Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers — HTS 5512
Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing 85 percent or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers
Chapter 55 › Heading 5512
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 5512 is a broad product category for woven fabrics made of synthetic staple fibers, when those fibers make up at least 85 percent of the fabric’s weight. “Synthetic staple fibers” are man-made fibers cut into short lengths, such as polyester staple fiber; “woven” means the fabric is formed by interlacing yarns in a regular structure. The heading covers the fabric itself, not finished apparel or other goods made from the fabric.
To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, first confirm that the fabric belongs in heading 5512. Then use the heading’s subheadings and statistical provisions to narrow the classification, commonly based on the specific synthetic fiber, fabric construction or type, and other listed characteristics. Review the full product description, not just the heading title, and confirm the code against the current HTSUS and, when needed, a customs broker or binding ruling process.
What to check
- Check the fiber content by weight and obtain reliable specifications showing whether synthetic staple fibers reach the required threshold.
- Confirm that the material is woven and identify the actual fiber, such as polyester or another synthetic staple fiber; do not assume a fiber name from a trade label alone.
- Review construction details requested by the relevant subheading, such as fabric type, yarn or finish characteristics, and any stated width or weight distinctions.
- Determine whether the imported item is fabric as entered, rather than a made-up article, garment, accessory, or other finished product that may classify elsewhere.
- Compare the product description, laboratory or supplier documents, and commercial invoice with the current HTSUS provisions; seek broker or customs guidance if the facts fit more than one provision.
HTS heading 5512 summary
Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers is a 4-digit product category containing 6 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5512.11.00 👉 | Unbleached or bleached | 12% | Free | 81% |
| 5512.19.00 👉 | Other | 13.6% | Free | 81% |
| 5512.21.00 👉 | Unbleached or bleached | 12% | Free | 81% |
| 5512.29.00 👉 | Other | 12% | Free | 81% |
| 5512.91.00 👉 | Unbleached or bleached | 14.9% | Free | 81% |
| 5512.99.00 👉 | Other | 12% | Free | 81% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 5512?
Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing 85 percent or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.