HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5209.43 – Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2

HS code 5209.43 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2. It is used for denim fabric, chambray fabric, heavy cotton twill, gabardine fabric and drill fabric.

What HS 5209.43 covers

This code encompasses heavy-weight cotton twill fabrics, distinguished by their construction from yarns of different colors, creating a distinct pattern like denim or chambray. These textiles are a staple in the global apparel and home furnishings industries due to their durability and aesthetic versatility. Major importers typically include countries with large garment manufacturing sectors, such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico, which process these fabrics into finished goods for export to consumer markets. Exporters are often textile powerhouses like China, India, and Pakistan, known for their extensive cotton production and weaving capabilities. Key considerations for trade involve understanding the specific twill weave (e.g., right-hand, left-hand, broken twill), colorfastness requirements, and the fabric's suitability for industrial washing processes. The "different colours" aspect implies pre-dyed yarns, contributing to the fabric's inherent design and reducing the need for post-weaving dyeing.

Covers
  • Denim fabric
  • Chambray fabric
  • Heavy cotton twill
  • Gabardine fabric
  • Drill fabric
  • Herringbone twill
  • Cross twill fabric
Examples
  • Levi's denim
  • Wrangler denim
  • Carhartt duck canvas
  • Cone Mills denim
  • Kuroki denim

Codes often confused with 5209.43

Common mistake. This code might be confused with 520952 (printed twill) if the "different colours" are mistaken for a printed pattern, or with 520932 (dyed twill) if the yarn-dyed nature is overlooked.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 520943, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520943 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 82% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 42% 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 $131M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $4.9M
  3. 3 India $4.4M

World total: $160M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$59M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$21M
  3. 3 Cambodia* ~$20M

World total: $141M 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 5209.43

Brazil does not split HS 5209.43: its NCM code is 5209.43.00.

  1. 5209.43.00 Yarn-dyed cotton 3/4-thread twill, not denimOutros tecidos em ponto sarjado, incluindo o diagonal, cuja relação de textura não seja superior a 4

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 5209.43

What is HS code 520943?

HS code 520943 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, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2. This code encompasses heavy-weight cotton twill fabrics, distinguished by their construction from yarns of different colors, creating a distinct pattern like denim or chambray. These textiles are a staple in the global apparel and home furnishings industries due to their durability and aesthetic versatility. Major importers typically include countries with large garment manufacturing sectors, such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico, which process these fabrics into finished goods for export to consumer markets. Exporters are often textile powerhouses like China, India, and Pakistan, known for their extensive cotton production and weaving capabilities. Key considerations for trade involve understanding the specific twill weave (e.g., right-hand, left-hand, broken twill), colorfastness requirements, and the fabric's suitability for industrial washing processes. The "different colours" aspect implies pre-dyed yarns, contributing to the fabric's inherent design and reducing the need for post-weaving dyeing.

What products fall under HS code 520943?

Denim fabric, Chambray fabric, Heavy cotton twill, Gabardine fabric, Drill fabric, Herringbone twill, Cross twill fabric

What are common misclassifications for HS code 520943?

This code might be confused with 520952 (printed twill) if the "different colours" are mistaken for a printed pattern, or with 520932 (dyed twill) if the yarn-dyed nature is overlooked.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520943?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520943 in UN Comtrade data were China ($131M, 82% of world exports), Hong Kong ($4.9M) and India ($4.4M). World exports came to about $160M, 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 520943?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520943 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $59M, 42% of world imports), Vietnam (about $21M) and Cambodia (about $20M). World imports came to about $141M, 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 520943 structured?

HS code 520943 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 (43) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520943?

In Brazil, HS code 520943 is NCM 5209.43.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.