Fabric HS Code: How to Classify Common Fabrics (Buyer Checklist)
Direct Answer
Your fabric HS code (or HTS code in the US) affects duties, required import documentation, and clearance risk.
For fabrics, classification is driven by a small set of facts:
- woven vs knit
- fiber content (and dominant fiber)
- weight (GSM)
- finishing (greige/bleached/dyed/printed)
If you collect these facts consistently for each fabric, you can prevent customs delays and cost surprises.
This is not legal advice. Confirm classification with your customs broker.
Buyer checklist: data you must collect
| Data point | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | knit / woven | drives major chapter split |
| Composition % | 92/8 poly/spandex | fiber rules |
| GSM | 170gsm | can change subheading |
| Width | 160cm | narrow vs standard fabric |
| Finish | greige / dyed / printed | impacts classification |
Document request list (asset)
Ask your supplier for:
- commercial invoice listing fiber %, construction, GSM, width
- packing list with roll count, meters/roll, gross/net weight
- certificate of origin (if applicable)
If you have multiple suppliers, standardize these fields so your forwarder and broker can process faster.
Practical tips for buyers
- Put classification fields into your RFQ template
- Require suppliers to label rolls consistently
- Treat GSM and finishing as part of the product definition