Product classification
HS code for Plastic coated fabric: 5903.90
Textile fabrics, impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics, (excluding polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane and those of heading no. 5902).
Classification of plastic coated fabric under HS 5903.90
HS code 5903.90 is assigned to textile fabrics that have been impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated with plastics, specifically those other than polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU). This classification falls under Chapter 59, which deals with impregnated, coated, or laminated textile fabrics. The classification is based on the "essential character" rule; the textile must remain the substrate, providing the structural base, while the plastic coating adds functional properties like water resistance, windproofing, or increased durability. For a fabric to be classified under 5903, the plastic coating must be visible to the naked eye, otherwise than by a change of color. If the plastic is not visible, the fabric remains classified in Chapters 50 to 55 or 58. This specific subheading (5903.90) acts as a residual category for fabrics treated with acrylic, silicone, or polyethylene, ensuring that technical textiles not using the more common PVC or PU are correctly accounted for in international trade.
- Covers
- Acrylic-coated nylon fabrics
- Silicone-coated polyester for outdoor gear
- Polyethylene-laminated woven fabrics
- Water-resistant textile membranes for apparel
- Plastic-impregnated industrial canvas
- Also under 5903.90
- Tyvek (DuPont, protective material)
- Sunbrella (Glen Raven, acrylic outdoor fabric)
- PTFE-coated fiberglass (for architectural membranes)
- HDPE-laminated fabrics (for packaging)
- UHMWPE-coated fabrics (for abrasion resistance)
Codes often confused with 5903.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5903.10 (PVC coated) and 5903.20 (Polyurethane coated). It is critical to identify the chemical nature of the plastic coating to avoid misclassification. Furthermore, if the plastic layer is so thick that the product is essentially a plastic sheet with a textile reinforcement (where the plastic predominates by weight or character), it should be classified under Chapter 39 (specifically 3921) rather than Chapter 59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 590390 (the code used for plastic coated fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 590390 (the code used for plastic coated fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 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 590390, not only plastic coated fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.5B 33% of world exports
- 2 Germany $613M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $371M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$536M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $445M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $370M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $4.7B 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 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 codes for plastic coated fabric
Brazil splits HS 5903.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5903.90.10Resin-coated polyester sandpaper backing, in rolls
- 5903.90.90Other plastic-impregnated/coated/laminated fabric
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic coated fabric
What is the HS code for Plastic coated fabric?
The HS code for Plastic coated fabric is 590390 (Textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics, (excluding polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane and those of heading no. 5902)). The HS code for plastic coated fabric (excluding PVC and PU) is 5903.90.
How do I classify Plastic coated fabric for customs?
Plastic coated fabric is classified under HS code 590390 — Textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics, (excluding polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane and those of heading no. 5902). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 5903 and 3921?
If the textile fabric is completely embedded in plastic or if the plastic coating can be seen with the naked eye and the textile is merely a reinforcement, it belongs in 3921. If the textile provides the main character, it stays in 5903.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic coated fabric (HS 590390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 590390 (the code used for plastic coated fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 33% of world exports), Germany ($613M) and the United States ($371M). World exports came to about $4.6B, 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 plastic coated fabric (HS 590390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 590390 (the code used for plastic coated fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $536M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($445M) and Mexico ($370M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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 Plastic coated fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 590390 for Plastic coated 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 plastic coated fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 590390 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic coated fabric depends on the product's details: 5903.90.10 (Resin-coated polyester sandpaper backing, in rolls), 5903.90.90 (Other plastic-impregnated/coated/laminated fabric).