Product classification
HS code for Man-made nonwoven: 5603.12
Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2).
Classification of man-made nonwoven under HS 5603.12
The classification of nonwovens under HS code 5603.12 is a precise process that requires an understanding of both the material origin and the physical properties of the textile. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, nonwovens are defined as a porous layer of sheets or web of fibers that are bonded together by various means, including chemical, mechanical, or thermal treatment. For a product to be classified under the 5603.12 subheading, it must first meet the criteria of being made from man-made filaments. This refers to synthetic or artificial filaments that are continuous, as opposed to staple fibers which are short, discrete lengths. The second critical criterion is the weight of the fabric. The 5603.12 code is specifically reserved for materials weighing more than 25 grams per square meter but not exceeding 70 grams per square meter. This weight range is often used for medium-duty industrial and medical applications. If the weight deviates from this range, the product must be reclassified into subheadings like 5603.11 or 5603.13. Furthermore, the fabric can be impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated and still remain within this code, provided it retains its character as a nonwoven. Classification is governed by General Interpretative Rules 1 and 6, ensuring that the technical specifications of the filament type and the mass per unit area are the primary determinants for customs valuation and regulatory compliance.
- Covers
- Polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric (30-60g/m2)
- Polyester meltblown nonwoven material
- Nonwoven interlinings for garments within the specified weight
- Laminated man-made filament nonwovens for medical drapes
- Filter media made of continuous synthetic filaments
- Also under 5603.12
- Freudenberg Performance Materials (automotive nonwovens)
- Berry Global (spunbond nonwovens)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (filtration nonwovens)
- Fitesa (hygiene and medical nonwovens)
- DuPont Tyvek (medium-weight variants)
Codes often confused with 5603.12
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 5603.92, which covers nonwovens made from staple fibers rather than filaments. Additionally, if the weight is 25g/m2 or less, it must be classified under 5603.11, and if it exceeds 70g/m2 but is under 150g/m2, it falls under 5603.13. Misidentifying the fiber length or the precise weight can lead to significant duty discrepancies.
Top exporters and importers of HS 560312 (the code used for man-made nonwoven), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560312 (the code used for man-made nonwoven) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 560312, not only man-made nonwoven.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $527M 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $483M 14% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $415M 12% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $478M 13% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $277M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $243M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $3.7B 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 man-made nonwoven
Brazil splits HS 5603.12 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5603.12.10HDPE filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.20Aramid filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.30Polyester filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.40Polypropylene filament nonwoven over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.50Viscose filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.90Other filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about man-made nonwoven
What is the HS code for Man-made nonwoven?
The HS code for Man-made nonwoven is 560312 (Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2)). The HS code for man-made filament nonwoven weighing between 25g/m2 and 70g/m2 is 5603.12.
How do I classify Man-made nonwoven for customs?
Man-made nonwoven is classified under HS code 560312 — Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between filament and staple fiber nonwovens?
Filament nonwovens (5603.11-14) use continuous extruded strands, while staple fiber nonwovens (5603.91-94) use short, cut fibers that are carded or laid before bonding.
Which countries are the top exporters of man-made nonwoven (HS 560312)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560312 (the code used for man-made nonwoven) in UN Comtrade data were China ($527M, 15% of world exports), the United States ($483M) and Türkiye ($415M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 man-made nonwoven (HS 560312)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 560312 (the code used for man-made nonwoven) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($478M, 13% of world imports), Mexico ($277M) and Germany ($243M). World imports came to about $3.7B, 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 Man-made nonwoven the same in all countries?
The base HS code 560312 for Man-made nonwoven 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 man-made nonwoven in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 560312 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for man-made nonwoven depends on the product's details: 5603.12.10 (HDPE filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.20 (Aramid filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.30 (Polyester filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.40 (Polypropylene filament nonwoven over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.50 (Viscose filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.90 (Other filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²).