Product classification
HS code for Fishing nets: 5608.11
Twine, cordage or rope, fishing nets, made up, of man made textile materials.
Classification of fishing nets under HS 5608.11
HS code 5608.11 is designated for made-up fishing nets manufactured from man-made textile materials. Chapter 56 deals with wadding, felt, nonwovens, special yarns, twine, cordage, rope, and cables. Heading 5608 specifically covers knotted netting of twine, cordage, or rope, and made-up fishing nets. The subheading 5608.11 is a specific classification for nets that are ready for use (made-up) and composed of synthetic or artificial fibers like nylon, polyester, or polyethylene. The term "made-up" implies that the netting has been finished into a specific shape or fitted with accessories like floats, weights, or handles, or at least cut to size for a specific fishing application. The material composition is the primary factor in choosing 5608.11 over 5608.90. This classification is critical for trade statistics regarding the commercial fishing industry gear and the textile industry output of high-strength synthetic netting. According to GRI 1, the classification is determined by the material (man-made textiles) and the specific application (fishing). If the netting is in the piece (large rolls) and not yet "made-up" into a net, it might still fall under 5608.19, but 5608.11 is the primary destination for finished fishing equipment.
- Covers
- Nylon gill nets and trammeled nets
- Polyester trawl nets for commercial vessels
- Cast nets made of synthetic monofilament
- Purse seine nets made of man-made fibers
- Landing nets for recreational fishing
- Also under 5608.11
- Fitec Super Spreader Cast Net
- Mustad Fishing Nets
- Momoi Hi-Catch Monofilament
- Lindgren-Pitman Electralume
- Bridon-Cooke Fishing Ropes
Codes often confused with 5608.11
Common mistake. Fishing nets are often misclassified under 5608.19, which is for other types of made-up nets (like cargo nets or safety nets) made of man-made fibers. Another common error is using 5608.90, which is reserved for nets made of natural fibers like cotton or hemp rather than synthetic materials.
Top exporters and importers of HS 560811 (the code used for fishing nets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560811 (the code used for fishing nets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 8.2% 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 560811, not only fishing nets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $454M 43% of world exports
- 2 India $90M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $87M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Norway $67M 8.2% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $65M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$62M 7.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $811M 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 fishing nets
Brazil classifies fishing nets under NCM 5608.11.00: HS 5608.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fishing nets
What is the HS code for Fishing nets?
The HS code for Fishing nets is 560811 (Twine, cordage or rope; fishing nets, made up, of man made textile materials). The HS code for made-up fishing nets made of man-made textile materials is 5608.11. Nets made of other materials use 5608.90.
How do I classify Fishing nets for customs?
Fishing nets is classified under HS code 560811 — Twine, cordage or rope; fishing nets, made up, of man made textile materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does "made-up" mean for fishing nets?
"Made-up" refers to nets that are finished and ready for use, often having been shaped, hemmed, or fitted with fishing-specific hardware like weights or floats.
Which countries are the top exporters of fishing nets (HS 560811)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560811 (the code used for fishing nets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($454M, 43% of world exports), India ($90M) and Thailand ($87M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of fishing nets (HS 560811)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 560811 (the code used for fishing nets) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($67M, 8.2% of world imports), South Korea ($65M) and Vietnam (about $62M). World imports came to about $811M, 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 Fishing nets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 560811 for Fishing nets 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 fishing nets in Brazil?
In Brazil, fishing nets (HS 560811) is classified under NCM 5608.11.00.