HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5208.23 – Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2
HS code 5208.23 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2. It is used for bleached twill, bleached denim (white), bleached gabardine, bleached chino fabric and bleached drill (twill weave).
What HS 5208.23 covers
This HS code covers bleached cotton fabrics woven in a twill pattern (3-thread or 4-thread, including cross twill), weighing not more than 200g/m2. The bleaching process gives these fabrics a clean, white appearance, making them suitable for direct use or for subsequent dyeing and printing. They are highly sought after in the global textile market for their durability, distinctive diagonal texture, and readiness for further processing. Importers are typically manufacturers of uniforms, workwear, casual apparel, and home furnishings, who benefit from the pre-bleached state. Exporters are textile mills with advanced weaving and finishing capabilities. The "bleached" status provides a consistent, neutral base, simplifying the manufacturing process for buyers.
- Covers
- Bleached twill
- Bleached denim (white)
- Bleached gabardine
- Bleached chino fabric
- Bleached drill (twill weave)
- Bleached sateen (twill variant)
- Examples
- White twill for chef coats
- bleached denim for white jeans
- white gabardine for trench coats
- bleached chino for summer trousers
Codes often confused with 5208.23
Common mistake. Can be confused with 520813 if the fabric is unbleached, or with other twill weaves under 5209 if the cotton content is less than 85%.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 520823, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520823 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $37M 51% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $7.3M 10% of world exports
- 3 Italy $6.1M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $72M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $10M 15% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$8.4M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$6.3M 9.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $66M 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. 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 code for 5208.23
Brazil does not split HS 5208.23: its NCM code is 5208.23.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 52.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5208.23
What is HS code 520823?
HS code 520823 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2. This HS code covers bleached cotton fabrics woven in a twill pattern (3-thread or 4-thread, including cross twill), weighing not more than 200g/m2. The bleaching process gives these fabrics a clean, white appearance, making them suitable for direct use or for subsequent dyeing and printing. They are highly sought after in the global textile market for their durability, distinctive diagonal texture, and readiness for further processing. Importers are typically manufacturers of uniforms, workwear, casual apparel, and home furnishings, who benefit from the pre-bleached state. Exporters are textile mills with advanced weaving and finishing capabilities. The "bleached" status provides a consistent, neutral base, simplifying the manufacturing process for buyers.
What products fall under HS code 520823?
Bleached twill, bleached denim (white), bleached gabardine, bleached chino fabric, bleached drill (twill weave), bleached sateen (twill variant)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 520823?
Can be confused with 520813 if the fabric is unbleached, or with other twill weaves under 5209 if the cotton content is less than 85%.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520823?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520823 in UN Comtrade data were China ($37M, 51% of world exports), Pakistan ($7.3M) and Italy ($6.1M). World exports came to about $72M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 520823?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520823 in UN Comtrade data were France ($10M, 15% of world imports), Vietnam (about $8.4M) and Bangladesh (about $6.3M). World imports came to about $66M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 520823 structured?
HS code 520823 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (23) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520823?
In Brazil, HS code 520823 is NCM 5208.23.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.