Product classification
HS code for Lightweight dyed poly-cotton: 5513.23
Fabrics, woven, dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2.
Classification of lightweight dyed poly-cotton under HS 5513.23
HS code 551323 is utilized for woven fabrics where synthetic staple fibers, specifically polyester, are the predominant component but constitute less than 85% of the weight. These fibers are mixed primarily with cotton. The fabric must be dyed and have a weight not exceeding 170g/m2. This classification is distinct from Chapter 52 because the synthetic staple fiber content dictates the primary classification under Chapter 55, despite the significant cotton presence. The use of staple fibers—which are short fibers twisted into yarn—distinguishes this from filament yarn fabrics found in Chapter 54. The dyeing process must be uniform across the fabric surface. The weight limit of 170g/m2 is a strict threshold; fabrics exceeding this weight, even with the same composition, would be classified under heading 5514. This code is frequently used for shirting and lightweight apparel fabrics where the breathability of cotton is combined with the strength and easy-care properties of polyester. The 'other weaves' designation for 5513.23 specifically refers to weaves that are not plain weave (which would fall under 5513.21). This includes twills, satins, and more complex dobby structures. Proper identification requires verifying that the polyester is in staple form and that the cotton is the secondary fiber by weight.
- Covers
- Dyed polyester-cotton shirting (staple fiber)
- Lightweight dyed T/C (Terylene/Cotton) twill
- Dyed poly-cotton blends with dobby patterns
- Lightweight dyed uniform fabrics (polyester majority)
- Dyed staple fiber blends under 170g/m2
- Also under 5513.23
- Ralph Lauren (blended shirts)
- Gap (poly-cotton apparel)
- H&M (lightweight blended garments)
- Uniqlo (some blended shirting)
Codes often confused with 5513.23
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5513.21, which is reserved for plain weave fabrics. It is also frequently mixed up with 5210.39; the difference lies in which fiber is heavier. If cotton is heavier, use 5210; if polyester staple is heavier, use 5513. Another common error is using this code for filament polyester blends, which belong in 5407. Finally, if the weight is between 170g/m2 and 200g/m2, it may still fall under 5210 if cotton-rich, but if polyester-rich, it must move to 5514.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551323 (the code used for lightweight dyed poly-cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551323 (the code used for lightweight dyed poly-cotton) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 17% 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 551323, not only lightweight dyed poly-cotton.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $85M 62% of world exports
- 2 Japan $13M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $7.4M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $137M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $23M 17% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$20M 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$16M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $136M 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 codes for lightweight dyed poly-cotton
Brazil splits HS 5513.23 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5513.23.10Dyed polycotton 3/4-thread twill, max 170 g/m²
- 5513.23.90Other dyed polycotton fabric, max 170 g/m²
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lightweight dyed poly-cotton
What is the HS code for Lightweight dyed poly-cotton?
The HS code for Lightweight dyed poly-cotton is 551323 (Fabrics, woven; dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2). The HS code for dyed woven fabrics containing less than 85% polyester staple fibers, mixed with cotton, weighing 170g/m2 or less, is 5513.23.
How do I classify Lightweight dyed poly-cotton for customs?
Lightweight dyed poly-cotton is classified under HS code 551323 — Fabrics, woven; dyed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 5513 and 5514?
The primary difference is weight. HS 5513 covers fabrics weighing 170g/m2 or less, while HS 5514 covers similar synthetic staple fiber blends weighing more than 170g/m2.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight dyed poly-cotton (HS 551323)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551323 (the code used for lightweight dyed poly-cotton) in UN Comtrade data were China ($85M, 62% of world exports), Japan ($13M) and Thailand ($7.4M). World exports came to about $137M, 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 dyed poly-cotton (HS 551323)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551323 (the code used for lightweight dyed poly-cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($23M, 17% of world imports), Vietnam (about $20M) and Bangladesh (about $16M). World imports came to about $136M, 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 dyed poly-cotton the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551323 for Lightweight dyed poly-cotton 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 dyed poly-cotton in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 551323 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lightweight dyed poly-cotton depends on the product's details: 5513.23.10 (Dyed polycotton 3/4-thread twill, max 170 g/m²), 5513.23.90 (Other dyed polycotton fabric, max 170 g/m²).