HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 6213.20 – Handkerchiefs; of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)
HS code 6213.20 is the 6-digit subheading for handkerchiefs, of cotton (not knitted or crocheted). It is used for plain white cotton handkerchiefs, printed men's cotton hankies, embroidered ladies' cotton handkerchiefs, organic cotton pocket squares and bandana-style cotton handkerchiefs.
What HS 6213.20 covers
This HS code specifically targets handkerchiefs made from cotton, excluding knitted or crocheted varieties. These are widely traded globally, serving both utilitarian and fashion purposes. Major exporters typically include countries with robust cotton textile manufacturing capabilities, such as India, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh, benefiting from raw material availability and skilled labor. Importers range from wholesale distributors supplying retail chains to specialized boutiques in developed markets like the USA, EU countries, and Japan. Key trade considerations include cotton quality (e.g., Pima, Egyptian), weave type (e.g., plain, sateen), size, hem finishing, and whether they are plain, printed, or embroidered. The market includes both bulk commodity items and high-end luxury goods, with sustainability and ethical sourcing becoming increasingly important factors for buyers.
- Covers
- Plain white cotton handkerchiefs
- Printed men's cotton hankies
- Embroidered ladies' cotton handkerchiefs
- Organic cotton pocket squares
- Bandana-style cotton handkerchiefs
- Children's cotton handkerchiefs
- Monogrammed cotton handkerchiefs
- Examples
- Ralph Lauren pocket squares
- Hermès cotton handkerchiefs
- Charvet handkerchiefs
- Fruit of the Loom cotton hankies
- Hanes cotton handkerchiefs
Codes often confused with 6213.20
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 621390, which covers handkerchiefs of other textile materials, and 630790 for other made-up textile articles, making material composition crucial for correct classification. It's also important not to confuse them with cleaning cloths (630710) or textile wipes (630790).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 621320, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 621320 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 $52M 67% of world exports
- 2 India $8.6M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $2.2M 2.8% of world exports
World total: $77M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $9.6M 18% of world imports
- 2 Japan $9.0M 17% of world imports
- 3 France $3.3M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $53M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 6213.20
Brazil does not split HS 6213.20: its NCM code is 6213.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 62.13 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 6213.20
What is HS code 621320?
HS code 621320 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Handkerchiefs; of cotton (not knitted or crocheted). This HS code specifically targets handkerchiefs made from cotton, excluding knitted or crocheted varieties. These are widely traded globally, serving both utilitarian and fashion purposes. Major exporters typically include countries with robust cotton textile manufacturing capabilities, such as India, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh, benefiting from raw material availability and skilled labor. Importers range from wholesale distributors supplying retail chains to specialized boutiques in developed markets like the USA, EU countries, and Japan. Key trade considerations include cotton quality (e.g., Pima, Egyptian), weave type (e.g., plain, sateen), size, hem finishing, and whether they are plain, printed, or embroidered. The market includes both bulk commodity items and high-end luxury goods, with sustainability and ethical sourcing becoming increasingly important factors for buyers.
What products fall under HS code 621320?
Plain white cotton handkerchiefs, Printed men's cotton hankies, Embroidered ladies' cotton handkerchiefs, Organic cotton pocket squares, Bandana-style cotton handkerchiefs, Children's cotton handkerchiefs, Monogrammed cotton handkerchiefs
What are common misclassifications for HS code 621320?
This code is distinct from 621390, which covers handkerchiefs of other textile materials, and 630790 for other made-up textile articles, making material composition crucial for correct classification. It's also important not to confuse them with cleaning cloths (630710) or textile wipes (630790).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 621320?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 621320 in UN Comtrade data were China ($52M, 67% of world exports), India ($8.6M) and Italy ($2.2M). World exports came to about $77M, 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 621320?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 621320 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.6M, 18% of world imports), Japan ($9.0M) and France ($3.3M). World imports came to about $53M, 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 621320 structured?
HS code 621320 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (62) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (13) 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 621320?
In Brazil, HS code 621320 is NCM 6213.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.