Product classification
HS code for Vegetable fiber plaits: 4601.94
Plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of plaiting materials, (not mats, matting or screens), of vegetable materials other than bamboo or rattan.
Classification of vegetable fiber plaits under HS 4601.94
Vegetable fiber plaits are classified under HS code 4601.94, which falls within Chapter 46 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers manufactures of straw, esparto, or other plaiting materials, as well as basketware and wickerwork. Heading 4601 specifically addresses plaits and similar products of plaiting materials, whether or not assembled into strips. The classification under subheading 4601.94 is determined by the material composition, specifically targeting vegetable materials other than bamboo or rattan. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR), specifically GIR 1 and 6, the product must consist of materials in a state suitable for plaiting, interlacing, or similar processes. These materials are typically in the form of strips, filaments, or threads that have been braided or joined together in a linear fashion. The classification process involves verifying that the fibers are of vegetable origin and have not been spun into textile yarns, which would shift the classification to Section XI (Textiles). The technical distinction lies in the structural integrity of the plait, which serves as an intermediate product for the manufacture of hats, mats, or furniture.
- Covers
- Plaits made of cereal straw
- Plaits made of willow or osier
- Bark and wood shaving strips
- Unspun textile vegetable fibers in braided form
- Raffia and lime bark plaits
- Esparto grass braids
- Also under 4601.94
- H&M Home (straw decor components)
- The Body Shop (natural fiber packaging elements)
- various craft supply stores
- agricultural co-ops
- textile manufacturers
Codes often confused with 4601.94
Common mistake. Vegetable fiber plaits are frequently confused with HS code 4601.21 (Bamboo) or 4601.22 (Rattan). While the manufacturing process is similar, the botanical origin of the material is the primary differentiator. Additionally, if the fibers have been spun into yarn before being braided, they may be misclassified under heading 5607 (Twine, cordage, rope, and cables). Another common error involves finished articles; if the plaits are already formed into a specific product like a mat, they should be classified under 4601.29 or 4601.99 depending on the material and construction.
Top exporters and importers of HS 460194 (the code used for vegetable fiber plaits), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 460194 (the code used for vegetable fiber plaits) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 54% of world imports. Vietnam 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 27% of its exports here ($980K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 460194, not only vegetable fiber plaits.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $19M 55% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $2.5M 7.1% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$2.3M 6.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
Vietnam 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 27% of its exports here ($980K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $35M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $33M 54% of world imports
- 2 United States $4.6M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 France $4.3M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $60M 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 vegetable fiber plaits
Brazil classifies vegetable fiber plaits under NCM 4601.94.00: HS 4601.94 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vegetable fiber plaits
What is the HS code for Vegetable fiber plaits?
The HS code for Vegetable fiber plaits is 460194 (Plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of plaiting materials; (not mats, matting or screens), of vegetable materials other than bamboo or rattan). The HS code for vegetable fiber plaits made from materials other than bamboo or rattan is 4601.94.
How do I classify Vegetable fiber plaits for customs?
Vegetable fiber plaits is classified under HS code 460194 — Plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of plaiting materials; (not mats, matting or screens), of vegetable materials other than bamboo or rattan. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between a plait and a textile braid?
The distinction is based on whether the material is a plaiting material (Chapter 46) or a spun textile yarn (Chapter 56). Plaiting materials are generally stiffer and used in their natural or sliced state without the spinning process required for textiles.
Which countries are the top exporters of vegetable fiber plaits (HS 460194)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 460194 (the code used for vegetable fiber plaits) in UN Comtrade data were China ($19M, 55% of world exports), the Netherlands ($2.5M) and Vietnam (about $2.3M). World exports came to about $35M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 27% of its exports here ($980K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of vegetable fiber plaits (HS 460194)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 460194 (the code used for vegetable fiber plaits) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($33M, 54% of world imports), the United States ($4.6M) and France ($4.3M). World imports came to about $60M, 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 Vegetable fiber plaits the same in all countries?
The base HS code 460194 for Vegetable fiber plaits 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 vegetable fiber plaits in Brazil?
In Brazil, vegetable fiber plaits (HS 460194) is classified under NCM 4601.94.00.