Product classification
HS code for Viscose woven fabric: 5516.11
Fabrics, woven, unbleached or bleached, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres.
Classification of viscose woven fabric under HS 5516.11
Viscose woven fabric is classified under HS code 5516.11. This classification is for woven fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibers. Because the fabric is made from staple fibers (discontinuous) rather than filament yarn, it falls under heading 5516. The subheading 5516.11 specifically denotes fabrics that are unbleached or bleached. These fabrics are characterized by their silk-like feel, high moisture absorbency, and excellent drape. To be classified here, the fabric must be produced through the interlacing of warp and weft yarns on a loom. If the fabric were made of continuous viscose filaments, it would be classified under 5408. The 85% threshold is a critical determinant; if the viscose is blended with more than 15% of another fiber (like cotton or polyester), the classification may shift to other subheadings within 5516 or to different headings entirely depending on the dominant fiber by weight. The "unbleached or bleached" status refers to the state of the fabric after weaving but before any dyeing or printing processes have occurred. This category includes plain weave, twill, and satin constructions, provided the material composition and processing stage meet the criteria.
- Covers
- 100% viscose woven fabric (unbleached)
- Bleached viscose staple fiber fabric
- Woven textiles with >85% artificial staple fibers
- Greige viscose cloth
- Also under 5516.11
Lenzing (Tencel, Modal, Ecovero), Birla Cellulose (Liva), specific unbleached/bleached fabrics from textile mills like Grasim Industries or Sateri
Codes often confused with 5516.11
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 5516.12 (dyed viscose fabric) or 5516.14 (printed viscose fabric). It is also confused with 5408.21, which covers woven fabrics made from continuous artificial filament yarns rather than staple fibers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551611 (the code used for viscose woven fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551611 (the code used for viscose woven fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 10% of world imports. Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 551611, not only viscose woven fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $166M 65% of world exports
- 2 India $19M 7.3% of world exports
- 3 Spain $13M 5.0% of world exports
Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $255M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Egypt $27M 10% of world imports
- 2 Italy $25M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $21M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $258M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 viscose woven fabric
Brazil classifies viscose woven fabric under NCM 5516.11.00: HS 5516.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about viscose woven fabric
What is the HS code for Viscose woven fabric?
The HS code for Viscose woven fabric is 551611 (Fabrics, woven; unbleached or bleached, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres). The HS code for unbleached or bleached woven fabric containing at least 85% viscose staple fiber is 5516.11.
How do I classify Viscose woven fabric for customs?
Viscose woven fabric is classified under HS code 551611 — Fabrics, woven; unbleached or bleached, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include dyed viscose fabric?
No, dyed fabrics are classified under 5516.12. The 5516.11 code is strictly for unbleached or bleached materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of viscose woven fabric (HS 551611)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551611 (the code used for viscose woven fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($166M, 65% of world exports), India ($19M) and Spain ($13M). World exports came to about $255M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $981M of its chapter 55 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of viscose woven fabric (HS 551611)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551611 (the code used for viscose woven fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($27M, 10% of world imports), Italy ($25M) and Morocco ($21M). World imports came to about $258M, 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 Viscose woven fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551611 for Viscose 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 viscose woven fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, viscose woven fabric (HS 551611) is classified under NCM 5516.11.00.