Product classification
HS code for Greige acrylic fabric: 5512.21
Fabrics, woven, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, unbleached or bleached.
Classification of greige acrylic fabric under HS 5512.21
Greige acrylic fabric is classified under HS code 5512.21 because it is a woven fabric consisting of 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers, specifically acrylic or modacrylic. The term 'greige' in the textile industry refers to fabric in its raw, unfinished state—either unbleached or bleached—before it has been dyed or printed. The classification process for synthetic fabrics in Chapter 55 requires a clear distinction between staple fibers and continuous filaments. Staple fibers are short, discrete lengths that must be spun into yarn, which gives the resulting fabric a specific texture and durability profile. Under the Harmonized System, the 5512 heading is reserved for fabrics with a high concentration (at least 85%) of a single type of synthetic staple fiber. The subheading .21 specifically targets the unbleached or bleached state of acrylic-based textiles. This classification ensures that the material is recognized as a semi-finished industrial product intended for further processing in the garment or home textile sectors.
- Covers
- Unbleached woven acrylic cloth
- Bleached acrylic canvas for further dyeing
- Greige modacrylic protective clothing fabric
- Raw woven acrylic upholstery base
- 100% acrylic unbleached twill or plain weave fabrics
- Also under 5512.21
- Kanecaron (modacrylic fiber for fabrics)
- Dralon (acrylic fiber for textiles)
- TenCate Protective Fabrics (uses modacrylic in some products)
Codes often confused with 5512.21
Common mistake. This product is often confused with HS code 5407.71, which covers woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn. The critical difference is the fiber type: 5512.21 is for staple fibers (spun yarn), while 5407 is for continuous filaments. Additionally, if the fabric is dyed, it must be moved to 5512.29. Misclassification also occurs with HS code 5515.21, which applies to acrylic fabrics mixed with other fibers where acrylic does not meet the 85% threshold.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551221 (the code used for greige acrylic fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551221 (the code used for greige acrylic fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 95% 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 551221, not only greige acrylic fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $8.0M 53% of world exports
- 2 China $1.6M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.3M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $15M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Morocco $257M 95% of world imports
- 2 Ecuador $6.1M 2.3% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $1.3M 0.5% of world imports
World total: $272M 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 greige acrylic fabric
Brazil classifies greige acrylic fabric under NCM 5512.21.00: HS 5512.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about greige acrylic fabric
What is the HS code for Greige acrylic fabric?
The HS code for Greige acrylic fabric is 551221 (Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more acrylic staple fibers in an unbleached or bleached state is 5512.21.
How do I classify Greige acrylic fabric for customs?
Greige acrylic fabric is classified under HS code 551221 — Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of acrylic or modacrylic staple fibres, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does 'greige' mean for HS classification?
In the context of the HS code, greige refers to fabrics that are 'unbleached' or 'bleached,' meaning they have not yet been dyed, printed, or finished with colored yarns.
Which countries are the top exporters of greige acrylic fabric (HS 551221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551221 (the code used for greige acrylic fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($8.0M, 53% of world exports), China ($1.6M) and the United States ($1.3M). World exports came to about $15M, 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 greige acrylic fabric (HS 551221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551221 (the code used for greige acrylic fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($257M, 95% of world imports), Ecuador ($6.1M) and Malaysia ($1.3M). World imports came to about $272M, 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 Greige acrylic fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551221 for Greige acrylic 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 greige acrylic fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, greige acrylic fabric (HS 551221) is classified under NCM 5512.21.00.