Product classification
HS code for Polyester filament fabric: 5515.12
Fabrics, woven, of polyester staple fibres n.e.c. in chapter 55, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments.
Classification of polyester filament fabric under HS 5515.12
HS code 5515.12 covers woven fabrics of polyester staple fibers that are mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments. This classification is part of Chapter 55 (Man-made staple fibers). The logic for this classification depends on the predominant weight of the fibers used in the weave. While the fabric contains polyester staple fibers, the presence of man-made filaments as a primary mixing component directs the classification to 5515.12. This code is often used for "other" woven fabrics that do not meet the 85% or more by weight threshold of staple fibers required for headings 5512 through 5514. It represents a specific blend where the structural or aesthetic qualities of the fabric are derived from the combination of short-length staple fibers and continuous filaments. To be classified here, the polyester staple fiber must be the predominant synthetic staple fiber by weight, and the mix must be with filaments rather than wool or cotton. This code is essential for technical textiles and apparel fabrics that utilize complex fiber blends to achieve specific durability or texture profiles. The distinction between staple-heavy and filament-heavy blends is the primary driver for customs valuation and duty application in this category.
- Covers
- Woven fabrics of polyester staple fibers mixed with polyester filaments
- Blended polyester fabrics (staple/filament mix)
- Woven synthetic fabrics not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.)
- Polyester staple fabrics mixed with nylon filaments
- Also under 5515.12
- Gore-Tex (concept of blended structures, though often pure synthetics)
- various performance apparel brands
- automotive interior fabrics
Codes often confused with 5515.12
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 5407.52, which covers woven fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments. It is also confused with 5512.19, which is for fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibers. If the fabric is mixed mainly with viscose rayon staple fibers, it would fall under 5515.11 instead of 5515.12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551512 (the code used for polyester filament fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551512 (the code used for polyester filament fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 12% of world imports. Türkiye reports $372M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 551512, not only polyester filament fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $135M 29% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $47M 10% of world exports
- 3 China $46M 10% of world exports
Türkiye reports $372M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $462M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$76M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Saudi Arabia $72M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $37M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $642M 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 polyester filament fabric
Brazil classifies polyester filament fabric under NCM 5515.12.00: HS 5515.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyester filament fabric
What is the HS code for Polyester filament fabric?
The HS code for Polyester filament fabric is 551512 (Fabrics, woven; of polyester staple fibres n.e.c. in chapter 55, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments). The HS code for woven fabrics of polyester staple fibers mixed mainly with man-made filaments is 5515.12.
How do I classify Polyester filament fabric for customs?
Polyester filament fabric is classified under HS code 551512 — Fabrics, woven; of polyester staple fibres n.e.c. in chapter 55, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines "mixed mainly with filaments" for this code?
It means that the fabric contains a significant portion of continuous man-made filaments (from Chapter 54) in addition to the polyester staple fibers, but the staple fibers are the defining component for Chapter 55 classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyester filament fabric (HS 551512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551512 (the code used for polyester filament fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($135M, 29% of world exports), Indonesia ($47M) and China ($46M). World exports came to about $462M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Türkiye reports $372M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of polyester filament fabric (HS 551512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551512 (the code used for polyester filament fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $76M, 12% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($72M) and Japan ($37M). World imports came to about $642M, 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 Polyester filament fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551512 for Polyester filament 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 polyester filament fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyester filament fabric (HS 551512) is classified under NCM 5515.12.00.