HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5209.21 – Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2
HS code 5209.21 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2. It is used for heavy bleached cotton sheeting, bleached cotton canvas (plain weave), bleached drill fabric (plain weave), bleached poplin (heavy) and bleached oxford cloth (heavy).
What HS 5209.21 covers
This category covers heavy cotton fabrics, weighing over 200 g/m² and composed of at least 85% cotton, that have undergone a bleaching process and feature a plain weave. Bleaching removes natural impurities and color, resulting in a clean, white fabric that is ready for dyeing, printing, or direct use in applications where a crisp, light appearance is desired. These fabrics are essential intermediates for manufacturers of bed linens, shirting, workwear, and various home textiles. Importers typically include textile converters, garment manufacturers, and institutional suppliers (e.g., hospitals, hotels) who require a consistent, white base. Exporters are often large-scale textile producers in countries like China, India, and Pakistan, benefiting from economies of scale in bleaching operations. Key considerations for trade involve the degree of whiteness, absorbency, and the fabric's suitability for further finishing processes, ensuring it meets specific end-product requirements without compromising strength.
- Covers
- Heavy bleached cotton sheeting
- Bleached cotton canvas (plain weave)
- Bleached drill fabric (plain weave)
- Bleached poplin (heavy)
- Bleached oxford cloth (heavy)
- Bleached calico (heavy)
- Bleached duck cloth (plain weave)
- Examples
- White bed linen fabric (heavy)
- bleached cotton uniform fabric
- bleached heavy shirting material
Codes often confused with 5209.21
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 520931 (dyed plain weave) if the fabric has been subsequently dyed, or with 520821 if the fabric weight is less than 200g/m².
Top exporters and importers of HS code 520921, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520921 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its imports here ($1.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $10M 26% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $10M 26% of world exports
- 3 Germany $6.8M 17% of world exports
World total: $39M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.0M 12% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$3.1M 9.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$2.7M 8.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its imports here ($1.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $33M 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 5209.21
Brazil does not split HS 5209.21: its NCM code is 5209.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 52.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5209.21
What is HS code 520921?
HS code 520921 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2. This category covers heavy cotton fabrics, weighing over 200 g/m² and composed of at least 85% cotton, that have undergone a bleaching process and feature a plain weave. Bleaching removes natural impurities and color, resulting in a clean, white fabric that is ready for dyeing, printing, or direct use in applications where a crisp, light appearance is desired. These fabrics are essential intermediates for manufacturers of bed linens, shirting, workwear, and various home textiles. Importers typically include textile converters, garment manufacturers, and institutional suppliers (e.g., hospitals, hotels) who require a consistent, white base. Exporters are often large-scale textile producers in countries like China, India, and Pakistan, benefiting from economies of scale in bleaching operations. Key considerations for trade involve the degree of whiteness, absorbency, and the fabric's suitability for further finishing processes, ensuring it meets specific end-product requirements without compromising strength.
What products fall under HS code 520921?
Heavy bleached cotton sheeting, bleached cotton canvas (plain weave), bleached drill fabric (plain weave), bleached poplin (heavy), bleached oxford cloth (heavy), bleached calico (heavy), bleached duck cloth (plain weave)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 520921?
This code can be confused with 520931 (dyed plain weave) if the fabric has been subsequently dyed, or with 520821 if the fabric weight is less than 200g/m².
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520921?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520921 in UN Comtrade data were China ($10M, 26% of world exports), Pakistan ($10M) and Germany ($6.8M). World exports came to about $39M, 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 520921?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520921 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.0M, 12% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $3.1M) and Vietnam (about $2.7M). World imports came to about $33M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its imports here ($1.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
How is HS code 520921 structured?
HS code 520921 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520921?
In Brazil, HS code 520921 is NCM 5209.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.