Product classification

HS code for unbleached linen blend: 5309.21

Fabrics, woven, of flax, containing less than 85% flax, unbleached or bleached.

Classification of unbleached linen blend under HS 5309.21

HS code 530921 is applied to woven fabrics of flax (linen) that contain less than 85% flax by weight and are in an unbleached or bleached state. This classification is part of Chapter 53, which manages vegetable textile fibers. The determination of this code relies on the fiber composition and the state of the fabric. Because the flax content is below the 85% threshold, the fabric is considered a blend. The Harmonized System requires that the flax still be the predominant fiber or the fiber that provides the essential character under the section notes for it to remain in Chapter 53. If the fabric is blended with cotton and the cotton predominates by weight, it may shift to Chapter 52. However, for linen-rich blends that do not reach the purity of 85%, 530921 is the standard classification. The inclusion of both unbleached and bleached fabrics in the same subheading is a specific feature of this part of the nomenclature, distinguishing it from other textile chapters where these states are often separated.

Covers
  • Linen-cotton blend fabrics (less than 85% flax)
  • Linen-polyester woven blends (unbleached)
  • Bleached flax-viscose mixed fabrics
  • Unbleached linen-rich upholstery blends
  • Lightweight bleached linen-mix shirting
Also under 5309.21
  • H&M (linen blend apparel)
  • Pottery Barn (linen blend home goods)
  • Libeco (linen blends)
  • Zara Home
  • Crate & Barrel.

Codes often confused with 5309.21

Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 530911, which is reserved for fabrics containing 85% or more flax. It is also frequently misclassified under Chapter 52 (Cotton) or Chapter 54/55 (Man-made fibers) if the weight of the non-flax fiber exceeds the weight of the flax. Importers must have a precise laboratory analysis of the fiber percentages to ensure the correct code is used, as the 85% limit is a strict legal boundary in the HS system.

5309.11Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached

Top exporters and importers of HS 530921 (the code used for unbleached linen blend), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530921 (the code used for unbleached linen blend) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 23% 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 530921, not only unbleached linen blend.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $77M
  2. 2 Spain $5.9M
  3. 3 Portugal $5.4M

World total: $117M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$25M
  2. 2 Cambodia* ~$8.4M
  3. 3 United States $7.5M

World total: $108M 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 unbleached linen blend

Brazil classifies unbleached linen blend under NCM 5309.21.00: HS 5309.21 with 00 added.

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

Questions about unbleached linen blend

What is the HS code for unbleached linen blend?

The HS code for unbleached linen blend is 530921 (Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing less than 85% flax, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for woven linen blends containing less than 85% flax (unbleached or bleached) is 530921.

How do I classify unbleached linen blend for customs?

unbleached linen blend is classified under HS code 530921 — Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing less than 85% flax, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What if the linen blend is dyed?

If the linen blend (less than 85% flax) is dyed or printed, it should be classified under HS code 530929.

Which countries are the top exporters of unbleached linen blend (HS 530921)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530921 (the code used for unbleached linen blend) in UN Comtrade data were China ($77M, 65% of world exports), Spain ($5.9M) and Portugal ($5.4M). World exports came to about $117M, 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 unbleached linen blend (HS 530921)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 530921 (the code used for unbleached linen blend) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $25M, 23% of world imports), Cambodia (about $8.4M) and the United States ($7.5M). World imports came to about $108M, 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 unbleached linen blend the same in all countries?

The base HS code 530921 for unbleached linen blend 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 unbleached linen blend in Brazil?

In Brazil, unbleached linen blend (HS 530921) is classified under NCM 5309.21.00.