Product classification
HS code for Stitch-bonded fabric: 5602.10
Felt, needleloom felt and stitch-bonded fibre fabrics, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated.
Classification of stitch-bonded fabric under HS 5602.10
Stitch-bonded fabrics are classified under HS code 5602.10 because they are considered a form of felt or nonwoven material where the web of fibers is mechanically held together by a series of stitches. Unlike traditional woven or knitted fabrics, which rely on the interlacing or interlooping of yarns, stitch-bonded fabrics are created by reinforcing a fiber layer with yarns or filaments using a stitching process. This classification falls within Chapter 56, which covers wadding, felt, and nonwovens. The inclusion of stitch-bonded fabrics in this heading is based on the manufacturing technique where the primary structure is a fiber web, even if the stitching yarn provides significant structural integrity. This code also encompasses these fabrics when they have been impregnated, coated, or laminated, provided they retain the character of stitch-bonded fiber fabrics. The classification is driven by the nonwoven nature of the base material, which distinguishes it from standard textile products in Chapters 50 through 55. The mechanical bonding through stitching is the defining characteristic that places it specifically within the 5602.10 category alongside needleloom felt.
- Covers
- Needleloom felt
- Stitch-bonded fiber fabrics
- Impregnated stitch-bonded fabrics
- Laminated stitch-bonded nonwovens
- Coated stitch-bonded fiber webs
- Also under 5602.10
- Freudenberg nonwovens (automotive felt)
- Trelleborg industrial felt
- Poly-Fil needle-punched felt
- craft felt by Kunin
Codes often confused with 5602.10
Common mistake. Stitch-bonded fabrics are frequently misclassified under headings 60.01 through 60.06, which cover various types of knitted or crocheted fabrics. While the stitching process resembles knitting, the presence of a nonwoven fiber web as the primary substrate dictates classification in Chapter 56. Additionally, if the fabric is heavily coated with plastics, it might be confused with HS code 5903, but it remains in 5602.10 as long as the textile component remains the essential character of the product.
Top exporters and importers of HS 560210 (the code used for stitch-bonded fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560210 (the code used for stitch-bonded fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 8.3% 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 560210, not only stitch-bonded fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $252M 25% of world exports
- 2 China $171M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $101M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $77M 8.3% of world imports
- 2 United States $72M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $71M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $928M 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 stitch-bonded fabric
Brazil classifies stitch-bonded fabric under NCM 5602.10.00: HS 5602.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about stitch-bonded fabric
What is the HS code for Stitch-bonded fabric?
The HS code for Stitch-bonded fabric is 560210 (Felt; needleloom felt and stitch-bonded fibre fabrics, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated). The HS code for stitch-bonded fabric is 5602.10, which includes needleloom felt and similar stitch-bonded fiber fabrics.
How do I classify Stitch-bonded fabric for customs?
Stitch-bonded fabric is classified under HS code 560210 — Felt; needleloom felt and stitch-bonded fibre fabrics, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is stitch-bonded fabric considered a woven material?
No, it is classified as a nonwoven or felt-like material because it is formed from a web of fibers rather than interlaced yarns.
Which countries are the top exporters of stitch-bonded fabric (HS 560210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560210 (the code used for stitch-bonded fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($252M, 25% of world exports), China ($171M) and the United States ($101M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 stitch-bonded fabric (HS 560210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 560210 (the code used for stitch-bonded fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($77M, 8.3% of world imports), the United States ($72M) and Germany ($71M). World imports came to about $928M, 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 Stitch-bonded fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 560210 for Stitch-bonded 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 stitch-bonded fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, stitch-bonded fabric (HS 560210) is classified under NCM 5602.10.00.