HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5212.12 – Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52

HS code 5212.12 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. It is used for bleached cotton sheeting, white cotton poplin, bleached cotton voile, white cotton shirting and bleached cotton lawn.

What HS 5212.12 covers

This category encompasses lightweight, bleached woven cotton fabrics, which are crucial intermediates in the global textile supply chain. Unlike their unbleached counterparts, these fabrics have undergone a chemical process to remove natural impurities and achieve a clean, white appearance, making them suitable for direct use in certain products or as a pristine base for subsequent dyeing or printing. Major importers include garment manufacturers in countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Turkey, who value the consistent quality and readiness for further processing. Exporters are typically large textile producers in Asia, such as China, India, and Pakistan, known for their integrated spinning, weaving, and finishing capabilities. Key considerations in trade include the degree of whiteness, absorbency, and the absence of residual chemicals, all of which impact the fabric's performance in downstream applications.

Covers
  • Bleached cotton sheeting
  • White cotton poplin
  • Bleached cotton voile
  • White cotton shirting
  • Bleached cotton lawn
  • White cotton percale
  • Finished white muslin
Examples
  • White bed linen fabric from Welspun
  • Bleached shirting material from Raymond
  • White cotton for medical gauze
  • Bleached fabric for baby clothes
  • White fabric rolls from Vardhman Textiles

Codes often confused with 5212.12

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 520821 (bleached plain weave cotton fabrics, <200g/m2) if the "n.e.c." distinction is overlooked. It might also be misclassified as 521211 if the bleaching process is not fully completed or documented.

5208.21Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25212.11Fabrics, woven; of cotton, unbleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52

Top exporters and importers of HS code 521212, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 521212 in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Dominican Republic, with 19% 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 Pakistan $12M
  2. 2 China $9.2M
  3. 3 India $1.1M

World total: $27M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Dominican Republic $4.8M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$3.5M
  3. 3 Italy $1.8M

World total: $26M 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 5212.12

Brazil does not split HS 5212.12: its NCM code is 5212.12.00.

  1. 5212.12.00 Other bleached cotton fabrics, up to 200 g/m²Branqueados

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 52.12 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 5212.12

What is HS code 521212?

HS code 521212 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This category encompasses lightweight, bleached woven cotton fabrics, which are crucial intermediates in the global textile supply chain. Unlike their unbleached counterparts, these fabrics have undergone a chemical process to remove natural impurities and achieve a clean, white appearance, making them suitable for direct use in certain products or as a pristine base for subsequent dyeing or printing. Major importers include garment manufacturers in countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Turkey, who value the consistent quality and readiness for further processing. Exporters are typically large textile producers in Asia, such as China, India, and Pakistan, known for their integrated spinning, weaving, and finishing capabilities. Key considerations in trade include the degree of whiteness, absorbency, and the absence of residual chemicals, all of which impact the fabric's performance in downstream applications.

What products fall under HS code 521212?

Bleached cotton sheeting, White cotton poplin, Bleached cotton voile, White cotton shirting, Bleached cotton lawn, White cotton percale, Finished white muslin

What are common misclassifications for HS code 521212?

This code can be confused with 520821 (bleached plain weave cotton fabrics, <200g/m2) if the "n.e.c." distinction is overlooked. It might also be misclassified as 521211 if the bleaching process is not fully completed or documented.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 521212?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 521212 in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($12M, 45% of world exports), China ($9.2M) and India ($1.1M). World exports came to about $27M, 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 521212?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 521212 in UN Comtrade data were the Dominican Republic ($4.8M, 19% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $3.5M) and Italy ($1.8M). World imports came to about $26M, 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 521212 structured?

HS code 521212 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 521212?

In Brazil, HS code 521212 is NCM 5212.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.