Product classification

HS code for Patterned artificial fiber fabric: 5516.93

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

Classification of patterned artificial fiber fabric under HS 5516.93

Patterned artificial fiber fabric is classified under HS code 5516.93, which pertains to woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers. The classification is determined by three primary factors: the nature of the fiber, the weight composition, and the coloring process. Artificial staple fibers include materials like viscose rayon, modal, and lyocell. The '93' suffix specifically denotes fabrics woven from yarns of different colors, which is the technical definition for patterned fabrics such as stripes, checks, or jacquard weaves. This code is used when the fabric does not meet the criteria for being mixed primarily with cotton, wool, or man-made filaments, or when the artificial fiber content is less than 85% but does not fall into other specific blend categories. Under the General Interpretative Rules (GIR), specifically Rule 3, the classification follows the material that provides the essential character, which in this case is the artificial staple fiber. Importers must provide a detailed fiber breakdown by weight to ensure the artificial component is correctly identified against synthetic or natural alternatives.

Covers
  • Jacquard woven viscose staple fabrics
  • Multi-colored modal check fabrics
  • Striped rayon staple fiber textiles
  • Woven patterned lyocell fabrics
  • Dobby woven artificial fiber blends
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 code is frequently confused with HS code 5516.94, which covers printed artificial fiber fabrics. The distinction lies in whether the pattern is woven into the fabric using different colored yarns (5516.93) or applied to the surface after weaving (5516.94). Additionally, if the fabric is 100% artificial staple fiber, it may be misclassified under 5516.13. Another common error involves HS code 5408, which is reserved for fabrics made of artificial filament yarn rather than staple fibers. Distinguishing between continuous filaments and chopped staple fibers is essential for correct tariff application.

Top exporters and importers of HS 551693 (the code used for patterned artificial fiber fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551693 (the code used for patterned artificial fiber 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 patterned artificial fiber fabric.

Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports

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

World total: $100M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

Top importers 2025 ยท 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 โ†—

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 patterned artificial fiber fabric

Brazil classifies patterned artificial fiber 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 patterned artificial fiber fabric

What is the HS code for Patterned artificial fiber fabric?

The HS code for Patterned artificial fiber 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 woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers, made of yarns of different colors (patterned), is 5516.93.

How do I classify Patterned artificial fiber fabric for customs?

Patterned artificial fiber fabric is classified under HS code 551693 โ€” 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 classification?

Artificial fibers are derived from natural polymers (like cellulose in rayon), while synthetic fibers are entirely chemically synthesized (like polyester). This distinction determines whether a fabric falls under heading 5516 or 5515.

Which countries are the top exporters of patterned artificial fiber fabric (HS 551693)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551693 (the code used for patterned artificial fiber 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 patterned artificial fiber fabric (HS 551693)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 551693 (the code used for patterned artificial fiber 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 Patterned artificial fiber fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 551693 for Patterned artificial fiber 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 patterned artificial fiber fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, patterned artificial fiber fabric (HS 551693) is classified under NCM 5516.93.00.