Product classification

HS code for Bleached cotton knit: 6005.21

Fabrics, warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, unbleached or bleached.

Classification of bleached cotton knit under HS 6005.21

The classification of bleached cotton knit under HS code 6005.21 is based on the specific construction technique known as warp knitting. Warp knitting is a method where the yarn zigzags along the length of the fabric, following adjacent columns of loops rather than a single row. This category includes fabrics produced on Raschel or Tricot knitting machines. Heading 60.05 is specifically reserved for warp-knit fabrics, including those made on galloon knitting machines, provided they are not pile fabrics or elastic fabrics of headings 60.01 to 60.04. The sub-heading 6005.21 is further defined by the material—cotton—and the state of the fabric—unbleached or bleached. Bleaching is a chemical treatment that eliminates the natural creamy color of raw cotton, resulting in a white fabric. To be classified here, the cotton content must be the predominant fiber by weight. This code is frequently used for technical textiles, net curtains, and certain types of apparel linings that require the dimensional stability offered by warp-knit structures.

Covers
  • Bleached cotton warp-knit lace
  • Bleached cotton tricot fabrics
  • Bleached cotton Raschel knits
  • Bleached cotton galloon-knitted trims
  • Bleached cotton mesh warp-knits
Also under 6005.21
  • Guilford Performance Textiles (for technical warp knits)
  • Karl Mayer (machinery for these fabrics)
  • Cotton Incorporated (promotes cotton use)
  • Specialized lingerie component suppliers
  • Medical gauze manufacturers

Codes often confused with 6005.21

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassifications occur with HS codes 6006.21 and 6005.31. HS code 6006.21 is for "other" cotton knits, which primarily includes weft-knitted fabrics like jersey or interlock. If the fabric is not warp-knit, it belongs in 60.06. HS code 6005.31 is for warp-knit fabrics made of synthetic fibers. Importers often fail to distinguish between the mechanical structure of the knit (warp vs. weft) or the exact fiber composition (cotton vs. polyester blends), leading to incorrect duty payments.

6006.21Fabrics; knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, unbleached or bleached

Top exporters and importers of HS 600521 (the code used for bleached cotton knit), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 600521 (the code used for bleached cotton knit) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 26% of world imports. Uzbekistan 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 43% of its exports here ($5.7M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher. Russia 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 94% of its imports here ($4.5M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 600521, not only bleached cotton knit.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Switzerland $2.9M
  2. 2 Uzbekistan* ~$2.0M
  3. 3 Türkiye $1.2M

Uzbekistan 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 43% of its exports here ($5.7M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $11M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Finland $5.3M
  2. 2 Italy $3.3M
  3. 3 Kazakhstan $1.7M

Russia 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 94% of its imports here ($4.5M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $20M 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 knit

Brazil classifies bleached cotton knit under NCM 6005.21.00: HS 6005.21 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 knit

What is the HS code for Bleached cotton knit?

The HS code for Bleached cotton knit is 600521 (Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, unbleached or bleached). The HS code for bleached cotton warp-knit fabric is 6005.21.

How do I classify Bleached cotton knit for customs?

Bleached cotton knit is classified under HS code 600521 — Fabrics; warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, unbleached or bleached. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 6005.21 and 6006.21?

6005.21 is specifically for warp-knit cotton fabrics, while 6006.21 is for other types of cotton knits, such as weft-knitted jersey or rib fabrics.

Which countries are the top exporters of bleached cotton knit (HS 600521)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 600521 (the code used for bleached cotton knit) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($2.9M, 26% of world exports), Uzbekistan (about $2.0M) and Türkiye ($1.2M). World exports came to about $11M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Uzbekistan 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 43% of its exports here ($5.7M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Which countries are the top importers of bleached cotton knit (HS 600521)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 600521 (the code used for bleached cotton knit) in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($5.3M, 26% of world imports), Italy ($3.3M) and Kazakhstan ($1.7M). World imports came to about $20M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia 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 94% of its imports here ($4.5M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

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

The base HS code 600521 for Bleached cotton knit 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 knit in Brazil?

In Brazil, bleached cotton knit (HS 600521) is classified under NCM 6005.21.00.