Product classification
HS code for Paper machine felts: 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 felts under HS 5911.32
Paper machine felts are classified under HS code 5911.32. These are highly specialized technical textiles used in the pressing or drying sections of a paper machine to support the paper web and remove water. Classification in Chapter 59 is appropriate as it covers impregnated, coated, or laminated textile fabrics and textile articles for technical uses. Heading 5911 specifically addresses textile products and articles for technical uses, and subheading 5911.32 is designated for textile fabrics and felts, endless or fitted with linking devices, of a kind used in paper-making or similar machines, weighing 650 g/m² or more. The weight threshold is a critical factor in distinguishing this code from its sister code.
- Covers
- Endless woven felts for paper machines
- Needled felts for the press section
- Dryer felts (textile-based)
- Forming fabrics (if made of textile materials)
- Heavy-duty textile belts for pulp washing
- 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 most common misclassification is with HS code 5911.31, which covers the exact same type of textile felts but for those weighing less than 650 g/m². Accurate weighing is required for correct declaration. Additionally, if the "felt" or belt is made of vulcanized rubber, it must be classified under heading 4010. If it is a wire cloth made of stainless steel or bronze, it falls under heading 7314 or 7419 respectively, as Chapter 59 only applies to textile-based materials.
Top exporters and importers of HS 591132 (the code used for paper machine felts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 591132 (the code used for paper machine felts) 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 felts.
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 felts
Brazil classifies paper machine felts 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 felts
What is the HS code for Paper machine felts?
The HS code for Paper machine felts 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). Paper machine felts weighing 650 g/m² or more are classified under HS code 5911.32.
How do I classify Paper machine felts for customs?
Paper machine felts 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.
What if the paper machine felt weighs less than 650 g/m²?
In that case, the correct classification would be HS code 5911.31.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper machine felts (HS 591132)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 591132 (the code used for paper machine felts) 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 felts (HS 591132)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 591132 (the code used for paper machine felts) 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 felts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 591132 for Paper machine felts 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 felts in Brazil?
In Brazil, paper machine felts (HS 591132) is classified under NCM 5911.32.00.