Product classification
HS code for Synthetic nonwoven fabric: 5603.12
Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2).
Classification of synthetic nonwoven fabric under HS 5603.12
Synthetic nonwoven fabric weighing between 25 and 70 g/m² is classified under HS code 5603.12. Chapter 56 of the Harmonized System covers wadding, felt, and nonwovens. Heading 5603 is dedicated to nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated. The classification within this heading is hierarchical, first determined by the type of filament (man-made filaments versus staple fibers) and then by the weight per square meter. Subheading 5603.12 is reserved for nonwovens made of man-made filaments with a weight exceeding 25 g/m² but not exceeding 70 g/m². This weight range is a strict technical requirement; even a slight deviation outside these bounds would move the product to 5603.11 (for lighter fabrics) or 5603.13 (for heavier fabrics). Nonwovens are defined by the bonding of fibers through friction, cohesion, or adhesion, rather than weaving or knitting, which distinguishes them from traditional textiles.
- Covers
- Spunbond polypropylene fabric (25-70 g/m²)
- Meltblown synthetic fabric for filtration
- Synthetic interlinings for apparel
- Disposable medical gown material (in roll form)
- Agricultural crop covers made of synthetic filaments
- Also under 5603.12
- Freudenberg Performance Materials (automotive nonwovens)
- Berry Global (spunbond nonwovens)
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö (filtration nonwovens)
- Fitesa (hygiene and medical nonwovens)
- DuPont Tyvek (medium-weight variants)
Codes often confused with 5603.12
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between the different weight subheadings of 5603. For example, 5603.11 is for fabrics weighing 25 g/m² or less, while 5603.13 is for those between 70 and 150 g/m². Additionally, nonwovens made from staple fibers rather than continuous filaments are classified under 5603.92. Importers also frequently confuse nonwovens with felt (5602), which is produced through a specific milling and felting process rather than the bonding methods used for nonwovens.
Top exporters and importers of HS 560312 (the code used for synthetic nonwoven fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560312 (the code used for synthetic nonwoven fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 560312, not only synthetic nonwoven fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $527M 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $483M 14% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $415M 12% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $478M 13% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $277M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $243M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $3.7B 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 codes for synthetic nonwoven fabric
Brazil splits HS 5603.12 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5603.12.10HDPE filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.20Aramid filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.30Polyester filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.40Polypropylene filament nonwoven over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.50Viscose filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
- 5603.12.90Other filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic nonwoven fabric
What is the HS code for Synthetic nonwoven fabric?
The HS code for Synthetic nonwoven fabric is 560312 (Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2)).
How do I classify Synthetic nonwoven fabric for customs?
Synthetic nonwoven fabric is classified under HS code 560312 — Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of man-made filaments, (weighing more than 25g/m2 but not more than 70g/m2). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for synthetic nonwoven fabric (25-70g/m2)?
The HS code for nonwovens of man-made filaments weighing more than 25 g/m² but not more than 70 g/m² is 5603.12.
Does this code include coated nonwoven fabrics?
Yes, HS code 5603.12 includes nonwovens that are impregnated, coated, or laminated, provided they retain the essential character of a nonwoven fabric.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic nonwoven fabric (HS 560312)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560312 (the code used for synthetic nonwoven fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($527M, 15% of world exports), the United States ($483M) and Türkiye ($415M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 synthetic nonwoven fabric (HS 560312)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 560312 (the code used for synthetic nonwoven fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($478M, 13% of world imports), Mexico ($277M) and Germany ($243M). World imports came to about $3.7B, 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 Synthetic nonwoven fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 560312 for Synthetic nonwoven 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 synthetic nonwoven fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 560312 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for synthetic nonwoven fabric depends on the product's details: 5603.12.10 (HDPE filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.20 (Aramid filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.30 (Polyester filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.40 (Polypropylene filament nonwoven over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.50 (Viscose filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²), 5603.12.90 (Other filament nonwoven, over 25 to 70 g/m²).