Product classification
HS code for Gauze fabric: 5803.00
Gauze, other than narrow fabrics of heading no. 5806.
Classification of gauze fabric under HS 5803.00
Gauze fabric is classified under HS code 5803.00. This classification is based on the unique weave structure of the fabric, known as a leno or gauze weave. In this construction, the warp threads do not remain parallel but are crossed over each other and held in place by the weft threads. This creates a stable, open-mesh fabric that is lightweight and breathable. Chapter 58 covers special woven fabrics, and heading 5803 is specifically dedicated to gauze. It is important to note that this classification applies to the fabric in the roll or piece, provided it is not a narrow fabric (less than 30 cm in width). The material composition can be cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers, but the defining characteristic for 5803.00 is the specific crossing of the warp threads.
- Covers
- Cotton gauze fabric in the piece
- Synthetic fiber leno-weave fabrics
- Silk gauze for apparel or decoration
- Open-mesh woven fabrics (leno weave)
- Gauze used for curtains or furnishings
- Also under 5803.00
- Johnson & Johnson medical gauze (fabric component)
- Curad gauze pads (fabric component)
- unbleached cheesecloth
Codes often confused with 5803.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3005, which covers medical or surgical gauze that has been impregnated with pharmaceutical substances or put up in forms for retail sale. Standard textile gauze is 5803.00, while medical-grade finished gauze is 3005. Another error is using 5208 or 5209 for plain-woven cotton fabrics; these lack the crossed warp threads of true gauze. Additionally, narrow gauze ribbons (under 30 cm) are classified under 5806.
Top exporters and importers of HS 580300 (the code used for gauze fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 580300 (the code used for gauze fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 580300, not only gauze fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $14M 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $8.7M 15% of world exports
- 3 Japan $7.9M 13% of world exports
World total: $58M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $9.4M 12% of world imports
- 2 Poland $8.6M 11% of world imports
- 3 Armenia $4.8M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $80M 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 codes for gauze fabric
Brazil splits HS 5803.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5803.00.10Cotton gauze fabrics
- 5803.00.90Gauze of other textile materials
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gauze fabric
What is the HS code for Gauze fabric?
The HS code for Gauze fabric is 580300 (Gauze; other than narrow fabrics of heading no. 5806). The HS code for gauze fabric (other than narrow fabrics) is 5803.00.
How do I classify Gauze fabric for customs?
Gauze fabric is classified under HS code 580300 — Gauze; other than narrow fabrics of heading no. 5806. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is bolting cloth classified as gauze?
No, bolting cloth, even if it has an open weave, is specifically classified under HS code 5911.20 for technical use.
Which countries are the top exporters of gauze fabric (HS 580300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 580300 (the code used for gauze fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($14M, 23% of world exports), Germany ($8.7M) and Japan ($7.9M). World exports came to about $58M, 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 gauze fabric (HS 580300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 580300 (the code used for gauze fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.4M, 12% of world imports), Poland ($8.6M) and Armenia ($4.8M). World imports came to about $80M, 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 Gauze fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 580300 for Gauze 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 gauze fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 580300 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gauze fabric depends on the product's details: 5803.00.10 (Cotton gauze fabrics), 5803.00.90 (Gauze of other textile materials).