Product classification
HS code for Synthetic woven fabric: 5512.99
Fabrics, woven, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5512, other than unbleached or bleached.
Classification of synthetic woven fabric under HS 5512.99
The classification of synthetic woven fabrics under HS code 551299 is determined by the material composition and the specific manufacturing process used. This code is reserved for fabrics that contain 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers. Unlike continuous filaments, staple fibers are short lengths of fiber that must be spun into yarn, often to mimic the texture and feel of natural fibers like cotton or wool. The "99" suffix indicates that these fabrics are not unbleached or bleached, meaning they have undergone further processing such as dyeing, printing, or being woven from yarns of different colors. This classification is essential for international trade because synthetic fabrics are often subject to specific trade remedies, such as anti-dumping duties or quotas, which vary significantly from those applied to natural fibers or filament-based fabrics. The 85% threshold is a strict requirement; if the synthetic content drops below this level, the fabric may be reclassified under headings 5513 or 5514, depending on the weight of the fabric and the type of fibers it is blended with. Accurate classification requires a laboratory analysis of the fiber composition and a clear understanding of the finishing stages the fabric has undergone to ensure compliance with customs regulations.
- Covers
- Dyed polyester staple fiber woven fabrics
- Printed acrylic woven fabrics for upholstery
- Yarn-dyed nylon staple fabrics for outerwear
- Woven fabrics containing 90% polyester staple and 10% viscose
- Heavyweight synthetic staple fabrics for industrial use
- Also under 5512.99
- Gore-Tex (outer layers)
- Cordura fabrics (finished versions)
- Polartec (some synthetic variants)
- Schoeller Textil (specialized synthetics)
- Invista Supplex fabrics
Codes often confused with 5512.99
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5407, which covers woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn. The distinction lies in the fiber length; 5407 is for continuous filaments, while 5512 is for short staple fibers. Another common error is using 551211 or 551219, which are specific to polyester staple fibers; 551299 is the "other" category for different synthetic fibers or mixtures. Additionally, if the fabric is unbleached or bleached, it must be classified under 551291.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551299 (the code used for synthetic woven fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551299 (the code used for synthetic woven fabric) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 11% of world imports. The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 42% of its imports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 551299, not only synthetic woven fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $111M 22% of world exports
- 2 China $81M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $51M 10% of world exports
World total: $497M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $60M 11% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$24M 4.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Tunisia* ~$24M 4.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 42% of its imports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $526M 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 synthetic woven fabric
Brazil splits HS 5512.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5512.99.10Dyed/printed/yarn-dyed aramid fabric, 85% or more
- 5512.99.90Other dyed/printed/yarn-dyed synthetic, min 85%
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic woven fabric
What is the HS code for Synthetic woven fabric?
The HS code for Synthetic woven fabric is 551299 (Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5512, other than unbleached or bleached). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more synthetic staple fibers (other than unbleached or bleached) is 551299.
How do I classify Synthetic woven fabric for customs?
Synthetic woven fabric is classified under HS code 551299 — Fabrics, woven; of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of such fibres n.e.c. in heading no. 5512, other than unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between staple and filament fibers in classification?
Staple fibers are short, discrete lengths that are spun together, whereas filament fibers are continuous strands. This distinction determines whether a fabric falls under Chapter 54 (filament) or Chapter 55 (staple).
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic woven fabric (HS 551299)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551299 (the code used for synthetic woven fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($111M, 22% of world exports), China ($81M) and Germany ($51M). World exports came to about $497M, 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 woven fabric (HS 551299)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551299 (the code used for synthetic woven fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($60M, 11% of world imports), Vietnam (about $24M) and Tunisia (about $24M). World imports came to about $526M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Arab Emirates did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 42% of its imports here ($11M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Synthetic woven fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551299 for Synthetic woven 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 woven fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 551299 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for synthetic woven fabric depends on the product's details: 5512.99.10 (Dyed/printed/yarn-dyed aramid fabric, 85% or more), 5512.99.90 (Other dyed/printed/yarn-dyed synthetic, min 85%).