Product classification
HS code for Lightweight cashmere fabric: 5111.11
Fabrics, woven, of carded wool or of carded fine animal hair, containing 85% or more by weight of wool or of fine animal hair, of a weight not exceeding 300g/m2.
Classification of lightweight cashmere fabric under HS 5111.11
Lightweight cashmere fabric is classified under HS code 5111.11, a designation that relies on the origin of the fiber and the mechanical processing it undergoes. Cashmere is categorized as "fine animal hair" under the Harmonized System. Heading 5111 is reserved for woven fabrics of carded wool or carded fine animal hair. The distinction between "carded" and "combed" is vital; carded fibers are generally shorter and produce a fuzzier, warmer texture compared to the smooth finish of combed (worsted) wool found in heading 5112. To fall under 5111.11, the fabric must contain 85% or more by weight of cashmere and must not exceed a weight of 300g/m2. This classification reflects the premium nature of the material while distinguishing it from heavier coatings or blended textiles that contain significant amounts of synthetic fibers or lower-grade wool. The weight threshold of 300g/m2 is the dividing line between lightweight apparel fabrics and heavier industrial or outerwear textiles.
- Covers
- 100% carded cashmere woven fabric
- Carded cashmere blends (min 85% cashmere)
- Lightweight cashmere flannel
- Carded fine animal hair suitings under 300g/m2
- Soft-finish cashmere scarves (woven)
- Also under 5111.11
- Loro Piana (lightweight wools)
- Vitale Barberis Canonico (fine woolen fabrics)
- Abraham Moon & Sons (lightweight tweeds)
Codes often confused with 5111.11
Common mistake. Which other HS codes get confused with this one and why. Mention specific code numbers. The most common misclassification is HS code 5112.11, which is for combed (worsted) wool or fine animal hair. If the cashmere has been combed rather than carded, it must move to 5112. Additionally, if the fabric weighs more than 300g/m2, it falls under HS code 5111.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 511111 (the code used for lightweight cashmere fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 511111 (the code used for lightweight cashmere fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 9.8% 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 511111, not only lightweight cashmere fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $50M 44% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $19M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $6.1M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $115M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $11M 9.8% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $8.9M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Italy $7.8M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $108M 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 lightweight cashmere fabric
Brazil splits HS 5111.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5111.11.10Carded wool fabric, min 85% wool, max 300 g/m²
- 5111.11.20Carded fine hair fabric, min 85%, max 300 g/m²
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lightweight cashmere fabric
What is the HS code for Lightweight cashmere fabric?
The HS code for Lightweight cashmere fabric is 511111 (Fabrics, woven; of carded wool or of carded fine animal hair, containing 85% or more by weight of wool or of fine animal hair, of a weight not exceeding 300g/m2). The HS code for woven fabrics of carded cashmere (fine animal hair) containing 85% or more by weight and not exceeding 300g/m2 is 5111.11.
How do I classify Lightweight cashmere fabric for customs?
Lightweight cashmere fabric is classified under HS code 511111 — Fabrics, woven; of carded wool or of carded fine animal hair, containing 85% or more by weight of wool or of fine animal hair, of a weight not exceeding 300g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is cashmere distinguished from sheep's wool in the HS?
Cashmere is classified as "fine animal hair," whereas sheep's wool is classified as "wool." Both fall under Chapter 51 but are separated at the subheading level based on fiber diameter and origin.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight cashmere fabric (HS 511111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 511111 (the code used for lightweight cashmere fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($50M, 44% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($19M) and China ($6.1M). World exports came to about $115M, 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 lightweight cashmere fabric (HS 511111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 511111 (the code used for lightweight cashmere fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($11M, 9.8% of world imports), Türkiye ($8.9M) and Italy ($7.8M). World imports came to about $108M, 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 Lightweight cashmere fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 511111 for Lightweight cashmere 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 lightweight cashmere fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 511111 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lightweight cashmere fabric depends on the product's details: 5111.11.10 (Carded wool fabric, min 85% wool, max 300 g/m²), 5111.11.20 (Carded fine hair fabric, min 85%, max 300 g/m²).