Product classification
HS code for Silk cloth: 5007.90
Silk, woven fabrics n.e.c. in heading no. 5007.
Classification of silk cloth under HS 5007.90
Silk cloth is classified under HS code 500790. This classification is determined by Chapter 50 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to silk. Heading 5007 specifically covers woven fabrics of silk or of silk waste. The subheading 500790 is a residual category for "other" woven fabrics of silk that do not meet the specific requirements of the preceding subheadings. For instance, subheadings 500710 (fabrics of noil silk) and 500720 (other fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of silk or silk waste) take precedence if their criteria are met. Therefore, 500790 is used for silk fabrics that are blended with other fibers where silk is the predominant material but constitutes less than 85% of the total weight, or for specific types of silk weaves not otherwise specified. The classification process requires a detailed analysis of the fabric's weight, weave type, and fiber percentage. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 3(b), the material that gives the fabric its essential character determines the classification if it is a mixed-fiber product. For silk cloth, the luxurious texture and specific filament properties usually define its character, placing it firmly within Chapter 50. The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere classified) designation ensures that unique weaves or specific blends that do not fit into the more narrow definitions are still captured under the silk umbrella.
- Covers
- Woven silk-blend fabrics
- Jacquard silk cloth
- Silk crepe de chine (blended)
- Silk chiffon (blended)
- Tussah silk fabrics
- Silk habutai (blended)
- Also under 5007.90
- Silk-viscose blend scarves
- Silk-modal blend apparel fabric
- Silk-metallic thread upholstery
- Blended silk suiting fabric
Codes often confused with 5007.90
Common mistake. Silk cloth is often misclassified under 500720 if the importer assumes all high-quality silk falls under the "85% or more" category without verifying the actual fiber breakdown. Conversely, it is frequently confused with HS code 5407, which covers woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn. Many modern synthetic fabrics mimic the appearance of silk so closely that they are mistakenly entered under Chapter 50. Additionally, if the fabric is knitted rather than woven, it must be classified under Chapter 60 (e.g., 600690) rather than 500790.
Top exporters and importers of HS 500790 (the code used for silk cloth), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 500790 (the code used for silk cloth) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, 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 500790, not only silk cloth.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $55M 48% of world exports
- 2 China $28M 24% of world exports
- 3 India $7.5M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $116M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $15M 10% of world imports
- 2 Sri Lanka $14M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Afghanistan* ~$11M 7.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $147M 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 silk cloth
Brazil classifies silk cloth under NCM 5007.90.00: HS 5007.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about silk cloth
What is the HS code for Silk cloth?
The HS code for Silk cloth is 500790 (Silk; woven fabrics n.e.c. in heading no. 5007). The primary HS code for silk cloth that does not fall into more specific categories is 500790, covering woven fabrics of silk or silk waste.
How do I classify Silk cloth for customs?
Silk cloth is classified under HS code 500790 — Silk; woven fabrics n.e.c. in heading no. 5007. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 500790 cover 100% silk fabric?
Generally, 100% silk fabric is classified under 500720. HS code 500790 is reserved for "other" silk fabrics, typically those that are blended with other fibers or have unique characteristics not covered by 500710 or 500720.
Which countries are the top exporters of silk cloth (HS 500790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 500790 (the code used for silk cloth) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($55M, 48% of world exports), China ($28M) and India ($7.5M). World exports came to about $116M, 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 silk cloth (HS 500790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 500790 (the code used for silk cloth) in UN Comtrade data were France ($15M, 10% of world imports), Sri Lanka ($14M) and Afghanistan (about $11M). World imports came to about $147M, 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 Silk cloth the same in all countries?
The base HS code 500790 for Silk cloth 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 silk cloth in Brazil?
In Brazil, silk cloth (HS 500790) is classified under NCM 5007.90.00.