Product classification
HS code for Wide elastic knit fabric: 6004.90
Fabrics, knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 60.01, of a width exceeding 30 cm, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread,.
Classification of wide elastic knit fabric under HS 6004.90
Wide elastic knit fabric is classified under HS code 6004.90. This classification is determined by three primary factors: the construction method (knitted or crocheted), the width (exceeding 30 cm), and the composition (containing 5% or more by weight of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread). Chapter 60 of the Harmonized System covers knitted or crocheted fabrics. Heading 6004 specifically addresses fabrics that are wide and have a significant elastic component, distinguishing them from narrow elastic fabrics (heading 6002) and standard knitted fabrics without high elasticity (headings 6003, 6005, or 6006). The "elastomeric yarn" typically refers to synthetic fibers like spandex or Lycra that provide stretch and recovery properties. This code is crucial for the textile industry, as it separates technical stretch fabrics used in sportswear and medical garments from decorative or standard apparel fabrics. To qualify for 6004.90, the fabric must not be a pile fabric (like velvet) which would fall under 60.01. The measurement of the elastomeric content is strictly by weight, and the width must be measured in its relaxed state. This classification ensures that high-performance textiles are tracked separately from basic commodity knits, reflecting their higher value and specific industrial applications.
- Covers
- Spandex-blend circular knit fabrics
- Wide elastic jersey for leggings
- Stretch tricot exceeding 30cm width
- High-elastane athletic wear fabric
- Rubber-thread reinforced knit textiles
- Also under 6004.90
- Jobst (for compression hosiery fabrics)
- Spanx (for shapewear fabrics)
- Adidas Techfit (for high-performance apparel)
- Goodyear (for industrial elastic components)
- Specialized medical textile manufacturers
Codes often confused with 6004.90
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include 6002.90, which is for elastic fabrics narrower than 30 cm. Another error is using 6006.22 for cotton/spandex blends if the elastomeric content is less than 5% by weight.
Top exporters and importers of HS 600490 (the code used for wide elastic knit fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 600490 (the code used for wide elastic knit fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 22% 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 97% of its exports here ($279M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Cambodia 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 93% of its imports here ($276M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 600490, not only wide elastic knit fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $44M 29% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$27M 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Italy $11M 7.4% of world exports
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 97% of its exports here ($279M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $150M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sri Lanka $79M 22% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $76M 21% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $36M 9.8% of world imports
Cambodia 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 93% of its imports here ($276M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $362M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 codes for wide elastic knit fabric
Brazil splits HS 6004.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 6004.90.10Cotton knit with rubber thread, over 30 cm
- 6004.90.30Synthetic knit with rubber thread, over 30 cm
- 6004.90.40Artificial knit with rubber thread, over 30 cm
- 6004.90.90Other knit with rubber thread, over 30 cm
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wide elastic knit fabric
What is the HS code for Wide elastic knit fabric?
The HS code for Wide elastic knit fabric is 600490 (Fabrics; knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 60.01, of a width exceeding 30 cm, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread,). The HS code for knitted fabric over 30cm wide with 5% or more elastomeric content is 6004.90.
How do I classify Wide elastic knit fabric for customs?
Wide elastic knit fabric is classified under HS code 600490 — Fabrics; knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 60.01, of a width exceeding 30 cm, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread,. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the fabric is only 25 cm wide?
If the fabric is 30 cm or less in width and contains elastomeric yarn, it must be classified under heading 6002 instead of 6004.
Which countries are the top exporters of wide elastic knit fabric (HS 600490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 600490 (the code used for wide elastic knit fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($44M, 29% of world exports), Taiwan (about $27M) and Italy ($11M). World exports came to about $150M, 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 97% of its exports here ($279M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of wide elastic knit fabric (HS 600490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 600490 (the code used for wide elastic knit fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($79M, 22% of world imports), Egypt ($76M) and Thailand ($36M). World imports came to about $362M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Cambodia 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 93% of its imports here ($276M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Wide elastic knit fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 600490 for Wide elastic knit 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 wide elastic knit fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 600490 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for wide elastic knit fabric depends on the product's details: 6004.90.10 (Cotton knit with rubber thread, over 30 cm), 6004.90.30 (Synthetic knit with rubber thread, over 30 cm), 6004.90.40 (Artificial knit with rubber thread, over 30 cm), 6004.90.90 (Other knit with rubber thread, over 30 cm).