HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 6205.20 – Shirts; men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)
HS code 6205.20 is the 6-digit subheading for shirts, men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted). It is used for oxford button-down shirts, denim shirts, flannel shirts, poplin dress shirts and chambray shirts.
What HS 6205.20 covers
This HS code covers men's and boys' shirts made from cotton, specifically excluding knitted or crocheted versions. This category is a cornerstone of global apparel trade, encompassing a vast range from casual button-downs to formal dress shirts. Cotton's breathability, comfort, and versatility make it a perennial favorite. Major importers include large retail chains, department stores, and e-commerce platforms across North America, Europe, and Asia, catering to diverse consumer segments. Exporting powerhouses are typically countries with robust textile manufacturing capabilities and access to cotton supplies, such as China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam. Key aspects of international trade involve managing fluctuating cotton prices, ensuring compliance with labor standards in manufacturing, and navigating complex tariff structures. The market is highly competitive, driven by seasonal fashion trends, consumer preferences for sustainable cotton, and the constant evolution of fabric weaves and finishes.
- Covers
- Oxford button-down shirts
- Denim shirts
- Flannel shirts
- Poplin dress shirts
- Chambray shirts
- Polo shirts (woven)
- Seersucker shirts
- Linen-cotton blend shirts
- Examples
- Ralph Lauren Polo Oxford shirts
- Brooks Brothers dress shirts
- Levi's denim shirts
- Uniqlo cotton casual shirts
Codes often confused with 6205.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 620530 (shirts of man-made fibres) or 610510 (knitted cotton shirts), where the fiber type and manufacturing method are crucial for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 620520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 620520 in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 Bangladesh* ~$1.8B 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $1.1B 12% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$808M 8.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $9.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.7B 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $784M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 France $465M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $8.3B 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 code for 6205.20
Brazil does not split HS 6205.20: its NCM code is 6205.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 62.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 6205.20
What is HS code 620520?
HS code 620520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Shirts; men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted). This HS code covers men's and boys' shirts made from cotton, specifically excluding knitted or crocheted versions. This category is a cornerstone of global apparel trade, encompassing a vast range from casual button-downs to formal dress shirts. Cotton's breathability, comfort, and versatility make it a perennial favorite. Major importers include large retail chains, department stores, and e-commerce platforms across North America, Europe, and Asia, catering to diverse consumer segments. Exporting powerhouses are typically countries with robust textile manufacturing capabilities and access to cotton supplies, such as China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam. Key aspects of international trade involve managing fluctuating cotton prices, ensuring compliance with labor standards in manufacturing, and navigating complex tariff structures. The market is highly competitive, driven by seasonal fashion trends, consumer preferences for sustainable cotton, and the constant evolution of fabric weaves and finishes.
What products fall under HS code 620520?
Oxford button-down shirts, denim shirts, flannel shirts, poplin dress shirts, chambray shirts, polo shirts (woven), seersucker shirts, linen-cotton blend shirts
What are common misclassifications for HS code 620520?
This code can be confused with 620530 (shirts of man-made fibres) or 610510 (knitted cotton shirts), where the fiber type and manufacturing method are crucial for correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 620520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 620520 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $1.8B, 20% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and Vietnam (about $808M). World exports came to about $9.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 620520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 620520 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 20% of world imports), Germany ($784M) and France ($465M). World imports came to about $8.3B, 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 620520 structured?
HS code 620520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (62) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 620520?
In Brazil, HS code 620520 is NCM 6205.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.