HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5212.21 – Fabrics, woven; of cotton, unbleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52
HS code 5212.21 is the 6-digit subheading for fabrics, woven, of cotton, unbleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. It is used for heavy greige canvas, unfinished cotton duck, raw denim fabric, heavy unbleached twill and unprocessed cotton drill.
What HS 5212.21 covers
This HS code covers heavyweight, unbleached woven cotton fabrics, serving as robust raw materials for industrial and durable textile applications. These fabrics, in their natural, unprocessed state, are characterized by their substantial feel and inherent strength, making them ideal for products requiring greater resilience. Major importers include manufacturers of workwear, upholstery, and industrial textiles in countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico, sourcing from large cotton-producing and weaving nations such as India, China, and Pakistan. Key considerations in trade involve the fabric's raw strength, consistency in weave, and suitability for heavy-duty finishing processes like mercerization or specialized coatings. The market is driven by demand for durable goods and industrial applications where the fabric's natural properties are a primary advantage before further treatment.
- Covers
- Heavy greige canvas
- Unfinished cotton duck
- Raw denim fabric
- Heavy unbleached twill
- Unprocessed cotton drill
- Loom-state heavy sheeting
- Unbleached industrial cotton
- Examples
- Raw denim for jeans production
- Heavy canvas for tarpaulins
- Unbleached duck for workwear
- Greige fabric rolls from Ginni Filaments
- Unfinished upholstery cotton
Codes often confused with 5212.21
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 520911 (unbleached plain weave cotton fabrics, >200g/m2) if the specific characteristics that place it under "n.e.c." are not clearly defined. It might also be mistaken for 521211 if the weight threshold is misjudged.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 521221, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 521221 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 $4.6M 24% of world exports
- 2 Egypt $4.2M 22% of world exports
- 3 Pakistan $3.1M 16% of world exports
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.3M 15% of world imports
- 2 Italy $1.8M 11% of world imports
- 3 Cambodia* ~$1.5M 9.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $15M 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 5212.21
Brazil does not split HS 5212.21: its NCM code is 5212.21.00.
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 5212.21
What is HS code 521221?
HS code 521221 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics, woven; of cotton, unbleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This HS code covers heavyweight, unbleached woven cotton fabrics, serving as robust raw materials for industrial and durable textile applications. These fabrics, in their natural, unprocessed state, are characterized by their substantial feel and inherent strength, making them ideal for products requiring greater resilience. Major importers include manufacturers of workwear, upholstery, and industrial textiles in countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico, sourcing from large cotton-producing and weaving nations such as India, China, and Pakistan. Key considerations in trade involve the fabric's raw strength, consistency in weave, and suitability for heavy-duty finishing processes like mercerization or specialized coatings. The market is driven by demand for durable goods and industrial applications where the fabric's natural properties are a primary advantage before further treatment.
What products fall under HS code 521221?
Heavy greige canvas, Unfinished cotton duck, Raw denim fabric, Heavy unbleached twill, Unprocessed cotton drill, Loom-state heavy sheeting, Unbleached industrial cotton
What are common misclassifications for HS code 521221?
This code can be confused with 520911 (unbleached plain weave cotton fabrics, >200g/m2) if the specific characteristics that place it under "n.e.c." are not clearly defined. It might also be mistaken for 521211 if the weight threshold is misjudged.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 521221?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 521221 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.6M, 24% of world exports), Egypt ($4.2M) and Pakistan ($3.1M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 521221?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 521221 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3M, 15% of world imports), Italy ($1.8M) and Cambodia (about $1.5M). World imports came to about $15M, 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 521221 structured?
HS code 521221 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 521221?
In Brazil, HS code 521221 is NCM 5212.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.