Product classification
HS code for Paper machine fabrics: 5911.32
Textiles, fabrics and felts, endless or fitted with linking devices, of a kind used in paper-making or similar machines, weighing 650g/m2 or more.
Classification of paper machine fabrics under HS 5911.32
HS code 5911.32 is a highly specialized classification within the textile sector, specifically under Chapter 59, which deals with impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated textile fabrics and textile articles suitable for industrial use. This subheading is reserved for textile fabrics and felts, which may be endless or fitted with linking devices, used in paper-making machines or similar industrial equipment. The defining technical parameter for 5911.32 is the weight of the fabric, which must be 650 g/m² or more. These fabrics, often referred to as "machine clothing," play a vital role in the dewatering and forming stages of paper production. They must possess high tensile strength, chemical resistance, and specific permeability characteristics. The classification is guided by Note 7 to Chapter 59, which explicitly lists textile products for technical uses. Even though these items are essential components of a paper-making machine, they are classified as textiles rather than machinery parts (Chapter 84) because the Section XI notes generally take precedence for specifically defined textile articles. This ensures that technical textiles are grouped by their material properties and manufacturing methods rather than just their end-use machine. Importers must provide technical data sheets confirming the weight per square meter to ensure correct classification.
- Covers
- Heavyweight dryer fabrics for paper machines
- Press felts weighing 650 g/m² or more
- Endless woven belts for pulp processing
- Reinforced textile belts for fiber-cement machinery
- Forming fabrics for industrial paper production
- Also under 5911.32
- Valmet Press Felts (heavy)
- Voith Paper Machine Clothing (heavy)
- Albany International (heavy-duty fabrics)
- AstenJohnson (heavy press felts)
- Xerium Technologies (now Andritz Fabrics and Rolls)
Codes often confused with 5911.32
Common mistake. The primary misclassification is with HS code 5911.31, which covers the exact same types of fabrics but weighing less than 650 g/m². Another error is attempting to classify these as machinery parts under 8439.91, which is incorrect because the textile nature of the product dictates classification in Chapter 59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 591132 (the code used for paper machine fabrics), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 591132 (the code used for paper machine fabrics) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 591132, not only paper machine fabrics.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $143M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $125M 14% of world exports
- 3 Austria $84M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $909M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $139M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $89M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 China $52M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $933M 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 paper machine fabrics
Brazil classifies paper machine fabrics under NCM 5911.32.00: HS 5911.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paper machine fabrics
What is the HS code for Paper machine fabrics?
The HS code for Paper machine fabrics is 591132 (Textiles; fabrics and felts, endless or fitted with linking devices, of a kind used in paper-making or similar machines, weighing 650g/m2 or more). For fabrics weighing 650 g/m² or more, the HS code is 5911.32. Lighter fabrics fall under 5911.31.
How do I classify Paper machine fabrics for customs?
Paper machine fabrics is classified under HS code 591132 — Textiles; fabrics and felts, endless or fitted with linking devices, of a kind used in paper-making or similar machines, weighing 650g/m2 or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic belts for paper machines classified here?
No, if the belt is made entirely of plastics without textile fibers, it is classified in Chapter 39, typically under 3926.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper machine fabrics (HS 591132)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 591132 (the code used for paper machine fabrics) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($143M, 16% of world exports), China ($125M) and Austria ($84M). World exports came to about $909M, 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 paper machine fabrics (HS 591132)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 591132 (the code used for paper machine fabrics) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($139M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($89M) and China ($52M). World imports came to about $933M, 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 Paper machine fabrics the same in all countries?
The base HS code 591132 for Paper machine fabrics 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 paper machine fabrics in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper machine fabrics (HS 591132) is classified under NCM 5911.32.00.