Product classification
HS code for Artificial fiber fabric: 5516.91
Fabrics, woven, unbleached or bleached, of artificial staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5516.
Classification of artificial fiber fabric under HS 5516.91
Artificial fiber fabric is classified under HS code 551691 because it represents woven fabrics made from artificial staple fibers that are unbleached or bleached, and not specifically covered by other more precise subheadings within heading 5516. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to man-made staple fibers, and heading 5516 specifically addresses woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers. The \"n.e.c. in heading no. 5516\" (not elsewhere specified or included) aspect of the description for 551691 ensures that fabrics meeting the criteria of being woven, made of artificial staple fibers, and in an unbleached or bleached state, but not fitting into other specific categories (e.g., those with a high percentage of artificial staple fibers or specific dyes), are correctly classified here.
- Covers
- Woven fabrics of viscose rayon staple fibers (unbleached or bleached)
- Woven fabrics of modal staple fibers (unbleached or bleached)
- Woven fabrics of lyocell staple fibers (unbleached or bleached)
- Blended woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers (unbleached or bleached), where no single fiber predominates to qualify for a more specific subheading
- Also under 5516.91
- Lenzing Ecovero greige fabric
- Birla Cellulose bleached fabric
- Sateri unbleached viscose fabric
- Eastman Naia greige fabric
Codes often confused with 5516.91
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include HS code 551611, which covers \"Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres, unbleached or bleached.\" The distinction lies in the fiber composition; 551691 is for fabrics not meeting the 85% threshold or other specific criteria within 5516. Another area of confusion is with HS Chapter 54, which covers woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn. The key difference is between staple fibers (short, cut fibers) and filament yarns (continuous, long strands). Additionally, knitted or crocheted fabrics of artificial fibers would fall under HS Chapter 60, such as 600641, rather than 551691, as the manufacturing method is different.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551691 (the code used for artificial fiber fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551691 (the code used for artificial fiber fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 24% 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 551691, not only artificial fiber fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $27M 59% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $3.4M 7.5% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $3.3M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $45M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Egypt $15M 24% of world imports
- 2 Kazakhstan $14M 22% of world imports
- 3 Italy $5.3M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $62M 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 artificial fiber fabric
Brazil classifies artificial fiber fabric under NCM 5516.91.00: HS 5516.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about artificial fiber fabric
What is the HS code for Artificial fiber fabric?
The HS code for Artificial fiber fabric is 551691 (Fabrics, woven; unbleached or bleached, of artificial staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5516). The HS code for artificial fiber fabric, specifically woven, unbleached or bleached, and made of artificial staple fibers not elsewhere specified in heading 5516, is 551691.
How do I classify Artificial fiber fabric for customs?
Artificial fiber fabric is classified under HS code 551691 — Fabrics, woven; unbleached or bleached, of artificial staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5516. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between artificial staple fibers and artificial filament yarns in HS classification?
Artificial staple fibers are short-length fibers, often cut from continuous filaments, designed to mimic natural fibers, and are primarily covered in HS Chapter 55 for woven fabrics. Artificial filament yarns are continuous, long strands of synthetic material, and their woven fabrics are primarily covered in HS Chapter 54. This distinction is crucial for accurate classification within the Harmonized System.
Which countries are the top exporters of artificial fiber fabric (HS 551691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551691 (the code used for artificial fiber fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($27M, 59% of world exports), the Netherlands ($3.4M) and Indonesia ($3.3M). World exports came to about $45M, 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 artificial fiber fabric (HS 551691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551691 (the code used for artificial fiber fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($15M, 24% of world imports), Kazakhstan ($14M) and Italy ($5.3M). World imports came to about $62M, 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 Artificial fiber fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551691 for Artificial fiber fabric 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 artificial fiber fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, artificial fiber fabric (HS 551691) is classified under NCM 5516.91.00.