HS Code 5603
Nonwoven Fabrics and Linings
HS code 5603 covers nonwoven textile fabrics, whether or not impregnated or coated, weighing from less than 25g/m2 to over 150g/m2 for industrial use.
4-digit Section XIFCL
HS Code 5603 — Nonwoven Fabrics and Linings
Nonwovens are fabric-like materials made from staple or filament fibres, bonded together by chemical, mechanical, or heat treatment. These materials are commonly used for medical gowns, hygiene products, and industrial filters.
What's included
- Spunbond nonwovens
- Meltblown fabric
- Flash-spun polyethylene
- Dry-laid or wet-laid nonwoven webs
What's excluded
- Paper and paperboard → use
4801(Materials made mostly of cellulose pulp are classified as paper.) - Nonwoven surgical face masks → use
6307(Finished medical articles are categorized as made-up textile articles.)
Common examples
- Meltblown fabric for mask filters
- Spunbond polypropylene for furniture backing
- Geotextiles for soil stabilisation
Frequently asked questions
Is nonwoven fabric considered plastic or textile?
Even if made of plastic polymers like polypropylene, it is classified as a textile under HS code 5603.
Trade & shipping notes
- Typical duty range: 0% - 10%
- Documentation: Grammage (grams per square metre) must be specified on the commercial invoice for correct 6-digit classification.
- Typical shipping mode: FCL
- Top exporters: China, Germany, United States
- Top importers: Vietnam, Mexico, India
Related HS codes
Key takeaway
Classification depends strictly on the weight per square metre (gsm) of the nonwoven material.
Related HS codes
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