Product classification

HS code for Dyed viscose fabric: 5516.12

Fabrics, woven, dyed, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres.

Classification of dyed viscose fabric under HS 5516.12

Dyed viscose fabric is classified under HS code 5516.12. This classification is determined by the material composition and the manufacturing process of the fibers. Viscose is categorized as an 'artificial' fiber because it is derived from regenerated cellulose, unlike 'synthetic' fibers which are polymer-based. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System covers man-made staple fibers. Heading 5516 is reserved for woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers. The subheading 5516.12 is applied when the fabric consists of 85% or more by weight of these artificial staple fibers and has undergone a dyeing process. The use of staple fibers (short fibers spun into yarn) distinguishes this classification from Chapter 54, which covers continuous filaments. Proper classification requires verifying that the viscose content meets the 85% threshold and that the fabric is dyed a uniform color rather than being printed or woven from multi-colored yarns.

Covers
  • 100% dyed viscose woven fabric
  • Dyed rayon staple fiber cloth
  • Woven fabrics containing 90% viscose staple fibers and 10% cotton
  • Dyed modal staple fiber fabrics (where modal is treated as artificial)
  • Heavy-weight dyed viscose twill made from staple yarns
Also under 5516.12
  • Fabrics from Lenzing (dyed Tencel, Modal)
  • Birla Cellulose (dyed Liva fabrics)
  • specific dyed fabric collections from textile mills like Arvind or Raymond

Codes often confused with 5516.12

Common mistake. A frequent mistake is classifying this material under 5408.22, which is for dyed fabrics made of artificial filament yarn. The difference is whether the viscose is in continuous filament form or short staple form. Another misclassification occurs with 5516.22, which is used for fabrics containing less than 85% artificial staple fibers mixed with other materials. If the fabric is unbleached or bleached rather than dyed, it should be moved to 5516.11. Finally, synthetic fabrics like polyester (Chapter 54 or 55) are often confused with artificial fabrics like viscose, but they are chemically distinct.

5408.22Fabrics, woven; of artificial filament yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial filament, strip or the like, dyed5516.22Fabrics, woven; dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments5516.11Fabrics, woven; unbleached or bleached, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres

Top exporters and importers of HS 551612 (the code used for dyed viscose fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551612 (the code used for dyed viscose fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 87% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 19% of world imports. Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 551612, not only dyed viscose fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $986M
  2. 2 Türkiye $38M
  3. 3 Spain $25M

Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Morocco $199M
  2. 2 Indonesia $87M
  3. 3 Brazil $87M

World total: $1.0B 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 dyed viscose fabric

Brazil classifies dyed viscose fabric under NCM 5516.12.00: HS 5516.12 with 00 added.

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

Questions about dyed viscose fabric

What is the HS code for Dyed viscose fabric?

The HS code for Dyed viscose fabric is 551612 (Fabrics, woven; dyed, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres). The HS code is 5516.12, covering woven fabrics containing 85% or more artificial staple fibers that are dyed.

How do I classify Dyed viscose fabric for customs?

Dyed viscose fabric is classified under HS code 551612 — Fabrics, woven; dyed, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is viscose classified as synthetic or artificial in the HS system?

In the Harmonized System, viscose is classified as an artificial fiber because it is made from regenerated organic polymers (cellulose), whereas synthetic fibers are made from inorganic chemicals.

Which countries are the top exporters of dyed viscose fabric (HS 551612)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551612 (the code used for dyed viscose fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($986M, 87% of world exports), Türkiye ($38M) and Spain ($25M). World exports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of dyed viscose fabric (HS 551612)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 551612 (the code used for dyed viscose fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($199M, 19% of world imports), Indonesia ($87M) and Brazil ($87M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 viscose fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 551612 for Dyed viscose 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 dyed viscose fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, dyed viscose fabric (HS 551612) is classified under NCM 5516.12.00.