Product classification
HS code for Polyester wadding: 5601.22
Wadding, other articles thereof, of man-made fibres.
Classification of polyester wadding under HS 5601.22
Polyester wadding is classified under HS code 5601.22. This classification is determined by the material's structure and composition. Heading 56.01 covers wadding of textile materials and articles thereof. Wadding consists of a loose layer of textile fibers that have been carded or air-laid but not converted into a nonwoven fabric or felt. Subheading 5601.22 specifically identifies wadding made from man-made fibers, which includes synthetic fibers like polyester. The classification is supported by the fact that the product is used for its bulk and insulating properties rather than as a finished textile surface. It is commonly used as padding in apparel, upholstery, and quilts. Under the Harmonized System, if the fibers are bonded throughout the web to the point that they form a cohesive fabric, they might move to another heading, but standard polyester batting or fiberfill remains firmly within 5601.22.
- Covers
- Polyester fiberfill for pillows
- Synthetic batting for quilts
- Polyester padding for garments
- Thermal insulation wadding of polyester
- Carded polyester fiber webs for upholstery
- Also under 5601.22
- Thinsulate insulation (3M)
- Primaloft synthetic down
- Poly-Fil polyester fiberfill
- IKEA polyester quilt batting
Codes often confused with 5601.22
Common mistake. Polyester wadding is often misclassified under HS code 5603, which covers nonwovens. The distinction is that nonwovens are bonded sheets or webs, whereas wadding is a looser, more voluminous collection of fibers. Another common error is using HS code 9404.90 for finished bedding articles. While wadding is a component of a quilt, the raw wadding material itself must be classified in 5601.22. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with HS code 5402 (synthetic filament yarn) or 5503 (synthetic staple fibers). However, once the fibers are processed into a web or layer for use as padding, they must be classified as wadding under 5601.
Top exporters and importers of HS 560122 (the code used for polyester wadding), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560122 (the code used for polyester wadding) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 5.3% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.1% of its imports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 560122, not only polyester wadding.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $191M 13% of world exports
- 2 China $156M 11% of world exports
- 3 Lithuania $145M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $74M 5.3% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $69M 5.0% of world imports
- 3 Russia* ~$64M 4.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.1% of its imports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.4B 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 polyester wadding
Brazil splits HS 5601.22 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5601.22.11Aramid wadding
- 5601.22.19Other man-made fibre wadding
- 5601.22.91Man-made wadding cylinders for cigarette filters
- 5601.22.99Other articles of man-made fibre wadding
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyester wadding
What is the HS code for Polyester wadding?
The HS code for Polyester wadding is 560122 (Wadding; other articles thereof, of man-made fibres). The HS code for wadding made of man-made (synthetic) fibers like polyester is 5601.22.
How do I classify Polyester wadding for customs?
Polyester wadding is classified under HS code 560122 — Wadding; other articles thereof, of man-made fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is polyester fiberfill classified the same as wadding?
Yes, polyester fiberfill used for stuffing or padding is generally classified under 5601.22 as it meets the definition of textile wadding.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyester wadding (HS 560122)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560122 (the code used for polyester wadding) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($191M, 13% of world exports), China ($156M) and Lithuania ($145M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 polyester wadding (HS 560122)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 560122 (the code used for polyester wadding) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($74M, 5.3% of world imports), Indonesia ($69M) and Russia (about $64M). World imports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.1% of its imports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Polyester wadding the same in all countries?
The base HS code 560122 for Polyester wadding 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 wadding in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 560122 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for polyester wadding depends on the product's details: 5601.22.11 (Aramid wadding), 5601.22.19 (Other man-made fibre wadding), 5601.22.91 (Man-made wadding cylinders for cigarette filters), 5601.22.99 (Other articles of man-made fibre wadding).