Product classification
HS code for bleached linen fabric: 5309.11
Fabrics, woven, of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached.
Classification of bleached linen fabric under HS 5309.11
HS code 5309.11 is designated for woven fabrics of flax that contain a high purity of linen, specifically 85% or more flax by weight. The classification process requires a precise fiber content analysis to ensure the 85% threshold is met. Under the Harmonized System, flax fabrics are categorized by their weight percentage and their finishing state. The suffix .11 specifically denotes fabrics that are either unbleached or bleached. Unbleached fabrics are those made from yarns that have not been subjected to bleaching or dyeing, retaining the natural color of the flax. Bleached fabrics have been treated with oxidizing agents to achieve a white finish. This classification is vital for high-end textile trade, as pure linen (or near-pure linen) carries different tariff implications and quality standards compared to lower-percentage blends. The weave must be a standard woven construction (plain, twill, or satin) to qualify under heading 5309.
- Covers
- 100% pure bleached linen fabric for bed linens
- Woven flax fabric containing 90% flax and 10% silk, bleached
- Unbleached 100% linen canvas for upholstery
- Bleached linen scrim used in window treatments
- High-purity flax fabrics for apparel, unbleached
- Also under 5309.11
- Libeco unbleached linen
- Solbiati bleached linen
- Masters of Linen greige fabric
- Safilin linen fabric
Codes often confused with 5309.11
Common mistake. A frequent mistake is classifying these fabrics under 5309.19, which is the category for dyed or printed pure linen. If the fabric has been dyed a specific color or has a pattern printed on it, it cannot stay in 5309.11. Another common error involves the 85% weight limit; if the flax content drops to 84%, the product must be reclassified under 5309.21. Furthermore, if the fabric is not woven but rather knitted or crocheted, it would fall under Chapter 60, even if it is 100% flax. Finally, flax-like fabrics made from ramie are classified under 5311, not 5309.
Top exporters and importers of HS 530911 (the code used for bleached linen fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530911 (the code used for bleached linen fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 17% 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 530911, not only bleached linen fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $219M 55% of world exports
- 2 Belarus* ~$38M 9.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $28M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $397M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $56M 17% of world imports
- 2 Italy $36M 11% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$27M 8.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $326M 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 fabric
Brazil classifies bleached linen fabric under NCM 5309.11.00: HS 5309.11 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 fabric
What is the HS code for bleached linen fabric?
The HS code for bleached linen fabric is 530911 (Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more flax by weight, which are unbleached or bleached, is 5309.11.
How do I classify bleached linen fabric for customs?
bleached linen fabric is classified under HS code 530911 — Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a fabric with 15% cotton be classified here?
Yes, if the fabric contains exactly 85% flax and 15% cotton and is bleached or unbleached, it qualifies for HS code 5309.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of bleached linen fabric (HS 530911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530911 (the code used for bleached linen fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($219M, 55% of world exports), Belarus (about $38M) and Belgium ($28M). World exports came to about $397M, 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 fabric (HS 530911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 530911 (the code used for bleached linen fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($56M, 17% of world imports), Italy ($36M) and Bangladesh (about $27M). World imports came to about $326M, 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 fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 530911 for bleached linen 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 bleached linen fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, bleached linen fabric (HS 530911) is classified under NCM 5309.11.00.