HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 52.10 – Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m2
What HS 52.10 covers
Heading 5210 covers woven fabrics of cotton, specifically those containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, and weighing not more than 200 g/m². This classification is crucial for lightweight blended fabrics that combine the natural comfort of cotton with the enhanced properties of synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon, or nylon. The 'woven' aspect is fundamental, distinguishing it from knitted materials. The 'less than 85% cotton' threshold is key for identifying blends where man-made fibers contribute significantly to the fabric's characteristics, such as increased durability, wrinkle resistance, or quick-drying properties. The weight limit (≤ 200 g/m²) indicates its suitability for light apparel, linings, and certain home textiles. Sub-categories are often defined by the specific blend composition (e.g., cotton-polyester, cotton-rayon) and weave type. Accurate classification under 5210 is vital for trade compliance, affecting duty rates, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements, as the specific blend ratio can sometimes influence these factors. This heading, part of Chapter 52 (Cotton) and Section XI (Textiles), reflects the evolution of textile manufacturing towards performance blends, providing a precise classification method based on material composition, manufacturing technique, and density, essential for global trade consistency.
- Covers
- Cotton-polyester blend shirting fabric
- Lightweight cotton-rayon dress fabric
- Cotton-nylon poplin
- Blended lightweight twill
- Blended sateen (lightweight)
- Blended voile
- Blended lawn
- Blended cambric
- Blended muslin
- Lightweight blended denim
- Blended percale
- Blended gauze
- Blended chintz
- Blended seersucker
- Blended broadcloth
- Blended lining fabric
- Blended dress material
- Blended stretch fabric (e.g., cotton-spandex lightweight)
- Blended workwear shirting
- Modal-cotton blend fabric
- Lyocell-cotton blend fabric
- Lightweight cotton-acrylic blend fabric
- Lightweight cotton-linen blend fabric (if MMF is main blend)
- Lightweight cotton-viscose blend fabric.
- Examples
A Mexican apparel factory imports large rolls of lightweight cotton-polyester blend shirting fabric from China for the production of uniforms and casual shirts, often transported via ocean freight to Pacific ports like Manzanillo. A European fashion brand sources cotton-rayon blended fabric from India for summer blouses and dresses, with shipments typically routed to distribution hubs in Germany or Italy. A US retailer imports lightweight cotton-nylon poplin from Vietnam for outdoor and travel apparel, using a combination of ocean and land transport to reach warehouses across the country.
Subheadings under 52.10 11
Codes often confused with 52.10
Common mistake. Common errors in classifying under 5210 include confusing it with fabrics having 85% or more cotton (e.g., 5208), or with heavier blended fabrics (e.g., 5211). The critical factors are the cotton content (less than 85%) and the weight (not more than 200 g/m²). Traders often miscalculate or misstate the exact fiber composition, leading to incorrect classification. Another mistake is classifying fabrics where man-made fibers are not the primary blending component (e.g., mixed mainly with silk or wool), or misidentifying knitted fabrics (Chapter 60) as woven. Precise laboratory analysis of fiber content and accurate weight measurement are essential to avoid these misclassifications.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 5210, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5210 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 17% 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 $588M 45% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $196M 15% of world exports
- 3 Italy $67M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$189M 17% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$148M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $58M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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.
Questions about HS 52.10
What is HS code 5210?
HS code 5210 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m2. Heading 5210 covers woven fabrics of cotton, specifically those containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, and weighing not more than 200 g/m². This classification is crucial for lightweight blended fabrics that combine the natural comfort of cotton with the enhanced properties of synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon, or nylon. The 'woven' aspect is fundamental, distinguishing it from knitted materials. The 'less than 85% cotton' threshold is key for identifying blends where man-made fibers contribute significantly to the fabric's characteristics, such as increased durability, wrinkle resistance, or quick-drying properties. The weight limit (≤ 200 g/m²) indicates its suitability for light apparel, linings, and certain home textiles. Sub-categories are often defined by the specific blend composition (e.g., cotton-polyester, cotton-rayon) and weave type. Accurate classification under 5210 is vital for trade compliance, affecting duty rates, quotas, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements, as the specific blend ratio can sometimes influence these factors. This heading, part of Chapter 52 (Cotton) and Section XI (Textiles), reflects the evolution of textile manufacturing towards performance blends, providing a precise classification method based on material composition, manufacturing technique, and density, essential for global trade consistency.
What products fall under HS code 5210?
Cotton-polyester blend shirting fabric, lightweight cotton-rayon dress fabric, cotton-nylon poplin, blended lightweight twill, blended sateen (lightweight), blended voile, blended lawn, blended cambric, blended muslin, lightweight blended denim, blended percale, blended gauze, blended chintz, blended seersucker, blended broadcloth, blended lining fabric, blended dress material, blended stretch fabric (e.g., cotton-spandex lightweight), blended workwear shirting, modal-cotton blend fabric, lyocell-cotton blend fabric, lightweight cotton-acrylic blend fabric, lightweight cotton-linen blend fabric (if MMF is main blend), lightweight cotton-viscose blend fabric.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5210?
Common errors in classifying under 5210 include confusing it with fabrics having 85% or more cotton (e.g., 5208), or with heavier blended fabrics (e.g., 5211). The critical factors are the cotton content (less than 85%) and the weight (not more than 200 g/m²). Traders often miscalculate or misstate the exact fiber composition, leading to incorrect classification. Another mistake is classifying fabrics where man-made fibers are not the primary blending component (e.g., mixed mainly with silk or wool), or misidentifying knitted fabrics (Chapter 60) as woven. Precise laboratory analysis of fiber content and accurate weight measurement are essential to avoid these misclassifications.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5210?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5210 in UN Comtrade data were China ($588M, 45% of world exports), Pakistan ($196M) and Italy ($67M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 5210?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5210 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $189M, 17% of world imports), Vietnam (about $148M) and the United States ($58M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 5210 structured?
HS code 5210 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.