Product classification

HS code for Elastic narrow fabric: 5806.20

Fabrics, narrow (excluding pile fabrics), containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread.

Classification of elastic narrow fabric under HS 5806.20

The classification of elastic narrow fabric under HS code 5806.20 is governed by the specific dimensions and material composition of the textile. According to the Section XI notes of the Harmonized System, narrow woven fabrics are defined as those with a width not exceeding 30 centimeters, either woven as such or cut from wider pieces and provided with selvedges on both edges. The sub-heading 5806.20 specifically addresses those narrow fabrics that contain 5% or more by weight of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread. This percentage is a critical threshold; if the elastomeric content is lower, the product would be classified elsewhere. The elastomeric component provides the fabric with its characteristic stretch and recovery properties, which are essential for its use in various industrial and consumer applications. This classification ensures that elasticated ribbons and tapes are distinguished from their non-elastic counterparts, reflecting their different manufacturing processes and end-use requirements. The determination of the weight percentage must be done through laboratory analysis if not clearly specified in the technical data sheet. This ensures that the 5% threshold is strictly met, as even a small deviation would result in a different classification under heading 5806.

Covers
  • Elastic ribbons for lingerie and intimate apparel
  • Woven elastic waistbands for sportswear
  • Stretchable athletic tapes and support bands
  • Elasticated bandages for non-medicated use
  • Bra straps and adjustable garment components
Also under 5806.20
  • Nike Dri-FIT waistbands
  • Under Armour compression bands
  • 3M Coban self-adherent wrap
  • Speedo swimwear elastic
  • YKK elastic tapes

Codes often confused with 5806.20

Common mistake. A frequent error is misclassifying these items under 5806.32, which is for narrow woven fabrics of synthetic fibers that do not contain the required 5% elastomeric content. Another common mistake is using 6002.40 or 6002.90, which are for knitted or crocheted fabrics containing elastomeric yarn. The distinction between woven (5806) and knitted (6002) construction is fundamental to correct HS classification.

5806.32Fabrics, narrow woven fabrics, n.e.c. in heading no. 5806, of man-made fibres (excluding goods of heading no. 5807)6002.40Fabrics; knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 60.01, of a width not exceeding 30 cm, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn but not containing rubber thread6002.90Fabrics; knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 60.01, of a width not exceeding 30 cm, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread58.06Fabrics; narrow woven, other than goods of heading 5807; narrow fabrics consisting of warp without weft assembled by means of an adhesive (bolducs)60.02Fabrics; knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 60.01, of a width not exceeding 30cm, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread

Top exporters and importers of HS 580620 (the code used for elastic narrow fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 580620 (the code used for elastic narrow fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 14% of world imports. Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 1.3% of its imports here ($1.7M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 580620, not only elastic narrow fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $552M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $181M
  3. 3 Italy $51M

World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$157M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $118M
  3. 3 Bangladesh* ~$117M

Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 1.3% of its imports here ($1.7M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $1.1B 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 elastic narrow fabric

Brazil classifies elastic narrow fabric under NCM 5806.20.00: HS 5806.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about elastic narrow fabric

What is the HS code for Elastic narrow fabric?

The HS code for Elastic narrow fabric is 580620 (Fabrics; narrow (excluding pile fabrics), containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread). The primary HS code for narrow woven fabrics containing at least 5% elastomeric yarn or rubber thread is 5806.20.

How do I classify Elastic narrow fabric for customs?

Elastic narrow fabric is classified under HS code 580620 — Fabrics; narrow (excluding pile fabrics), containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I distinguish between woven and knitted elastic?

Woven elastic is created by interlacing warp and weft threads at right angles, resulting in a firmer structure, whereas knitted elastic is formed by interlocking loops, providing more flexibility and a softer feel.

Which countries are the top exporters of elastic narrow fabric (HS 580620)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 580620 (the code used for elastic narrow fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($552M, 47% of world exports), Hong Kong ($181M) and Italy ($51M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 elastic narrow fabric (HS 580620)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 580620 (the code used for elastic narrow fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $157M, 14% of world imports), Hong Kong ($118M) and Bangladesh (about $117M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Bangladesh did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 1.3% of its imports here ($1.7M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Is the HS code for Elastic narrow fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 580620 for Elastic narrow 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 elastic narrow fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, elastic narrow fabric (HS 580620) is classified under NCM 5806.20.00.