Product classification
HS code for Lightweight poly-cotton: 5513.13
Fabrics, woven, of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2, unbleached or bleached.
Classification of lightweight poly-cotton under HS 5513.13
The classification of lightweight poly-cotton under HS code 5513.13 is determined by the specific blend of fibers, the weight of the textile, and the weave construction. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) for the Harmonized System, textiles are classified based on the material that predominates by weight. This specific code applies to woven fabrics containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibers, mixed mainly or solely with cotton. To fall under heading 5513, the fabric must not exceed a weight of 170g/m2. The subheading 5513.13 is reserved for fabrics that are unbleached or bleached and feature weaves other than plain or 3-thread/4-thread twill. This includes more complex structures like satin, dobby, or jacquard weaves. The use of staple fibers, rather than continuous filaments, is a critical distinction that places this product in Chapter 55 rather than Chapter 54. Furthermore, the bleached or unbleached state indicates that the fabric has not yet undergone dyeing or printing processes, which would move it to different subheadings within the 5513 category.
- Covers
- Bleached dobby weave poly-cotton blends
- Unbleached satin weave polyester-cotton fabrics
- Lightweight bleached jacquard poly-cotton textiles
- Bleached oxford weave fabrics under 170g/m2
- Unbleached specialty weave poly-cotton shirting
- Also under 5513.13
- Burlington Industries (various blends)
- Arvind Ltd. (specialty weaves)
- Raymond Ltd. (lightweight blends)
- Weiqiao Textile Company (diverse weaves)
- Shandong Ruyi Technology Group (base fabrics)
Codes often confused with 5513.13
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs when these fabrics are placed under HS code 5512.11, which is only for fabrics containing 85% or more of synthetic staple fibers. If the cotton content is significant enough to bring the polyester weight below 85%, 5513 is the correct heading. Another common error involves HS code 5514.19, which covers similar poly-cotton blends but only those that exceed the 170g/m2 weight threshold. Additionally, if the fabric is a plain weave, it must be classified under 5513.11, and if it is a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, it belongs under 5513.12. Misidentifying the weave type is a leading cause of customs delays and duty discrepancies.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551313 (the code used for lightweight poly-cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551313 (the code used for lightweight poly-cotton) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 25% 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 551313, not only lightweight poly-cotton.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $31M 46% of world exports
- 2 Italy $10.0M 15% of world exports
- 3 Chile $4.3M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $67M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Chile $28M 25% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $12M 11% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $10.0M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $112M 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 lightweight poly-cotton
Brazil classifies lightweight poly-cotton under NCM 5513.13.00: HS 5513.13 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
What is the HS code for Lightweight poly-cotton?
The HS code for Lightweight poly-cotton is 551313 (Fabrics, woven; of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for lightweight poly-cotton (less than 85% polyester, mixed with cotton, unbleached or bleached, and not plain or twill weave) is 5513.13.
How do I classify Lightweight poly-cotton for customs?
Lightweight poly-cotton is classified under HS code 551313 — Fabrics, woven; of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, not exceeding 170g/m2, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a fabric as lightweight in this category?
In the context of heading 5513, a fabric is considered lightweight if its weight does not exceed 170 grams per square meter (g/m2).
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight poly-cotton (HS 551313)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551313 (the code used for lightweight poly-cotton) in UN Comtrade data were China ($31M, 46% of world exports), Italy ($10.0M) and Chile ($4.3M). World exports came to about $67M, 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 (HS 551313)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551313 (the code used for lightweight poly-cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($28M, 25% of world imports), Nigeria ($12M) and Morocco ($10.0M). World imports came to about $112M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551313 for Lightweight 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 poly-cotton in Brazil?
In Brazil, lightweight poly-cotton (HS 551313) is classified under NCM 5513.13.00.