Product classification

HS code for PVC coated fabric: 5903.10

Textile fabrics, impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with poly(vinyl chloride).

Classification of PVC coated fabric under HS 5903.10

PVC coated fabric is classified under HS code 5903.10. This classification falls under Section XI (Textiles and Textile Articles), specifically in Chapter 59, which covers impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated textile fabrics. Heading 5903 is used for textile fabrics that have been treated with plastics. Subheading 5903.10 is specific to treatments involving poly(vinyl chloride). For a product to be classified here, the plastic coating must be visible to the naked eye, otherwise than by a change of color. This material typically consists of a woven or knitted textile base that provides tensile strength, while the PVC layer provides waterproofing, durability, and surface texture. The classification is governed by Note 2 to Chapter 59, which distinguishes between textile products and plastic products based on the visibility and function of the coating.

Covers
  • PVC-coated tarpaulin fabric
  • Synthetic leather with a PVC coating on a textile base
  • Waterproof PVC-coated canvas
  • PVC-impregnated upholstery fabrics
  • Vinyl-coated industrial fabrics for awnings
Also under 5903.10
  • Ferrari Precontraint (for architectural membranes)
  • Serge Ferrari Soltis (for sun protection)
  • Mehler Texnologies Valmex (for boat covers)
  • Sioen B8000 (for truck tarpaulins)
  • Sattler AG (for awnings)

Codes often confused with 5903.10

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 3921.12, which covers cellular PVC sheets. If the product is essentially a sheet of plastic with only a minor textile reinforcement that does not constitute a fabric base, it may fall under Chapter 39. Conversely, if the PVC coating is not visible to the naked eye, the fabric remains classified in its original textile chapter (Chapters 50 through 55). Another error is using 5903.20, which is reserved for polyurethane-coated fabrics. Importers must verify the chemical nature of the coating to ensure the correct subheading is applied.

3921.12Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of vinyl chloride, cellular5903.20Textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with polyurethane

Top exporters and importers of HS 590310 (the code used for PVC coated fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 590310 (the code used for PVC coated fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 590310, not only PVC coated fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.4B
  2. 2 Italy $222M
  3. 3 Portugal $153M

World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $287M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$247M
  3. 3 Mexico $136M

World total: $2.8B 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 PVC coated fabric

Brazil classifies PVC coated fabric under NCM 5903.10.00: HS 5903.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about PVC coated fabric

What is the HS code for PVC coated fabric?

The HS code for PVC coated fabric is 590310 (Textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with poly(vinyl chloride)). The HS code for textile fabrics impregnated or coated with poly(vinyl chloride) is 5903.10.

How do I classify PVC coated fabric for customs?

PVC coated fabric is classified under HS code 590310 — Textile fabrics; impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with poly(vinyl chloride). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What if the coating is made of Polyurethane?

If the coating is Polyurethane (PU) instead of PVC, the correct HS code is 5903.20.

Which countries are the top exporters of PVC coated fabric (HS 590310)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 590310 (the code used for PVC coated fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.4B, 61% of world exports), Italy ($222M) and Portugal ($153M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 PVC coated fabric (HS 590310)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 590310 (the code used for PVC coated fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($287M, 10% of world imports), Vietnam (about $247M) and Mexico ($136M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 PVC coated fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 590310 for PVC coated 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 PVC coated fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, PVC coated fabric (HS 590310) is classified under NCM 5903.10.00.