Product classification
HS code for abaca fiber: 5305.00
Coconut, abaca (Manila hemp or Musa textilis Nee), ramie and other vegetable textile fibres n.e.c., raw or processed but not spun, tow, noils and waste of these fibres (including yarn waste and garnetted stock).
Classification of abaca fiber under HS 5305.00
Abaca fiber, derived from the Musa textilis plant, is classified under HS code 530500. Chapter 53 covers various vegetable textile fibers that are not cotton (Chapter 52) or flax and hemp (heading 5301 and 5302). Heading 5305 is a broad category for coconut, abaca (Manila hemp), ramie, and other vegetable textile fibers not elsewhere specified, raw or processed but not spun. The classification includes the fiber in its raw state, as well as fiber that has been stripped, cleaned, or combed. However, once the fiber has been spun into yarn, it must be classified under heading 5308. Abaca is unique because of its length and strength, and it is primarily sourced from the Philippines and Ecuador. The HS code 530500 also includes the waste of these fibers, such as tow and noils, which are the shorter fibers removed during the combing process. These waste products are often used in the production of high-quality specialty papers, such as tea bag paper or banknote paper, due to their high cellulose content and fiber length.
- Covers
- Raw abaca fiber (Manila hemp)
- Combed or bleached abaca fiber
- Abaca tow and noils
- Processed abaca fiber (not spun)
- Abaca waste and garnetted stock
- Also under 5305.00
- Coir mats
- abaca paper
- ramie fabric
- sisal ropes
- kapok filling
- henequen twine
- banana fiber textiles
Codes often confused with 5305.00
Common mistake. Abaca fiber is sometimes misclassified under 5303, which is reserved for jute and other textile bast fibers. It is also frequently confused with 5607 when it has been twisted into twine, cordage, or rope. If the fiber has been spun into a single or multiple yarn, it should be classified under 530890.
Top exporters and importers of HS 530500 (the code used for abaca fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530500 (the code used for abaca fiber) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 530500, not only abaca fiber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $582M 55% of world exports
- 2 Sri Lanka $231M 22% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $46M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $188M 25% of world imports
- 2 Peru* ~$70M 9.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $64M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $737M 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.
Brazil NCM codes for abaca fiber
Brazil splits HS 5305.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5305.00.10Raw abaca (Manila hemp)
- 5305.00.90Coir, ramie, processed abaca, other fibres; waste
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about abaca fiber
What is the HS code for abaca fiber?
The HS code for abaca fiber is 530500 (Coconut, abaca (Manila hemp or Musa textilis Nee), ramie and other vegetable textile fibres n.e.c., raw or processed but not spun; tow, noils and waste of these fibres (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)). The HS code for raw or processed (but not spun) abaca fiber is 530500.
How do I classify abaca fiber for customs?
abaca fiber is classified under HS code 530500 — Coconut, abaca (Manila hemp or Musa textilis Nee), ramie and other vegetable textile fibres n.e.c., raw or processed but not spun; tow, noils and waste of these fibres (including yarn waste and garnetted stock). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is abaca the same as hemp?
No, true hemp (Cannabis sativa) is classified under heading 5302, while abaca (Manila hemp) is a different botanical species classified under 5305.
Which countries are the top exporters of abaca fiber (HS 530500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530500 (the code used for abaca fiber) in UN Comtrade data were India ($582M, 55% of world exports), Sri Lanka ($231M) and Brazil ($46M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 abaca fiber (HS 530500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 530500 (the code used for abaca fiber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($188M, 25% of world imports), Peru (about $70M) and the United States ($64M). World imports came to about $737M, 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.
Is the HS code for abaca fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 530500 for abaca fiber is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for abaca fiber in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 530500 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for abaca fiber depends on the product's details: 5305.00.10 (Raw abaca (Manila hemp)), 5305.00.90 (Coir, ramie, processed abaca, other fibres; waste).