Product classification

HS code for Patterned polyester knit: 6005.38

Fabrics, warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, yarns of different colours.

Classification of patterned polyester knit under HS 6005.38

The classification of patterned polyester knit fabric under HS code 6005.38 is based on the technical specifications of the textile's production. This code specifically identifies warp-knit fabrics made from synthetic fibers, where the pattern is created using yarns of different colors. Warp knitting is a method where the yarn zigzags along the length of the fabric, rather than following a single row as in weft knitting. This process typically involves machines like Raschel or Tricot. Polyester, a synthetic polymer, is the primary material here. The designation \"of yarns of different colours\" is a crucial distinction in the Harmonized System. It refers to fabrics where the design—such as stripes, checks, or complex jacquard motifs—is formed by the interlacing of pre-dyed yarns during the knitting stage. This is distinct from fabrics that are knitted in a single color and then printed or dyed. According to the Section XI notes and the specific requirements of Chapter 60, this code is the most specific for warp-knitted synthetic textiles featuring multi-colored yarn patterns.

Covers
  • Tricot polyester knit with knitted-in patterns
  • Raschel polyester knit using multi-colored yarns
  • Jacquard warp knit polyester fabrics
  • Striped warp knit synthetic textiles
  • Galloon knitted fabrics of synthetic fibers
Also under 6005.38
  • Adidas Primeknit (some variations)
  • Nike Flyknit (some variations)
  • Lululemon Luon fabric (heathered)
  • patterned swimwear from Speedo
  • decorative upholstery fabric from Maharam

Codes often confused with 6005.38

Common mistake. A common error is confusing 6005.38 with 6005.39, which covers printed warp-knit synthetic fabrics. In 6005.39, the pattern is applied to the surface of the fabric after it has been knitted, whereas in 6005.38, the pattern is part of the fabric's structural knit. Another frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 6006.33. While 6006 also covers synthetic knit fabrics of yarns of different colors, it is reserved for \"other\" knitting methods, primarily weft knitting like jersey or rib knit. If the fabric is a warp knit, it must stay within 6005. Importers also sometimes mistakenly use 6005.37, which is for dyed fabrics; however, 6005.37 only applies if the fabric is a single uniform color.

6005.39Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, printed6006.33Fabrics; knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, of yarns of different colours60.06Fabrics; knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.0460.05Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.046005.37Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, dyed

Top exporters and importers of HS 600538 (the code used for patterned polyester knit), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 600538 (the code used for patterned polyester knit) in UN Comtrade data was Hungary, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 600538, not only patterned polyester knit.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Hungary $48M
  2. 2 Italy $39M
  3. 3 China $37M

World total: $254M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $23M
  2. 2 France $22M
  3. 3 Australia $13M

World total: $217M 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 patterned polyester knit

Brazil classifies patterned polyester knit under NCM 6005.38.00: HS 6005.38 with 00 added.

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

Questions about patterned polyester knit

What is the HS code for Patterned polyester knit?

The HS code for Patterned polyester knit is 600538 (Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, yarns of different colours). The correct HS code is 6005.38, provided the fabric is warp-knitted and the pattern is created using yarns of different colors.

How do I classify Patterned polyester knit for customs?

Patterned polyester knit is classified under HS code 600538 — Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, yarns of different colours. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I distinguish between warp knit and weft knit for classification?

Warp knit fabrics (6005) are generally more stable and do not run or ladder as easily as weft knits (6006). Warp knits are produced on machines where yarns run vertically, while weft knits have yarns running horizontally across the width.

Which countries are the top exporters of patterned polyester knit (HS 600538)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 600538 (the code used for patterned polyester knit) in UN Comtrade data were Hungary ($48M, 19% of world exports), Italy ($39M) and China ($37M). World exports came to about $254M, 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 polyester knit (HS 600538)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 600538 (the code used for patterned polyester knit) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($23M, 11% of world imports), France ($22M) and Australia ($13M). World imports came to about $217M, 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 polyester knit the same in all countries?

The base HS code 600538 for Patterned polyester knit 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 polyester knit in Brazil?

In Brazil, patterned polyester knit (HS 600538) is classified under NCM 6005.38.00.