HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 6005.38 – Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, yarns of different colours
HS code 6005.38 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, yarns of different colours. It is used for heathered polyester jersey, striped nylon tricot, jacquard knit fabric (synthetic), melange athletic fabric and patterned swimwear fabric.
What HS 6005.38 covers
This category includes warp knit fabrics made from synthetic fibers where the color or pattern is achieved by knitting together yarns that have been dyed different colors prior to knitting. This method creates intricate designs, heathered effects, or stripes that are inherent to the fabric structure, offering a distinct aesthetic and often greater color depth compared to piece-dyed fabrics. These fabrics are popular in fashion apparel, high-end sportswear, and decorative textiles where unique visual textures are desired. Importers include fashion brands, sportswear manufacturers, and interior design companies. Exporters are specialized textile mills capable of producing complex knit structures with multi-colored yarns. Key aspects for trade include design complexity, yarn quality, and the ability to reproduce specific color combinations consistently.
- Covers
- Heathered polyester jersey
- Striped nylon tricot
- Jacquard knit fabric (synthetic)
- Melange athletic fabric
- Patterned swimwear fabric
- Multi-color mesh
- Two-tone synthetic knit
- Examples
- Adidas Primeknit (some variations)
- Nike Flyknit (some variations)
- Lululemon Luon fabric (heathered)
- patterned swimwear from Speedo
- decorative upholstery fabric from Maharam
Codes often confused with 6005.38
Common mistake. Distinct from 600537 (dyed) where the fabric is dyed after knitting, and 600539 (printed) where the pattern is applied to a finished fabric. The distinction lies in when the color is introduced.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 600538, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 600538 in UN Comtrade data was Hungary, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 Hungary $48M 19% of world exports
- 2 Italy $39M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $37M 15% of world exports
World total: $254M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $23M 11% of world imports
- 2 France $22M 10% of world imports
- 3 Australia $13M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $217M 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 6005.38
Brazil does not split HS 6005.38: its NCM code is 6005.38.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 60.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 6005.38
What is HS code 600538?
HS code 600538 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, yarns of different colours. This category includes warp knit fabrics made from synthetic fibers where the color or pattern is achieved by knitting together yarns that have been dyed different colors prior to knitting. This method creates intricate designs, heathered effects, or stripes that are inherent to the fabric structure, offering a distinct aesthetic and often greater color depth compared to piece-dyed fabrics. These fabrics are popular in fashion apparel, high-end sportswear, and decorative textiles where unique visual textures are desired. Importers include fashion brands, sportswear manufacturers, and interior design companies. Exporters are specialized textile mills capable of producing complex knit structures with multi-colored yarns. Key aspects for trade include design complexity, yarn quality, and the ability to reproduce specific color combinations consistently.
What products fall under HS code 600538?
Heathered polyester jersey, striped nylon tricot, jacquard knit fabric (synthetic), melange athletic fabric, patterned swimwear fabric, multi-color mesh, two-tone synthetic knit
What are common misclassifications for HS code 600538?
Distinct from 600537 (dyed) where the fabric is dyed after knitting, and 600539 (printed) where the pattern is applied to a finished fabric. The distinction lies in when the color is introduced.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 600538?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 600538 in UN Comtrade data were Hungary ($48M, 19% of world exports), Italy ($39M) and China ($37M). World exports came to about $254M, 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 600538?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 600538 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($23M, 11% of world imports), France ($22M) and Australia ($13M). World imports came to about $217M, 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 600538 structured?
HS code 600538 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (60) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (38) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 600538?
In Brazil, HS code 600538 is NCM 6005.38.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.