Product classification

HS code for Natural fiber nonwoven: 5603.92

Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2).

Classification of natural fiber nonwoven under HS 5603.92

Natural fiber nonwovens are classified under HS code 5603.92 because they fall within the category of nonwovens that are not made from man-made filaments. The Harmonized System distinguishes nonwovens first by their material origin (man-made filaments versus other materials) and then by their weight per square meter. Since these products are derived from natural sources such as jute, flax, or hemp, they are categorized under the 'Other' subheadings of 5603. The specific code 5603.92 is reserved for materials weighing more than 25 grams per square meter but not exceeding 70 grams per square meter. This classification is determined by the physical properties of the web, which is formed by bonding fibers through mechanical, thermal, or chemical means, rather than through traditional weaving or knitting processes. Customs authorities require precise weight measurements to ensure the product is not placed in the lighter 5603.91 or heavier 5603.93 categories.

Covers
  • Jute fiber nonwoven mats within the 25-70g/m2 weight range
  • Flax-based nonwoven sheets for industrial filtration
  • Hemp fiber nonwoven fabrics used in automotive interiors
  • Coconut fiber (coir) nonwoven membranes
  • Bamboo fiber nonwoven textiles for eco-friendly packaging
Also under 5603.92
  • Kimberly-Clark medical fabrics
  • Sontara wipes
  • Freudenberg nonwovens
  • Ahlstrom-Munksjö specialty papers
  • Fitesa hygiene materials

Codes often confused with 5603.92

Common mistake. A frequent error in classification involves confusing natural fiber nonwovens with those made of synthetic materials. If the nonwoven contains man-made filaments, it must be classified under 5603.12 (for the same weight range). Additionally, if the weight exceeds 70g/m2, it must move to 5603.93. Another common mistake is classifying these items as felt under heading 5602; however, nonwovens are distinguished from felt by the specific manufacturing process and the lack of a traditional milling process associated with wool-based felts.

5603.93Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 70g/m2 but not more than 150g/m2)5603.94Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 150g/m2)5603.91Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing not more than 25g/m2)5603.12Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2)56.02Felt; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated

Top exporters and importers of HS 560392 (the code used for natural fiber nonwoven), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560392 (the code used for natural fiber nonwoven) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 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 560392, not only natural fiber nonwoven.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.3B
  2. 2 Germany $272M
  3. 3 United States $179M

World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $317M
  2. 2 Japan $230M
  3. 3 South Korea $217M

World total: $2.7B 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 natural fiber nonwoven

Brazil splits HS 5603.92 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 5603.92.10Non-filament HDPE nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
  • 5603.92.20Polyester staple nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
  • 5603.92.30Polypropylene staple nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
  • 5603.92.40Viscose staple nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
  • 5603.92.90Other non-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 natural fiber nonwoven

What is the HS code for Natural fiber nonwoven?

The HS code for Natural fiber nonwoven is 560392 (Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2)). The HS code for natural fiber nonwoven weighing between 25g/m2 and 70g/m2 is 5603.92.

How do I classify Natural fiber nonwoven for customs?

Natural fiber nonwoven is classified under HS code 560392 — Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, not of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code apply to nonwovens made of recycled cotton?

Yes, provided the material is processed into a nonwoven web and falls within the specified weight range of 25 to 70 grams per square meter.

Which countries are the top exporters of natural fiber nonwoven (HS 560392)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560392 (the code used for natural fiber nonwoven) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 48% of world exports), Germany ($272M) and the United States ($179M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 natural fiber nonwoven (HS 560392)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 560392 (the code used for natural fiber nonwoven) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($317M, 12% of world imports), Japan ($230M) and South Korea ($217M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 Natural fiber nonwoven the same in all countries?

The base HS code 560392 for Natural fiber 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 natural fiber nonwoven in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 560392 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for natural fiber nonwoven depends on the product's details: 5603.92.10 (Non-filament HDPE nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.92.20 (Polyester staple nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.92.30 (Polypropylene staple nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.92.40 (Viscose staple nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.92.90 (Other non-filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²).