Product classification
HS code for Bleached synthetic fabric: 5512.91
Fabrics, woven, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5512, unbleached or bleached.
Classification of bleached synthetic fabric under HS 5512.91
Bleached synthetic fabric is classified under HS code 5512.91. This classification falls within Chapter 55, which encompasses man-made staple fibers. Heading 5512 is designated for woven fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers. The subheading 5512.91 specifically addresses fabrics that are either unbleached or bleached and do not consist primarily of polyester or acrylic staple fibers (which have their own specific subheadings like 5512.11). The classification process involves verifying that the fibers are 'staple' (discontinuous) rather than 'filament' (continuous), and that the synthetic content meets the 85% threshold. Bleaching is a finishing process that removes natural pigments or yellowish tints from the fibers, resulting in a white base suitable for high-quality printing or medical applications. The woven nature of the fabric, characterized by the interlacing of warp and weft yarns, distinguishes it from knitted or non-woven materials.
- Covers
- Bleached woven fabrics of nylon staple fibers (85%+)
- Bleached woven fabrics of polypropylene staple fibers
- Bleached woven fabrics of mixed synthetic staple fibers (85%+)
- White woven industrial fabrics made from synthetic staple fibers
- Also under 5512.91
- Invista Cordura (base fabric)
- DuPont Sorona (base fabric)
- Toray polyester staple fabrics
- Reliance Industries polyester staple fabrics
- Indorama Ventures (base fabrics)
Codes often confused with 5512.91
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these fabrics under 5407, which is reserved for woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn. Another frequent misclassification occurs with 5513 or 5514, which apply to synthetic staple fiber fabrics mixed with cotton. If the fabric is knitted rather than woven, it must be moved to Chapter 60. Furthermore, if the fabric is dyed or printed, it would fall under 5512.99 rather than 5512.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551291 (the code used for bleached synthetic fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551291 (the code used for bleached synthetic fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% 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 551291, not only bleached synthetic fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $11M 30% of world exports
- 2 China $7.5M 21% of world exports
- 3 France $3.9M 11% of world exports
World total: $35M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $9.4M 19% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $5.2M 10% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $5.0M 10% of world imports
World total: $50M 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 codes for bleached synthetic fabric
Brazil splits HS 5512.91 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5512.91.10(Un)bleached aramid staple fabric, 85% or more
- 5512.91.90Other (un)bleached synthetic fabric, 85% or more
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bleached synthetic fabric
What is the HS code for Bleached synthetic fabric?
The HS code for Bleached synthetic fabric is 551291 (Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5512, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more synthetic staple fibers that are bleached is 5512.91.
How do I classify Bleached synthetic fabric for customs?
Bleached synthetic fabric is classified under HS code 551291 — Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5512, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between staple and filament fabrics?
Staple fiber fabrics (Chapter 55) are made from short, spun fibers and often have a fuzzier texture, whereas filament fabrics (Chapter 54) are made from continuous strands and are typically smoother.
Which countries are the top exporters of bleached synthetic fabric (HS 551291)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551291 (the code used for bleached synthetic fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($11M, 30% of world exports), China ($7.5M) and France ($3.9M). World exports came to about $35M, 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 synthetic fabric (HS 551291)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551291 (the code used for bleached synthetic fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($9.4M, 19% of world imports), Belgium ($5.2M) and the Netherlands ($5.0M). World imports came to about $50M, 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 synthetic fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551291 for Bleached synthetic 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 synthetic fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 551291 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for bleached synthetic fabric depends on the product's details: 5512.91.10 ((Un)bleached aramid staple fabric, 85% or more), 5512.91.90 (Other (un)bleached synthetic fabric, 85% or more).