Product classification
HS code for Poly-cotton fabric: 5514.11
Fabrics, woven, plain weave, unbleached or bleached, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, exceeding 170g/m2.
Classification of poly-cotton fabric under HS 5514.11
Poly-cotton fabric is classified under HS code 5514.11 based on its specific material composition, weight, and weave structure. This classification applies to woven fabrics that contain less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibers, mixed mainly or solely with cotton. A defining characteristic for this subheading is the weight of the fabric, which must exceed 170 grams per square meter (g/m2). Additionally, the fabric must be unbleached or bleached and feature a plain weave pattern. The Harmonized System distinguishes between filament and staple fibers; since this product utilizes staple fibers (discontinuous fibers), it is categorized under Chapter 55. The classification process requires a precise calculation of the fiber weight ratio to ensure the polyester does not exceed the 85% threshold, as well as a physical measurement of the fabric's mass per unit area. This code is essential for heavy-duty textiles used in workwear and upholstery where the durability of polyester is combined with the breathability of cotton in a heavy-weight format.
- Covers
- Heavyweight bleached poly-cotton plain weave fabric
- Unbleached poly-cotton canvas exceeding 170g/m2
- Industrial poly-cotton twill (if plain weave) over 170g/m2
- Bleached poly-cotton sheeting for heavy upholstery
- Also under 5514.11
- Carhartt workwear fabric (unfinished)
- Dickies uniform fabric (greige)
- Levi's denim base (if blended)
- Hanes T-shirt fabric (heavier weight)
- IKEA furniture cover base fabric
Codes often confused with 5514.11
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5513.11, which also covers poly-cotton plain weave fabrics but is restricted to those weighing 170g/m2 or less. Another common error is misclassifying these goods under HS code 5210, which is reserved for fabrics where cotton is the predominant fiber by weight (over 50%) but mixed with man-made fibers, provided the total weight is under 200g/m2. Furthermore, if the fabric is made of polyester filaments rather than staple fibers, it must be classified under Chapter 54 (specifically 5407).
Top exporters and importers of HS 551411 (the code used for poly-cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551411 (the code used for poly-cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, 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 551411, not only poly-cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $16M 38% of world exports
- 2 China $11M 25% of world exports
- 3 India $3.2M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $43M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $5.0M 11% of world imports
- 2 Australia $3.2M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $3.1M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $45M 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 poly-cotton fabric
Brazil classifies poly-cotton fabric under NCM 5514.11.00: HS 5514.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about poly-cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Poly-cotton fabric?
The HS code for Poly-cotton fabric is 551411 (Fabrics, woven; plain weave, unbleached or bleached, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, exceeding 170g/m2). The HS code for poly-cotton fabric that is plain weave, unbleached or bleached, contains less than 85% polyester staple fibers, and weighs more than 170g/m2 is 5514.11.
How do I classify Poly-cotton fabric for customs?
Poly-cotton fabric is classified under HS code 551411 — Fabrics, woven; plain weave, unbleached or bleached, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, exceeding 170g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the weave type affect the HS code for poly-cotton?
Yes, the weave type is a primary determinant. While 5514.11 is for plain weave, other weaves like 3-thread or 4-thread twill would fall under 5514.12, and different patterns would fall under 5514.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of poly-cotton fabric (HS 551411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551411 (the code used for poly-cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($16M, 38% of world exports), China ($11M) and India ($3.2M). World exports came to about $43M, 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 poly-cotton fabric (HS 551411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551411 (the code used for poly-cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($5.0M, 11% of world imports), Australia ($3.2M) and Thailand ($3.1M). World imports came to about $45M, 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 Poly-cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551411 for Poly-cotton 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 poly-cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, poly-cotton fabric (HS 551411) is classified under NCM 5514.11.00.