Product classification
HS code for Bolting cloth: 5911.20
Textile products and articles for technical uses, bolting cloth, whether or not made up.
Classification of bolting cloth under HS 5911.20
Bolting cloth is a specialized textile product characterized by its precise and uniform mesh, designed for industrial applications such as sifting, filtering, and screen printing. Its classification under HS code 5911.20 is due to its specific technical use and material characteristics. Chapter 59 of the Harmonized System covers impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated textile fabrics, and textile articles of a kind suitable for industrial use. Subheading 5911.20 specifically identifies "Textile products and articles for technical uses; bolting cloth, whether or not made up." This description accurately captures the essence of bolting cloth as a technical textile, distinguishing it from general textile fabrics and ensuring its correct classification based on its specialized function.
- Covers
- Silk bolting cloth for milling
- Synthetic fiber bolting cloth (e.g., nylon, polyester)
- Bolting cloth for screen printing applications
- Industrial filtering mesh made as bolting cloth
- Sifting cloth with precise mesh counts
- Also under 5911.20
- Sefar Bolting Cloth
- Saati Screen Printing Mesh
- NBC Meshtec
- Tetko (now Sefar)
- Reemay (for filtration)
Codes often confused with 5911.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification might occur with HS 5907.00, which covers "Textile fabrics otherwise impregnated, coated or covered; painted canvas being theatrical scenery, studio back-cloths or the like." While some bolting cloths might be treated, their primary classification is driven by their specific technical function as "bolting cloth," which is explicitly provided for in 5911.20. Another potential confusion could be with HS 5911.90, which is a residual category for "Other textile products and articles for technical uses." However, since bolting cloth is specifically named in 5911.20, this more specific subheading takes precedence over the general "other" category within the same heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 591120 (the code used for bolting cloth), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 591120 (the code used for bolting cloth) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% 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 591120, not only bolting cloth.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $77M 27% of world exports
- 2 China $55M 19% of world exports
- 3 Romania $30M 11% of world exports
World total: $283M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $50M 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $40M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $37M 12% of world imports
World total: $313M 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 bolting cloth
Brazil splits HS 5911.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5911.20.10Man-made fibre bolting cloth in the piece
- 5911.20.90Other bolting cloth, whether or not made up
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bolting cloth
What is the HS code for Bolting cloth?
The HS code for Bolting cloth is 591120 (Textile products and articles for technical uses; bolting cloth, whether or not made up). The HS code for bolting cloth is 5911.20.
How do I classify Bolting cloth for customs?
Bolting cloth is classified under HS code 591120 — Textile products and articles for technical uses; bolting cloth, whether or not made up. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to both raw fabric and finished articles of bolting cloth?
Yes, the HS code 5911.20 explicitly states "bolting cloth, whether or not made up," indicating that both bolting cloth in its raw fabric form and as finished articles are classified under this same code.
Which countries are the top exporters of bolting cloth (HS 591120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 591120 (the code used for bolting cloth) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($77M, 27% of world exports), China ($55M) and Romania ($30M). World exports came to about $283M, 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 bolting cloth (HS 591120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 591120 (the code used for bolting cloth) in UN Comtrade data were China ($50M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($40M) and Germany ($37M). World imports came to about $313M, 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 Bolting cloth the same in all countries?
The base HS code 591120 for Bolting cloth 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 bolting cloth in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 591120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for bolting cloth depends on the product's details: 5911.20.10 (Man-made fibre bolting cloth in the piece), 5911.20.90 (Other bolting cloth, whether or not made up).