade compliance as duty rates and import regulations can vary significantly between woven and knitted goods. For importers and exporters, accurately identifying the pile formation and knitting technique is paramount to avoid misclassification. Historically, knitted pile fabrics have evolved with consumer demand for comfortable and versatile textiles, becoming staples in activewear, leisurewear, and children's clothing. This heading's relationship to its parent chapter (Chapter 60) establishes it as the primary classification for all types of knitted and crocheted fabrics featuring a pile surface, setting it apart from other non-pile knitted fabrics in subsequent headings.
What products fall under HS code 6001?
Knitted terry cloth for towels, knitted velour fabric for tracksuits, knitted plush fabric for toys, knitted faux fur fabric for coats, loop pile knitted fabric, cut pile knitted fabric, high-pile knitted fabric for blankets, knitted fleece with a pile surface, micro-terry knitted fabric, knitted chenille fabric (if pile), knitted shaggy fabric, knitted towel fabric in the piece, knitted minky fabric, knitted sherpa fabric, knitted velvet fabric, knitted corduroy fabric (knitted version), knitted brushed back fabric (if forming a pile), knitted imitation fur fabric, knitted loop fabric for bathrobes, knitted fabric for baby clothing (pile surface), knitted fabric for slippers (pile surface), knitted fabric for pet beds (pile surface).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6001?
Common classification errors for 6001 include confusing knitted pile fabrics with woven pile fabrics (e.g., woven terry fabric in 5802, or woven corduroy in 5801), or with non-pile knitted fabrics (e.g., jersey or interlock in 6006). The key differentiator is the manufacturing method: knitting versus weaving. Another mistake is classifying finished articles like bathrobes or plush toys under 6001; these, once cut and sewn, typically fall under Chapters 61 or 63, respectively. For example, a finished bathrobe would be in 6207 or 6208, not 6001, which is for fabrics in the piece. Ensure the product is indeed a 'fabric' and not a 'made-up article'.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 6001?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6001 in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.0B, 82% of world exports), Malaysia ($322M) and South Korea ($144M). World exports came to about $7.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 6001?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 6001 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $1.1B, 16% of world imports), Cambodia (about $775M) and Bangladesh (about $540M). World imports came to about $6.6B, 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 6001 structured?
HS code 6001 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 60 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (60) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.