Product classification
HS code for linen fabric: 5309.11
Fabrics, woven, of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached.
Classification of linen fabric under HS 5309.11
HS code 5309.11 is the primary classification for high-purity woven flax fabrics, specifically those containing 85% or more flax by weight. This classification is restricted to fabrics in their unbleached or bleached states. The 85% threshold is a critical dividing line in the Harmonized System, separating pure flax fabrics from blended textiles. Woven fabrics are defined as textiles produced on a loom by the interlacing of warp and weft threads. The term unbleached refers to fabrics made from natural yarns that have not been chemically whitened, while bleached refers to those that have undergone such treatment. This code is part of Chapter 53, which covers other vegetable textile fibers and paper yarn. The classification process requires a laboratory analysis of the fiber content if the proportions are not clearly stated on the commercial invoice. It is important to note that this code does not account for the weight of the fabric per square meter, but rather the fiber composition and the finishing process. Understanding the distinction between 5309.11 and its counterparts is essential for importers to ensure compliance with international trade regulations and to avoid delays in customs clearance.
- Covers
- 100% pure woven linen fabric, unbleached
- Bleached flax canvas containing 90% flax fiber
- Natural linen sheeting (85% or more flax)
- Bleached linen upholstery fabric without dyes
- Also under 5309.11
- Libeco unbleached linen
- Solbiati bleached linen
- Masters of Linen greige fabric
- Safilin linen fabric
Codes often confused with 5309.11
Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 5309.19, which covers pure linen fabrics that have been dyed or printed. It is also misclassified with 5309.21 when the flax content is actually below the 85% threshold. Importers must verify the exact fiber percentage to distinguish between the 5309.1x and 5309.2x series.
Top exporters and importers of HS 530911 (the code used for linen fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530911 (the code used for linen fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, 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 530911, not only linen fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $219M 55% of world exports
- 2 Belarus* ~$38M 9.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $28M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $397M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $56M 17% of world imports
- 2 Italy $36M 11% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$27M 8.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $326M 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 linen fabric
Brazil classifies linen fabric under NCM 5309.11.00: HS 5309.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about linen fabric
What is the HS code for linen fabric?
The HS code for linen fabric is 530911 (Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached). For woven fabric containing 85% or more flax that is unbleached or bleached, the HS code is 5309.11.
How do I classify linen fabric for customs?
linen fabric is classified under HS code 530911 — Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 5309.11 and 5309.19?
HS code 5309.11 is for unbleached or bleached fabrics, while 5309.19 is for fabrics that have been dyed, printed, or made from yarns of different colors.
Which countries are the top exporters of linen fabric (HS 530911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530911 (the code used for linen fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($219M, 55% of world exports), Belarus (about $38M) and Belgium ($28M). World exports came to about $397M, 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 linen fabric (HS 530911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 530911 (the code used for linen fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($56M, 17% of world imports), Italy ($36M) and Bangladesh (about $27M). World imports came to about $326M, 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 linen fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 530911 for linen 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 linen fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, linen fabric (HS 530911) is classified under NCM 5309.11.00.