Product classification
HS code for Lightweight poly-cotton fabric: 5513.11
Fabrics, 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.
Classification of lightweight poly-cotton fabric under HS 5513.11
HS code 5513.11 is designated for lightweight woven fabrics where polyester staple fibers constitute less than 85% of the total weight, blended primarily with cotton. The defining characteristic of this subheading is the "plain weave" structure, which is the simplest textile weave where the warp and weft threads cross in a basic over-under pattern. To qualify for this classification, the fabric must be in an unbleached or bleached state and weigh no more than 170g/m2. Classification follows the hierarchical structure of the Harmonized System, where the blend ratio (polyester/cotton) first points to heading 5513, and the weave type (plain) further narrows the selection to 5513.11. This classification ensures that standard shirting and bedsheet fabrics are distinguished from more complex weaves or heavier materials. The technical distinction between staple fibers and filaments is paramount; staple fibers are short lengths spun together, which provides the characteristic texture of poly-cotton blends used in apparel.
- Covers
- Plain weave bleached poly-cotton shirting
- Unbleached plain weave polyester-cotton muslin
- Lightweight bleached poly-cotton bedsheet fabric
- Plain weave unbleached pocketing fabric
- Bleached poly-cotton lawn fabrics under 170g/m2
- Also under 5513.11
- Burlington Industries (base fabrics)
- Arvind Ltd. (poly-cotton blends)
- Raymond Ltd. (shirting fabrics)
- Vardhman Textiles (greige fabrics)
- Weiqiao Textile Company (base fabrics)
Codes often confused with 5513.11
Common mistake. Importers often mistakenly use HS code 5210.11 for these products. While 5210.11 also covers plain weave fabrics mixed with man-made fibers, it is only applicable if cotton is the predominant fiber by weight. If polyester staple fibers outweigh the cotton, Chapter 55 is mandatory. Another error is confusing 5513.11 with 5513.21; the latter is for fabrics that have been dyed, whereas 5513.11 is strictly for unbleached or bleached materials. Furthermore, if the weight exceeds 170g/m2, the product must be moved to heading 5514, specifically 5514.11 for plain weave blends.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551311 (the code used for lightweight poly-cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551311 (the code used for lightweight poly-cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 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 551311, not only lightweight poly-cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $176M 57% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $35M 11% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $26M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $310M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$53M 17% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Myanmar $26M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$17M 5.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $323M 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 lightweight poly-cotton fabric
Brazil classifies lightweight poly-cotton fabric under NCM 5513.11.00: HS 5513.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lightweight poly-cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Lightweight poly-cotton fabric?
The HS code for Lightweight poly-cotton fabric is 551311 (Fabrics, 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). The HS code for lightweight, plain weave poly-cotton fabric (less than 85% polyester, unbleached or bleached) is 5513.11.
How do I classify Lightweight poly-cotton fabric for customs?
Lightweight poly-cotton fabric is classified under HS code 551311 — Fabrics, 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. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is plain weave identified for customs?
Plain weave is identified by a 1/1 interlacing pattern where each weft thread passes over and under each warp thread alternately, creating a uniform appearance on both sides.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight poly-cotton fabric (HS 551311)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551311 (the code used for lightweight poly-cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($176M, 57% of world exports), Pakistan ($35M) and Indonesia ($26M). World exports came to about $310M, 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 poly-cotton fabric (HS 551311)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551311 (the code used for lightweight poly-cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $53M, 17% of world imports), Myanmar ($26M) and Vietnam (about $17M). World imports came to about $323M, 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 poly-cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551311 for Lightweight poly-cotton 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 poly-cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, lightweight poly-cotton fabric (HS 551311) is classified under NCM 5513.11.00.