Product classification
HS code for unbleached linen fabric: 5309.11
Fabrics, woven, of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached.
Classification of unbleached linen fabric under HS 5309.11
Woven fabrics consisting of 85% or more flax by weight are classified under HS code 530911, provided they are unbleached or bleached. This classification falls under Chapter 53, which covers flax, hemp, jute, and other vegetable textile fibers. The high percentage of flax (85%+) categorizes the fabric as "pure" linen for customs purposes. The distinction between unbleached and bleached is grouped together in this subheading, which is unique compared to cotton headings where they are usually separate. Unbleached linen, often called "natural" or "grey" linen, retains the natural tan or greyish hue of the flax plant, while bleached linen has been chemically treated to achieve a white appearance. To qualify for this code, the fabric must be woven; non-woven flax materials or flax fibers that have not yet been woven into fabric are classified elsewhere in the chapter. This code is essential for the trade of high-quality linen textiles used in apparel and home furnishings.
- Covers
- 100% pure linen woven fabric (unbleached)
- Bleached linen canvas (85%+ flax)
- Natural flax cloth for upholstery
- Unbleached linen sheeting
- Bleached linen suiting fabric
- Also under 5309.11
- Libeco unbleached linen
- Solbiati bleached linen
- Masters of Linen greige fabric
- Safilin linen fabric
Codes often confused with 5309.11
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 530921, which is for linen blends containing less than 85% flax. Another error is using 530919, which is the code for dyed or printed linen fabrics. Additionally, if the fabric is made of ramie or hemp rather than flax, it must be classified under 531100 or 5306, despite having a similar appearance to linen. Accurate fiber identification is mandatory for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 530911 (the code used for unbleached linen fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530911 (the code used for unbleached linen fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 17% 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 530911, not only unbleached linen fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $219M 55% of world exports
- 2 Belarus* ~$38M 9.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $28M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $397M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $56M 17% of world imports
- 2 Italy $36M 11% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$27M 8.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $326M 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 fabric
Brazil classifies unbleached linen fabric under NCM 5309.11.00: HS 5309.11 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 fabric
What is the HS code for unbleached linen fabric?
The HS code for unbleached linen fabric is 530911 (Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more flax that are unbleached or bleached is 530911.
How do I classify unbleached linen fabric for customs?
unbleached linen fabric is classified under HS code 530911 — Fabrics, woven; of flax, containing 85% or more flax, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover dyed linen?
No, dyed or printed linen fabrics are classified under HS code 530919.
Which countries are the top exporters of unbleached linen fabric (HS 530911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530911 (the code used for unbleached linen fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($219M, 55% of world exports), Belarus (about $38M) and Belgium ($28M). World exports came to about $397M, 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 fabric (HS 530911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 530911 (the code used for unbleached linen fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($56M, 17% of world imports), Italy ($36M) and Bangladesh (about $27M). World imports came to about $326M, 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 fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 530911 for unbleached linen 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 unbleached linen fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, unbleached linen fabric (HS 530911) is classified under NCM 5309.11.00.