HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5208.41 – Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2

HS code 5208.41 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2. It is used for gingham fabric, madras check cotton, seersucker, striped shirting fabric and lightweight chambray.

What HS 5208.41 covers

This HS code covers very lightweight woven cotton fabrics (not more than 100 g/m²) with at least 85% cotton, characterized by patterns created from yarns of different colors woven in a plain weave. These fabrics are known for their inherent colorfastness and the intricate, often classic, patterns like gingham, stripes, or checks that are integral to the fabric structure. They are primarily used for high-quality shirting, children's wear, and lightweight summer apparel where breathability and a crisp hand are desired. Importers include premium apparel brands and shirt manufacturers, particularly from Europe and North America, seeking durable and aesthetically pleasing materials. Exporters are specialized mills in countries with strong traditions in yarn dyeing and weaving, such as India and Italy.

Covers
  • Gingham fabric
  • Madras check cotton
  • Seersucker
  • Striped shirting fabric
  • Lightweight chambray
  • Fine yarn-dyed poplin
Examples
  • Brooks Brothers (gingham shirts)
  • J.Crew (Madras shorts)
  • Ralph Lauren (seersucker suits)
  • Thomas Pink (striped shirts)

Codes often confused with 5208.41

Common mistake. This code is often confused with 520851 (printed plain weave) if the pattern origin (woven vs. printed) is not clearly identified, or 520842 (heavier yarn-dyed plain weave) due to weight differences.

5208.51Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25208.42Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS code 520841, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520841 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 16% 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. 1 China $37M
  2. 2 Italy $6.9M
  3. 3 United States $5.1M

World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$10M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$8.8M
  3. 3 South Korea $5.9M

World total: $62M 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 5208.41

Brazil does not split HS 5208.41: its NCM code is 5208.41.00.

  1. 5208.41.00 Yarn-dyed cotton plain weave, up to 100 g/m²Em ponto de tafetá, de peso não superior a 100 g/m²

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 5208.41

What is HS code 520841?

HS code 520841 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2. This HS code covers very lightweight woven cotton fabrics (not more than 100 g/m²) with at least 85% cotton, characterized by patterns created from yarns of different colors woven in a plain weave. These fabrics are known for their inherent colorfastness and the intricate, often classic, patterns like gingham, stripes, or checks that are integral to the fabric structure. They are primarily used for high-quality shirting, children's wear, and lightweight summer apparel where breathability and a crisp hand are desired. Importers include premium apparel brands and shirt manufacturers, particularly from Europe and North America, seeking durable and aesthetically pleasing materials. Exporters are specialized mills in countries with strong traditions in yarn dyeing and weaving, such as India and Italy.

What products fall under HS code 520841?

Gingham fabric, Madras check cotton, seersucker, striped shirting fabric, lightweight chambray, fine yarn-dyed poplin

What are common misclassifications for HS code 520841?

This code is often confused with 520851 (printed plain weave) if the pattern origin (woven vs. printed) is not clearly identified, or 520842 (heavier yarn-dyed plain weave) due to weight differences.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520841?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520841 in UN Comtrade data were China ($37M, 54% of world exports), Italy ($6.9M) and the United States ($5.1M). World exports came to about $69M, 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 520841?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520841 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $10M, 16% of world imports), Vietnam (about $8.8M) and South Korea ($5.9M). World imports came to about $62M, 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 520841 structured?

HS code 520841 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 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520841?

In Brazil, HS code 520841 is NCM 5208.41.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.