Product classification
HS code for Book cloth: 5901.10
Textile fabrics, coated with gum or amylaceous substances, of a kind used for the outer covers of books or the like.
Classification of book cloth under HS 5901.10
Book cloth is classified under HS code 5901.10 as it represents a specific type of textile fabric that has been treated for a technical application. This code covers fabrics coated with gum or amylaceous substances (such as starch) specifically intended for use in the outer covers of books, journals, or similar bound items. The classification is determined by the nature of the coating and the intended use of the fabric. Unlike standard textiles, book cloth must possess specific properties like stiffness, durability, and resistance to adhesive penetration, which are achieved through the application of these specific substances. The HS nomenclature groups these materials under Chapter 59, which deals with impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated textile fabrics, with 5901.10 being the specific subheading for bookbinding materials that use starch or gum as the primary coating agent.
- Covers
- Starch-coated bookbinding cloth
- Buckram for book covers
- Gum-coated textile fabrics for binding
- Calico cloth for bookbinding
- Primed canvas for book covers
- Also under 5901.10
- F. Schumacher bookbinding fabrics
- Holliston Mills book cloth
- Winter & Company bookbinding materials
- university press book covers
- archival book repair cloth
Codes often confused with 5901.10
Common mistake. Book cloth is often misclassified under HS code 5903, which covers textile fabrics laminated or coated with plastics. If the book cloth is coated with PVC or polyurethane instead of starch or gum, it must be classified under 5903. It is also sometimes confused with 3921, which covers cellular plastic sheets that may look like cloth but lack a textile base. Furthermore, plain woven cotton fabrics without the specific gum coating should be classified in Chapter 52.
Top exporters and importers of HS 590110 (the code used for book cloth), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 590110 (the code used for book cloth) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 590110, not only book cloth.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $36M 33% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $19M 18% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $16M 15% of world exports
World total: $107M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $10M 14% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $5.9M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $3.9M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $74M 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 book cloth
Brazil classifies book cloth under NCM 5901.10.00: HS 5901.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about book cloth
What is the HS code for Book cloth?
The HS code for Book cloth is 590110 (Textile fabrics; coated with gum or amylaceous substances, of a kind used for the outer covers of books or the like). The HS code for textile fabrics coated with gum or starch for book covers is 5901.10.
How do I classify Book cloth for customs?
Book cloth is classified under HS code 590110 — Textile fabrics; coated with gum or amylaceous substances, of a kind used for the outer covers of books or the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can plastic-coated fabrics be classified here?
No, fabrics coated with plastics like PVC for bookbinding are classified under HS code 5903.10 or 5903.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of book cloth (HS 590110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 590110 (the code used for book cloth) in UN Comtrade data were China ($36M, 33% of world exports), Czechia ($19M) and the Netherlands ($16M). World exports came to about $107M, 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 book cloth (HS 590110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 590110 (the code used for book cloth) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($10M, 14% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($5.9M) and the United States ($3.9M). World imports came to about $74M, 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 Book cloth the same in all countries?
The base HS code 590110 for Book 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 book cloth in Brazil?
In Brazil, book cloth (HS 590110) is classified under NCM 5901.10.00.