Product classification

HS code for ramie fiber: 5305.00

Coconut, abaca (Manila hemp or Musa textilis Nee), ramie and other vegetable textile fibres n.e.c., raw or processed but not spun, tow, noils and waste of these fibres (including yarn waste and garnetted stock).

Classification of ramie fiber under HS 5305.00

Ramie fiber is classified under HS code 5305.00, which serves as a collective heading for various vegetable textile fibers not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.) in the earlier headings of Chapter 53. Ramie, derived from the bark of the Boehmeria nivea plant, is a bast fiber known for its exceptional strength and resistance to bacteria and mildew. The classification under 5305.00 applies to the fiber in its raw state, or after it has been processed (such as through degumming to remove pectins and waxes) but before it has been spun into yarn. The Harmonized System organizes vegetable fibers by specific plant types; while flax, hemp, and jute have their own dedicated four-digit headings (5301, 5302, and 5303 respectively), ramie is grouped with other fibers like abaca and coconut (coir). This classification also encompasses the waste products of these fibers, including noils and garnetted stock, provided they have not been converted into yarn. The determination of this code relies on identifying the botanical origin of the fiber and ensuring it has not yet reached the spinning stage of textile production.

Covers
  • Raw ramie fiber (China grass)
  • Degummed ramie fiber
  • Ramie noils and waste
  • Processed ramie silver
  • Garnetted stock of ramie
Also under 5305.00
  • Coir mats
  • abaca paper
  • ramie fabric
  • sisal ropes
  • kapok filling
  • henequen twine
  • banana fiber textiles

Codes often confused with 5305.00

Common mistake. Ramie is often misclassified under 5301.10 (flax) or 5303.10 (jute) because they are all bast fibers with similar appearances in their raw state. However, the botanical source is the deciding factor. Another common mistake is using 5308.90 for ramie yarn; once the fiber is spun, it must move to the yarn headings. Furthermore, if the ramie is blended with more than 50% synthetic fibers, it may be classified under Chapter 55 depending on the blend ratio and weight.

5301.10Flax; raw or retted, but not spun5303.10Jute and other textile bast fibres; raw or retted, but not spun, (excluding flax, hemp (cannabis sativa L.), and ramie)5308.90Yarn; of vegetable textile fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5306, 5307 and 5308

Top exporters and importers of HS 530500 (the code used for ramie fiber), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530500 (the code used for ramie fiber) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% 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 530500, not only ramie fiber.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 India $582M
  2. 2 Sri Lanka $231M
  3. 3 Brazil $46M

World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $188M
  2. 2 Peru* ~$70M
  3. 3 United States $64M

World total: $737M 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 ramie fiber

Brazil splits HS 5305.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about ramie fiber

What is the HS code for ramie fiber?

The HS code for ramie fiber is 530500 (Coconut, abaca (Manila hemp or Musa textilis Nee), ramie and other vegetable textile fibres n.e.c., raw or processed but not spun; tow, noils and waste of these fibres (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)). The HS code for ramie fiber, including raw, processed, or waste forms but not spun, is 5305.00.

How do I classify ramie fiber for customs?

ramie fiber is classified under HS code 530500 — Coconut, abaca (Manila hemp or Musa textilis Nee), ramie and other vegetable textile fibres n.e.c., raw or processed but not spun; tow, noils and waste of these fibres (including yarn waste and garnetted stock). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is degummed ramie still classified under 5305.00?

Yes, the degumming process is considered a preparation for textile use but does not change the classification as long as the fiber has not been spun into yarn.

Which countries are the top exporters of ramie fiber (HS 530500)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530500 (the code used for ramie fiber) in UN Comtrade data were India ($582M, 55% of world exports), Sri Lanka ($231M) and Brazil ($46M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 ramie fiber (HS 530500)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 530500 (the code used for ramie fiber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($188M, 25% of world imports), Peru (about $70M) and the United States ($64M). World imports came to about $737M, 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 ramie fiber the same in all countries?

The base HS code 530500 for ramie fiber 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 ramie fiber in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 530500 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for ramie fiber depends on the product's details: 5305.00.10 (Raw abaca (Manila hemp)), 5305.00.90 (Coir, ramie, processed abaca, other fibres; waste).