Product classification

HS code for Bleached cotton fabric: 5209.21

Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2.

Classification of bleached cotton fabric under HS 5209.21

HS code 5209.21 is reserved for heavy-duty woven fabrics consisting of 85% or more cotton by weight. To qualify for this specific subheading, the fabric must be 'bleached,' meaning it has been treated with chemical agents to remove its natural color, resulting in a white finish. The weight is a primary classification driver; the fabric must exceed 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). This distinguishes it from the lighter fabrics found in heading 5208. Additionally, the weave must be a 'plain weave,' which is the simplest weaving pattern where the warp and weft threads cross at right angles in a basic over-under sequence. This classification is essential for industrial-grade textiles, heavy apparel, and household linens that require a high cotton concentration and a durable, heavy-weight structure. Customs authorities often require a certificate of analysis to verify the cotton percentage and the weight per square meter.

Covers
  • Heavy bleached cotton canvas (plain weave)
  • Bleached cotton duck fabric over 200g/m2
  • Bleached cotton sheeting for industrial use
  • Heavyweight bleached cotton calico
Also under 5209.21
  • White bed linen fabric (heavy)
  • bleached cotton uniform fabric
  • bleached heavy shirting material

Codes often confused with 5209.21

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 5208.21, which covers bleached plain weave cotton fabrics weighing 200g/m2 or less. It is also often confused with HS code 5209.11, which is for unbleached (grey) fabrics of the same weight and weave. If the fabric has a twill weave, it should be classified under 5209.22, and if the cotton content is less than 85%, it falls under heading 5211.

5209.29Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.2, weighing more than 200g/m25212.12Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 525208.29Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.2, weighing not more than 200g/m25208.21Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25209.11Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m25209.22Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m252.11Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 520921 (the code used for bleached cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520921 (the code used for bleached cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its imports here ($1.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 520921, not only bleached cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $10M
  2. 2 Pakistan $10M
  3. 3 Germany $6.8M

World total: $39M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $4.0M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$3.1M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$2.7M

Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its imports here ($1.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $33M 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 bleached cotton fabric

Brazil classifies bleached cotton fabric under NCM 5209.21.00: HS 5209.21 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about bleached cotton fabric

What is the HS code for Bleached cotton fabric?

The HS code for Bleached cotton fabric is 520921 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2). For woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton, bleached, in a plain weave, and weighing more than 200g/m2, the HS code is 5209.21.

How do I classify Bleached cotton fabric for customs?

Bleached cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520921 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include dyed fabrics?

No, dyed fabrics are classified under different subheadings, such as 5209.31 for plain weave fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2.

Which countries are the top exporters of bleached cotton fabric (HS 520921)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520921 (the code used for bleached cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($10M, 26% of world exports), Pakistan ($10M) and Germany ($6.8M). World exports came to about $39M, 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 bleached cotton fabric (HS 520921)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520921 (the code used for bleached cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.0M, 12% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $3.1M) and Vietnam (about $2.7M). World imports came to about $33M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its imports here ($1.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Is the HS code for Bleached cotton fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520921 for Bleached cotton fabric is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for bleached cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, bleached cotton fabric (HS 520921) is classified under NCM 5209.21.00.