HS Chapters 50 to 60

A practical classification guide for importers, mills, and sourcing teams buying raw fibers, yarns, fabrics, and technical textiles from the Philippines. Start with the fiber origin and form, then confirm the final tariff line with a licensed customs broker.

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50–55

Fibers and yarns

Silk, wool, cotton, linen, and man-made filament and staple fibers. Classification starts with the fiber origin, then the form — raw, combed, spun, or twisted.

Fiber origin first

56–60

Fabrics and technical textiles

Nonwovens, felt, woven fabrics, lace, coated fabrics, and knitted or crocheted fabric supplied as material rather than as a finished garment.

Form and construction first

Fiber originNatural, artificial, or synthetic

FormRaw, yarn, woven, knitted, or technical

CompositionPrimary fiber percentage by weight

End useIntended application and destination

Why the raw material form matters

HS classification for textiles is not determined by the product's trade name or a supplier's label. Customs authorities look at the fiber type, the processing stage, and the physical form of the material supplied — raw, spun, woven, coated, or otherwise processed.

Classification is a starting point, not a binding ruling

The codes on this page are planning references. Final classification depends on the precise fiber content, processing stage, material form, tariff edition, destination, and national customs practice. Request a Binding Tariff Information decision when the classification is commercially material.

1
Identify the primary fiberDetermine whether the material is natural (cotton, silk, wool, linen) or man-made (polyester, nylon, viscose, acrylic), and confirm the percentage by weight.
2
Determine the processing stageRaw fiber, combed sliver, spun yarn, twisted thread, woven fabric, knitted fabric, coated fabric, or technical textile each point to a different heading.
3
Check the destination tariffUse the applicable national tariff schedule and confirm the final subheading with a qualified customs professional familiar with the importing country.

Chapter families at a glance

These planning families help a sourcing team organize a product file before a broker reviews the precise tariff line.

Silk

Silkworm cocoons, raw silk, silk yarn, and woven silk fabric. Form and twist determine the heading within the chapter.

State cocoon or reeled form
Confirm yarn twist level
Check woven or raw classification

Wool and fine animal hair

Wool fiber, combed tops, yarn, and woven fabric from sheep, goat, or other fine animal hair. Fiber fineness affects subheading selection.

Specify greasy, degreased, or combed
Record micron count where available
Identify animal source

Cotton

Raw cotton, cotton yarn, and cotton woven fabrics. Yarn count, twist, and fabric weight influence the subheading.

Confirm cotton percentage
Record yarn count (metric or English)
State fabric weight (g/m²)

54–55

Man-made fibers

Polyester, nylon, acrylic, viscose, and other synthetic or artificial fibers in filament (54) or staple (55) form, as yarn or fabric.

Distinguish filament from staple
Confirm fiber chemical type
Record blend percentages

Technical textiles

Impregnated, coated, laminated, or otherwise treated fabrics; geotextiles; industrial filter cloth; and other technical end-use materials.

Describe coating or treatment
State intended industrial use
Attach technical data sheet

Knitted or crocheted fabric

Fabric supplied by the metre or in roll form, not yet cut or assembled into a garment. Distinct from Chapter 61 which covers finished knitted garments.

Confirm supplied as fabric, not garment
Record fiber content and weight
State pile or non-pile construction

Classification evidence matrix

A complete product file reduces broker queries and avoids reclassification delays at the port of entry.

Evidence	What to provide	Why it matters
Fiber identity	Fiber type and chemical description, supplier test report or certificate of composition	Determines the chapter and the primary heading
Fiber percentage	Breakdown by weight for each fiber in the material, supported by mill documentation	The predominant fiber by weight controls the classification when mixed
Processing stage	Description of the material form — raw, carded, combed, spun, woven, knitted, coated, laminated	Different stages map to different headings within the same chapter
Physical specification	Yarn count, fabric weight (g/m²), thread count, width, and finish description	Subheading selection often depends on weight or count thresholds
Technical data sheet	Mill or manufacturer spec sheet, especially for coated or technical textiles	Essential for Chapter 59 and other treated fabric headings
Commercial record	Invoice description, quantity (kg or metres), value, origin, and purchase order reference	Keeps the declaration consistent with the product file

A four step broker handoff

Use the same process for a first shipment and a repeat order. Recheck the classification when the fiber blend, processing stage, or product specification changes.

Step 1

Describe

Write the material description using fiber identity, form, and physical specification — not the trade name or brand label.

Step 2

Evidence

Attach the fiber test report, composition certificate, mill spec sheet, and any relevant technical data for coated or treated materials.

Step 3

Confirm

Ask the broker to confirm the destination tariff line, duty rate, origin evidence, and any applicable trade preference or quota treatment.

Step 4

Control

Store the approved code, supporting evidence, and broker rationale with the purchase order and repeat production file.

Do not classify from the trade name alone

Dri-fit, microfiber, performance fabric, and similar trade names describe end-use or finish, not the fiber content or construction. Keep the technical specification visible so the classification follows the actual material.

HS Chapters 50 to 60 questions

Planning answers for sourcing teams. A licensed customs broker or customs authority should confirm the final tariff line.

What is the main difference between HS Chapters 50–60 and Chapters 61–62?

Chapters 50 to 60 generally cover raw or semi-processed textile materials — fibers, yarns, and fabrics supplied as inputs. Chapters 61 and 62 cover finished garments and clothing accessories ready for the end consumer. A roll of woven cotton fabric is typically Chapter 52. A finished woven cotton shirt is typically Chapter 62.

How does fiber percentage affect classification?

When a textile material contains more than one fiber, the predominant fiber by weight generally controls the chapter and heading. A fabric that is 60% polyester and 40% cotton is typically classified as a man-made fiber fabric under Chapter 54 or 55, not as a cotton fabric under Chapter 52. Confirm the exact threshold with a broker for your specific material and destination.

Is knitted fabric in roll form classified under Chapter 60 or Chapter 61?

Knitted fabric supplied in roll or piece form as a raw material is generally classified under Chapter 60. Chapter 61 covers finished knitted garments. The distinction is whether the material has been cut and assembled into a garment.

Where do technical textiles such as coated or laminated fabrics sit?

Coated, impregnated, laminated, or otherwise treated fabrics are generally classified under Chapter 59, provided the coating or treatment is commercially significant and the fabric is not more specifically described elsewhere. A technical data sheet describing the treatment is essential for this classification.

Can PHShirt supply fabric specification documents for classification?

Yes. PHShirt can coordinate mill certificates, fiber composition reports, fabric weight and count specifications, and finished product technical sheets for the buyer and its customs broker. Send the material description and destination to the export desk to begin the file.

Prepare a raw textile classification file

Send the material type, fiber composition, processing stage, destination, and planned order details. The export desk can coordinate the mill documentation your customs professional needs.

WhatsApp export desk+63 946 048 0491Fast message for material files and classification questions Viber trade channel+63 946 048 0491Direct coordination for material specifications and mill files Telephone inquiry+63 946 048 0491International voice calls during Philippine business hours Email export desksales@phshirt.comFormal RFQs, specifications, and classification files

Related customs and sourcing guides

This page provides general planning information, not a binding customs determination or legal advice. Tariff schedules and duty treatment can change. Confirm the final classification and declaration with the competent customs authority or a licensed customs broker.