Product classification

HS code for bleached linen blend: 5309.21

Fabrics, woven, of flax, containing less than 85% flax, unbleached or bleached.

Classification of bleached linen blend under HS 5309.21

Classification of bleached linen blends under HS code 5309.21 follows the hierarchical structure of Chapter 53, which governs vegetable textile fibers and woven fabrics. To fall under this specific code, the fabric must be woven and composed of flax (linen), but the flax content must be less than 85% by weight. This classification is governed by Section XI Note 2, which dictates that goods consisting of two or more textile materials are classified as if consisting wholly of that one textile material which predominates by weight over any other single textile material. Furthermore, the fabric must be either unbleached or bleached. Bleaching is a chemical process used to remove the natural yellowish or brownish pigments from the flax fibers, resulting in a white or off-white appearance. This code is used for fabrics where flax is the primary fiber but is blended with other materials like cotton, polyester, or silk, provided the flax remains the heaviest component or the defining characteristic under the rules of precedence.

Covers
  • Woven fabrics containing 60% flax and 40% cotton, bleached
  • Linen-polyester blends (e.g., 55% flax) that have undergone a bleaching process
  • Unbleached linen-viscose woven fabrics where flax predominates
  • Lightweight bleached linen-blend shirting fabrics
  • Bleached linen-blend canvas for artistic or industrial use
Also under 5309.21
  • H&M (linen blend apparel)
  • Pottery Barn (linen blend home goods)
  • Libeco (linen blends)
  • Zara Home
  • Crate & Barrel.

Codes often confused with 5309.21

Common mistake. The most common error is confusing 5309.21 with 5309.11. The latter is reserved for fabrics containing 85% or more flax by weight. Another frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 5309.29, which covers linen blends that are dyed, yarns of different colors, or printed. If the fabric has any color added beyond the bleaching stage, it must be moved to 5309.29. Additionally, if cotton predominates by weight over the flax, the fabric should be classified under Chapter 52 (e.g., 5210 or 5211), regardless of the linen content.

5309.11Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached5309.29Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing less than 85% flax, other than unbleached or bleached52.10Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m252.11Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 530921 (the code used for bleached linen blend), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530921 (the code used for bleached linen blend) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 23% 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 530921, not only bleached linen blend.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $77M
  2. 2 Spain $5.9M
  3. 3 Portugal $5.4M

World total: $117M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$25M
  2. 2 Cambodia* ~$8.4M
  3. 3 United States $7.5M

World total: $108M 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 code for bleached linen blend

Brazil classifies bleached linen blend under NCM 5309.21.00: HS 5309.21 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about bleached linen blend

What is the HS code for bleached linen blend?

The HS code for bleached linen blend is 530921 (Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing less than 85% flax, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for woven fabrics of flax, containing less than 85% flax by weight and being unbleached or bleached, is 5309.21.

How do I classify bleached linen blend for customs?

bleached linen blend is classified under HS code 530921 — Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing less than 85% flax, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include linen blends mixed with synthetic fibers?

Yes, as long as the flax content is the predominant textile material by weight and the total flax content is less than 85%.

Which countries are the top exporters of bleached linen blend (HS 530921)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530921 (the code used for bleached linen blend) in UN Comtrade data were China ($77M, 65% of world exports), Spain ($5.9M) and Portugal ($5.4M). World exports came to about $117M, 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 bleached linen blend (HS 530921)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 530921 (the code used for bleached linen blend) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $25M, 23% of world imports), Cambodia (about $8.4M) and the United States ($7.5M). World imports came to about $108M, 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 bleached linen blend the same in all countries?

The base HS code 530921 for bleached linen blend 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 bleached linen blend in Brazil?

In Brazil, bleached linen blend (HS 530921) is classified under NCM 5309.21.00.