HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5209.42 – Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim
HS code 5209.42 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim. It is used for raw denim fabric, selvedge denim, stretch denim (high cotton), organic cotton denim and indigo denim fabric.
What HS 5209.42 covers
This HS code specifically targets heavy-weight denim fabrics, containing 85% or more cotton, and woven from yarns of different colors – typically indigo warp and white weft, creating its characteristic appearance. Denim is a cornerstone of the global apparel industry, renowned for its durability, versatility, and timeless appeal. Major importers are garment manufacturers worldwide, particularly those producing jeans, jackets, skirts, and other denim apparel. Fashion brands and textile distributors also play a significant role in sourcing these fabrics. Exporters are primarily large-scale textile mills in countries with robust cotton production and advanced weaving and dyeing technologies, capable of producing high volumes of consistent quality denim. Key trade considerations include the weight (ounces per square yard), weave construction (typically a twill, but specified as "denim" here), indigo shade, stretch properties (if blended with elastane, though this code implies high cotton), and sustainability certifications.
- Covers
- Raw denim fabric
- Selvedge denim
- Stretch denim (high cotton)
- Organic cotton denim
- Indigo denim fabric
- Black denim fabric (yarn-dyed)
- Heavyweight denim for jeans
- Examples
- Cone Denim
- Kaihara Denim
- Isko
- Candiani Denim
- Orta Anadolu
Codes often confused with 5209.42
Common mistake. This code is quite specific to "denim" but could be confused with other heavy twill fabrics of different colored yarns (e.g., 520949) if the characteristic denim construction isn't present. The "denim" designation is paramount.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 520942, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520942 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 30% 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 $725M 31% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $477M 20% of world exports
- 3 India $284M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$709M 30% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Cambodia* ~$201M 8.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Egypt $186M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 codes for 5209.42 2
Brazil splits HS 5209.42 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5209.42.10 CI 73000 indigo cotton denim, over 200 g/m²Com fios tintos em indigo blue segundo Color Index 73000
- 5209.42.90 Other cotton denim, over 200 g/m²Outros
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 5209.42
What is HS code 520942?
HS code 520942 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, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim. This HS code specifically targets heavy-weight denim fabrics, containing 85% or more cotton, and woven from yarns of different colors – typically indigo warp and white weft, creating its characteristic appearance. Denim is a cornerstone of the global apparel industry, renowned for its durability, versatility, and timeless appeal. Major importers are garment manufacturers worldwide, particularly those producing jeans, jackets, skirts, and other denim apparel. Fashion brands and textile distributors also play a significant role in sourcing these fabrics. Exporters are primarily large-scale textile mills in countries with robust cotton production and advanced weaving and dyeing technologies, capable of producing high volumes of consistent quality denim. Key trade considerations include the weight (ounces per square yard), weave construction (typically a twill, but specified as "denim" here), indigo shade, stretch properties (if blended with elastane, though this code implies high cotton), and sustainability certifications.
What products fall under HS code 520942?
Raw denim fabric, Selvedge denim, Stretch denim (high cotton), Organic cotton denim, Indigo denim fabric, Black denim fabric (yarn-dyed), Heavyweight denim for jeans
What are common misclassifications for HS code 520942?
This code is quite specific to "denim" but could be confused with other heavy twill fabrics of different colored yarns (e.g., 520949) if the characteristic denim construction isn't present. The "denim" designation is paramount.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520942?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520942 in UN Comtrade data were China ($725M, 31% of world exports), Pakistan ($477M) and India ($284M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 520942?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520942 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $709M, 30% of world imports), Cambodia (about $201M) and Egypt ($186M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 520942 structured?
HS code 520942 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520942?
Brazil splits HS code 520942 into 2 NCM codes: 5209.42.10 (CI 73000 indigo cotton denim, over 200 g/m²), 5209.42.90 (Other cotton denim, over 200 g/m²). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.