Product classification
HS code for Poly-cotton plain weave: 5513.11
Fabrics, woven, plain weave, of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170g/m2, unbleached or bleached.
Classification of poly-cotton plain weave under HS 5513.11
The classification of poly-cotton plain weave fabric under HS code 5513.11 is strictly governed by the material composition, weight, and specific weave pattern as defined in the Harmonized System's Section XI. This code is applicable to woven fabrics that contain less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibers, which are mixed mainly or solely with cotton. A critical requirement for this subheading is that the fabric weight must not exceed 170 g/m2. Furthermore, the fabric must be in an unbleached or bleached state. The "plain weave" structure is a fundamental textile weave where the threads are interlaced in an alternate over-and-under pattern, providing a uniform and durable surface. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 3(b), the classification of blended textile products is determined by the material that gives the product its essential character. In the context of heading 5513, the presence of synthetic staple fibers (polyester) in a blend with cotton necessitates this classification, provided the synthetic content is the predominant synthetic fiber but remains below the 85% threshold. If the polyester content were higher, the fabric would shift to heading 5512. The weight limit of 170 g/m2 is a hard threshold; fabrics exceeding this weight are classified under heading 5514. This classification ensures that lightweight blended fabrics used primarily for apparel like shirts and blouses are grouped together for tariff purposes.
- Covers
- Unbleached poly-cotton plain weave cloth
- Bleached polyester-cotton blend shirting fabric
- Lightweight poly-cotton muslin
- Bleached plain weave poplin (under 170g/m2)
- Unbleached poly-cotton batiste
- Also under 5513.11
- Burlington Industries (base fabrics)
- Arvind Ltd. (poly-cotton blends)
- Raymond Ltd. (shirting fabrics)
- Vardhman Textiles (greige fabrics)
- Weiqiao Textile Company (base fabrics)
Codes often confused with 5513.11
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5512.11, which covers fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibers. Another common error is misclassifying dyed fabrics under this code; dyed poly-cotton plain weaves should be classified under 5513.21. Additionally, if the fabric weight exceeds 170 g/m2, it must be moved to heading 5514. Importers also occasionally confuse this with 5210.11, which is for fabrics where cotton predominates by weight but is mixed with man-made fibers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551311 (the code used for poly-cotton plain weave), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551311 (the code used for poly-cotton plain weave) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 17% 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 551311, not only poly-cotton plain weave.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $176M 57% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $35M 11% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $26M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $310M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$53M 17% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Myanmar $26M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$17M 5.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $323M 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 code for poly-cotton plain weave
Brazil classifies poly-cotton plain weave under NCM 5513.11.00: HS 5513.11 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 plain weave
What is the HS code for Poly-cotton plain weave?
The HS code for Poly-cotton plain weave is 551311 (Fabrics, woven; plain weave, of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170g/m2, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for unbleached or bleached poly-cotton plain weave fabric (less than 85% polyester, weight <= 170g/m2) is 5513.11.
How do I classify Poly-cotton plain weave for customs?
Poly-cotton plain weave is classified under HS code 551311 — Fabrics, woven; plain weave, of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170g/m2, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include printed fabrics?
No, printed poly-cotton plain weave fabrics are classified under HS code 5513.41, as the 5513.11 code is restricted to unbleached or bleached states.
Which countries are the top exporters of poly-cotton plain weave (HS 551311)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551311 (the code used for poly-cotton plain weave) in UN Comtrade data were China ($176M, 57% of world exports), Pakistan ($35M) and Indonesia ($26M). World exports came to about $310M, 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 plain weave (HS 551311)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551311 (the code used for poly-cotton plain weave) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $53M, 17% of world imports), Myanmar ($26M) and Vietnam (about $17M). World imports came to about $323M, 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 plain weave the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551311 for Poly-cotton plain weave 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 plain weave in Brazil?
In Brazil, poly-cotton plain weave (HS 551311) is classified under NCM 5513.11.00.