Product classification

HS code for Dyed poly-cotton plain weave: 5513.21

Fabrics, woven, plain weave, dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2.

Classification of dyed poly-cotton plain weave under HS 5513.21

Dyed poly-cotton plain weave fabric is classified under HS code 5513.21. This classification applies to woven fabrics made from synthetic staple fibers (specifically polyester) mixed mainly or solely with cotton, with a total weight not exceeding 170 g/m2. The "plain weave" designation is a critical technical requirement for this specific subheading, referring to the simplest interlacing of warp and weft yarns in a 1/1 ratio. Because the fabric contains less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibers, it is excluded from heading 55.12 and placed into 55.13. The "dyed" status indicates that the fabric was colored in the piece, distinguishing it from unbleached, bleached, or printed varieties. This type of fabric is common in the production of lightweight apparel, such as budget-friendly shirting and medical scrubs, where the breathability of cotton is combined with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester.

Covers
  • Dyed poly-cotton batiste (plain weave)
  • Dyed poly-cotton poplin (plain weave, under 170g/m2)
  • Dyed poly-cotton broadcloth
  • Dyed poly-cotton lawn blends
  • Dyed poly-cotton muslin (synthetic staple fiber blend)
Also under 5513.21
  • Uniqlo (shirting fabrics)
  • H&M (blouse fabrics)
  • Gap (casual wear fabrics)
  • Zara (lightweight apparel fabrics)
  • Brooks Brothers (some shirting blends)

Codes often confused with 5513.21

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 5513.23, which covers poly-cotton blends that are not plain weave (such as twills). Another common error is using heading 52.10, which is for fabrics where cotton is the predominant fiber (85% or more) but mixed with man-made fibers, weighing under 200g/m2. Additionally, if the fabric weight exceeds 170 g/m2, it must be classified under heading 55.14. Importers must also ensure the polyester is staple fiber; if it is filament yarn, the fabric belongs in heading 54.07.

5513.23Fabrics, woven; dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 551321 (the code used for dyed poly-cotton plain weave), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551321 (the code used for dyed poly-cotton plain weave) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 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 551321, not only dyed poly-cotton plain weave.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $256M
  2. 2 Pakistan $37M
  3. 3 United States $26M

World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$50M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$23M
  3. 3 Honduras* ~$18M

World total: $295M 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 dyed poly-cotton plain weave

Brazil classifies dyed poly-cotton plain weave under NCM 5513.21.00: HS 5513.21 with 00 added.

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

Questions about dyed poly-cotton plain weave

What is the HS code for Dyed poly-cotton plain weave?

The HS code for Dyed poly-cotton plain weave is 551321 (Fabrics, woven; plain weave, dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2). The HS code is 5513.21 for fabrics weighing 170g/m2 or less.

How do I classify Dyed poly-cotton plain weave for customs?

Dyed poly-cotton plain weave is classified under HS code 551321 — Fabrics, woven; plain weave, dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is the 170g/m2 weight limit verified?

Customs authorities verify weight by measuring a sample of the fabric in grams per square meter (GSM). If the fabric is 171g/m2, it moves to a different heading (55.14).

Which countries are the top exporters of dyed poly-cotton plain weave (HS 551321)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551321 (the code used for dyed poly-cotton plain weave) in UN Comtrade data were China ($256M, 65% of world exports), Pakistan ($37M) and the United States ($26M). World exports came to about $391M, 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 dyed poly-cotton plain weave (HS 551321)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 551321 (the code used for dyed poly-cotton plain weave) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $50M, 17% of world imports), Vietnam (about $23M) and Honduras (about $18M). World imports came to about $295M, 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 Dyed poly-cotton plain weave the same in all countries?

The base HS code 551321 for Dyed poly-cotton plain weave 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 dyed poly-cotton plain weave in Brazil?

In Brazil, dyed poly-cotton plain weave (HS 551321) is classified under NCM 5513.21.00.