Product classification

HS code for Greige polyester fabric: 5512.11

Fabrics, woven, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, unbleached or bleached.

Classification of greige polyester fabric under HS 5512.11

Greige polyester fabric is classified under HS code 5512.11. This code applies to woven fabrics made from synthetic staple fibers where polyester staple fibers account for 85% or more of the total weight. The fabric must be in an unbleached or bleached state, which is collectively referred to as 'greige' in trade terminology. The classification under Chapter 55 is specific to staple fibers—fibers of a fixed, relatively short length—as opposed to the continuous filaments found in Chapter 54. Polyester staple fibers are often used to create fabrics that mimic the feel of natural fibers like cotton or wool while maintaining the durability and wrinkle resistance of synthetic polymers. The subheading 5512.11 is used for the most basic form of these fabrics before they are dyed, printed, or finished. This classification is critical for customs purposes because it identifies the raw material composition and the stage of manufacture, which influences the applicable tariff rates and trade regulations.

Covers
  • Unbleached 100% polyester staple fiber fabric
  • Bleached polyester woven cloth (85%+ staple fiber)
  • Greige polyester canvas (staple fiber)
  • Raw woven polyester fabric for industrial use
  • Unfinished polyester apparel fabric (staple fiber)
Also under 5512.11
  • Reliance Industries (polyester base fabrics)
  • Toray Industries (unprocessed polyester textiles)
  • Invista (fabric components for various brands)

Codes often confused with 5512.11

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 5407.51, which covers unbleached woven fabrics of textured polyester filaments. The distinction depends entirely on whether the yarn is made of staple fibers or filaments. Another error is using 5513.11, which is for polyester staple fiber fabrics mixed with cotton, where the polyester content is less than 85%.

5407.51Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, unbleached or bleached5513.11Fabrics, woven; plain weave, of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170g/m2, unbleached or bleached

Top exporters and importers of HS 551211 (the code used for greige polyester fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551211 (the code used for greige polyester fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.1% of world imports. Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 551211, not only greige polyester fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $179M
  2. 2 Pakistan $32M
  3. 3 Germany $12M

Japan reports $659M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $299M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $22M
  2. 2 Morocco $21M
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$15M

World total: $266M 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 greige polyester fabric

Brazil classifies greige polyester fabric under NCM 5512.11.00: HS 5512.11 with 00 added.

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

Questions about greige polyester fabric

What is the HS code for Greige polyester fabric?

The HS code for Greige polyester fabric is 551211 (Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more polyester staple fibers in an unbleached or bleached state is 5512.11.

How do I classify Greige polyester fabric for customs?

Greige polyester fabric is classified under HS code 551211 — Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I distinguish between staple fiber and filament polyester?

Staple fibers are short lengths spun into yarn, resulting in a 'fuzzier' texture, while filaments are continuous strands. This distinction determines whether the fabric falls under Chapter 54 or Chapter 55.

Which countries are the top exporters of greige polyester fabric (HS 551211)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551211 (the code used for greige polyester fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($179M, 60% of world exports), Pakistan ($32M) and Germany ($12M). World exports came to about $299M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Japan reports $659M 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 greige polyester fabric (HS 551211)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 551211 (the code used for greige polyester fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($22M, 8.1% of world imports), Morocco ($21M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $15M). World imports came to about $266M, 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 polyester fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 551211 for Greige polyester 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 polyester fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, greige polyester fabric (HS 551211) is classified under NCM 5512.11.00.