HS Code for vegetable fiber fabric

Vegetable fiber fabrics that are not made from cotton, flax, or jute are classified under HS code 5311.00. This code serves as a residual or "basket" category within Chapter 53, which covers other vegetable textile fibers, paper yarn, and woven fabrics thereof. The classification is based on the material being a woven fabric and the botanical origin of the fibers. According to the Section XI notes of the Harmonized System, textile products are classified by the fiber that predominates by weight. Heading 5311 is used for fabrics woven from fibers such as ramie, hemp, sisal, or abaca when these fibers are the primary component. The fabric must be produced through the interlacing of warp and weft threads. This code also includes woven fabrics made of paper yarn. The classification process requires verifying that the fabric does not meet the criteria for more specific headings like 5309 (flax) or 5310 (jute). It is essential for importers to provide a detailed fiber breakdown to justify the use of this residual code, especially for blended textiles.

Products Included

• Woven ramie fabric
• Woven hemp fabric
• Sisal textile fabrics
• Abaca (Manila hemp) woven cloth
• Woven fabrics of paper yarn
• Coconut (coir) fiber fabrics

Common Misclassification

Vegetable fiber fabrics are often misclassified under 5208, 5209, 5210, 5211, or 5212 if they are mistaken for cotton blends. They may also be confused with 5309.00 (woven fabrics of flax) or 5310.00 (woven fabrics of jute). Another common error involves non-woven vegetable fiber materials, which should be classified under heading 5603 rather than 5311.00, as 5311 is strictly for woven constructions.

FAQ

What is the HS code for vegetable fiber fabric?

The HS code for woven fabrics of vegetable textile fibers (excluding cotton, flax, and jute) is 5311.00.

Does 5311.00 include bamboo fabric?

No, most modern bamboo fabric is processed as regenerated cellulose (rayon) and is classified under Chapter 54 or 55 as a man-made fiber. Only bamboo fabric produced through mechanical retting (similar to linen) would potentially fall under Chapter 53.