Product classification
HS code for Printed poly-cotton blend: 5514.43
Fabrics, woven, printed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, weight exceeding 170g/m2, n.e.c. in heading no. 5514.
Classification of printed poly-cotton blend under HS 5514.43
HS code 5514.43 is utilized for the classification of specific woven fabrics made from synthetic staple fibers. To fall under this heading, the fabric must contain less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibers, typically blended with cotton. Furthermore, the fabric must be "printed," meaning it has a design or pattern applied to the surface after weaving. A critical technical requirement for this code is the weight of the fabric, which must exceed 170 grams per square meter (g/m2). This classification is part of a hierarchical structure where fabrics are first categorized by fiber type, then by weight, and finally by the weave and finishing process. Since 5514.43 is an "other" category, it applies to fabrics that do not meet the definitions of plain or twill weaves. This includes complex structures like satin, jacquard, or dobby weaves, provided they meet the weight and fiber composition criteria. The classification process involves a detailed analysis of the yarn composition. Polyester staple fibers are synthetic fibers that have been cut to a specific length before spinning, which distinguishes them from continuous filaments. When these are blended with cotton, the resulting fabric offers a balance of durability and breathability. Customs authorities often require a certificate of analysis to verify that the polyester content is indeed below the 85% threshold. If the polyester content were higher, the fabric would move to heading 5512. The "printed" aspect is also strictly defined; it does not include fabrics that are merely tinted or those with fugitive colors that disappear after washing.
- Covers
- Printed polyester-cotton sateen fabrics (>170g/m2)
- Printed poly-cotton dobby woven fabrics
- Heavyweight printed poly-cotton jacquard upholstery fabric
- Printed poly-cotton oxford fabrics exceeding 170g/m2
- Also under 5514.43
- Printed sateen for luxury bedding
- printed dobby weave for decorative cushions
- printed jacquard for drapery
- specialized printed uniform fabrics with unique weaves
- printed heavy shirting with textured weaves
Codes often confused with 5514.43
Common mistake. A frequent error is confusing 5514.43 with HS code 5513.49. The distinction lies entirely in the weight; 5513 covers fabrics weighing 170g/m2 or less, while 5514 covers those exceeding 170g/m2. Additionally, 5514.41 is often mistakenly used for these fabrics, but that code is strictly for plain weave. If the fabric has a diagonal rib, it should be classified under 5514.42 (twill). Misclassifying based on weave or weight can lead to significant differences in duty rates and trade remedy applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551443 (the code used for printed poly-cotton blend), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551443 (the code used for printed poly-cotton blend) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 46% of world imports. Taiwan 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 100% of its exports here ($3.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Cambodia 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 95% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 551443, not only printed poly-cotton blend.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.7M 20% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $2.7M 15% of world exports
- 3 France $2.2M 12% of world exports
Taiwan 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 100% of its exports here ($3.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $21M 46% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $11M 24% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $1.8M 3.8% of world imports
Cambodia 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 95% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $46M 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 printed poly-cotton blend
Brazil classifies printed poly-cotton blend under NCM 5514.43.00: HS 5514.43 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about printed poly-cotton blend
What is the HS code for Printed poly-cotton blend?
The HS code for Printed poly-cotton blend is 551443 (Fabrics, woven; printed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, weight exceeding 170g/m2, n.e.c. in heading no. 5514). The HS code is 5514.43, provided the fabric weighs more than 170g/m2 and is not a plain or twill weave.
How do I classify Printed poly-cotton blend for customs?
Printed poly-cotton blend is classified under HS code 551443 — Fabrics, woven; printed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, weight exceeding 170g/m2, n.e.c. in heading no. 5514. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the weight of the fabric determined for HS classification?
The weight is calculated as grams per square meter (g/m2) by measuring a sample of the fabric in a laboratory setting according to ISO or ASTM standards.
Which countries are the top exporters of printed poly-cotton blend (HS 551443)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551443 (the code used for printed poly-cotton blend) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.7M, 20% of world exports), Switzerland ($2.7M) and France ($2.2M). World exports came to about $19M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 100% of its exports here ($3.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of printed poly-cotton blend (HS 551443)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551443 (the code used for printed poly-cotton blend) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($21M, 46% of world imports), Thailand ($11M) and Belgium ($1.8M). World imports came to about $46M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Cambodia 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 95% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Printed poly-cotton blend the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551443 for Printed poly-cotton blend 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 printed poly-cotton blend in Brazil?
In Brazil, printed poly-cotton blend (HS 551443) is classified under NCM 5514.43.00.