Product classification

HS code for Multi-color synthetic fabric: 5516.93

Fabrics, woven, of yarns of different colours, of artificial staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5516.

Classification of multi-color synthetic fabric under HS 5516.93

The classification of multi-color synthetic fabric under HS code 5516.93 is determined by the material composition and the specific weaving process used during production. Chapter 55 of the Harmonized System covers man-made staple fibers, and heading 5516 specifically addresses woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers. The subheading 5516.93 is designated for fabrics made from yarns of different colors, which distinguishes them from unbleached, bleached, dyed, or printed fabrics. To qualify for this code, the fabric must contain a significant percentage of artificial staple fibers, such as rayon, viscose, or acetate, rather than synthetic filament yarns. The "yarns of different colors" designation implies that the pattern or color variation is achieved during the weaving process using pre-dyed yarns, rather than being applied to the finished cloth via printing or piece-dyeing. This classification is critical for textile importers as it dictates the applicable duty rates, trade quotas, and origin rules. The technical distinction between staple fibers (short lengths) and filaments (continuous strands) is the primary factor in selecting Chapter 55 over Chapter 54.

Covers
  • Woven rayon fabrics made from multi-colored yarns
  • Viscose staple fiber fabrics with woven patterns
  • Jacquard fabrics made of artificial staple fibers
  • Striped or checkered artificial fiber fabrics woven with dyed yarns
Also under 5516.93
  • Brooks Brothers yarn-dyed rayon blend shirt
  • Tommy Hilfiger patterned viscose dress
  • Burberry-style plaid fabric (artificial blend)
  • Zara striped modal fabric

Codes often confused with 5516.93

Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 5407, which covers woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn. The distinction lies in whether the fiber is a continuous filament or a staple fiber. Additionally, it may be misclassified under 5515, which covers other woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, or 5208 if the cotton content is predominant. Misclassification often occurs when the "yarns of different colors" attribute is ignored in favor of the general "dyed" category under 5516.92.

54.07Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 540455.15Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 5552.08Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m25516.92Fabrics, woven; dyed, of artificial staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5516

Top exporters and importers of HS 551693 (the code used for multi-color synthetic fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551693 (the code used for multi-color synthetic fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 12% 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 551693, not only multi-color synthetic fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $34M
  2. 2 Italy $20M
  3. 3 France $10M

World total: $100M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$11M
  2. 2 Spain $8.9M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$8.6M

World total: $89M 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 multi-color synthetic fabric

Brazil classifies multi-color synthetic fabric under NCM 5516.93.00: HS 5516.93 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about multi-color synthetic fabric

What is the HS code for Multi-color synthetic fabric?

The HS code for Multi-color synthetic fabric is 551693 (Fabrics, woven; of yarns of different colours, of artificial staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5516). The HS code for multi-color woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers is 5516.93.

How do I classify Multi-color synthetic fabric for customs?

Multi-color synthetic fabric is classified under HS code 551693 — Fabrics, woven; of yarns of different colours, of artificial staple fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 5516. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I distinguish between artificial and synthetic fibers for this code?

Artificial fibers are derived from natural polymers (like cellulose in viscose), while synthetic fibers are entirely chemically synthesized (like polyester). HS 5516 specifically targets the artificial category.

Which countries are the top exporters of multi-color synthetic fabric (HS 551693)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551693 (the code used for multi-color synthetic fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($34M, 34% of world exports), Italy ($20M) and France ($10M). World exports came to about $100M, 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 multi-color synthetic fabric (HS 551693)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 551693 (the code used for multi-color synthetic fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $11M, 12% of world imports), Spain ($8.9M) and Vietnam (about $8.6M). World imports came to about $89M, 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 Multi-color synthetic fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 551693 for Multi-color synthetic 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 multi-color synthetic fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, multi-color synthetic fabric (HS 551693) is classified under NCM 5516.93.00.