Product classification

HS code for Bleached plain weave cotton fabric: 5208.22

Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2.

Classification of bleached plain weave cotton fabric under HS 5208.22

This product, bleached plain weave cotton fabric, is classified under HS code 520822 due to its specific material composition, processing, weave type, and weight characteristics. The classification specifies fabrics woven from cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton. Crucially, the fabric must be bleached, indicating a specific finishing process. Furthermore, it must exhibit a plain weave structure and fall within a defined weight range of more than 100 g/m² but not more than 200 g/m². These combined attributes precisely align with the descriptive criteria for subheading 520822, distinguishing it from other cotton fabrics that may differ in cotton content, weave, finish, or weight.

Covers
  • Bleached cotton sheeting fabric (120 g/m²)
  • Bleached cotton poplin fabric (150 g/m²)
  • Bleached cotton broadcloth fabric (180 g/m²)
  • Bleached cotton muslin fabric (110 g/m²)
  • Bleached cotton shirting fabric (130 g/m²)
Also under 5208.22
  • White calico for crafts
  • bleached poplin for shirts
  • white cotton bed sheets
  • bleached drill for uniforms
  • white canvas for painting

Codes often confused with 5208.22

Common mistake. Common misclassifications for this product often arise from variations in processing or physical properties. Fabrics that are unbleached, even if otherwise identical, would fall under HS code 52081X (e.g., 520812 for unbleached plain weave cotton fabric of similar weight). Similarly, dyed cotton fabrics of the same specifications would be classified under HS code 52083X (e.g., 520832). Misclassification can also occur with fabrics outside the specified weight range; for instance, lighter plain weave bleached cotton fabrics (100 g/m² or less) are classified under HS code 520821, while heavier ones (more than 200 g/m²) fall under HS code 520829. Fabrics with different weave types, such as twill or sateen, would be classified under other subheadings within 5208, even if bleached and of similar weight.

5208.21Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25208.12Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m25208.32Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m25208.29Fabrics, 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/m252.08Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 520822 (the code used for bleached plain weave cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520822 (the code used for bleached plain weave cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 8.4% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 520822, not only bleached plain weave cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $135M
  2. 2 Pakistan $44M
  3. 3 India $18M

World total: $288M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$22M
  2. 2 Spain $21M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$21M

World total: $265M 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 plain weave cotton fabric

Brazil classifies bleached plain weave cotton fabric under NCM 5208.22.00: HS 5208.22 with 00 added.

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

Questions about bleached plain weave cotton fabric

What is the HS code for Bleached plain weave cotton fabric?

The HS code for Bleached plain weave cotton fabric is 520822 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2). The HS code for bleached plain weave cotton fabric, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton and weighing more than 100 g/m² but not more than 200 g/m², is 520822.

How do I classify Bleached plain weave cotton fabric for customs?

Bleached plain weave cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520822 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the significance of the weight range in HS code 520822?

The weight range (more than 100 g/m² but not more than 200 g/m²) is a critical distinguishing factor within Chapter 52. It precisely differentiates this fabric from lighter or heavier plain weave cotton fabrics, which are assigned to different subheadings (e.g., 520821 for lighter fabrics and 520829 for heavier fabrics), ensuring accurate classification based on material density.

Which countries are the top exporters of bleached plain weave cotton fabric (HS 520822)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520822 (the code used for bleached plain weave cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($135M, 47% of world exports), Pakistan ($44M) and India ($18M). World exports came to about $288M, 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 plain weave cotton fabric (HS 520822)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520822 (the code used for bleached plain weave cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $22M, 8.4% of world imports), Spain ($21M) and Vietnam (about $21M). World imports came to about $265M, 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.

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

The base HS code 520822 for Bleached plain weave 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 plain weave cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, bleached plain weave cotton fabric (HS 520822) is classified under NCM 5208.22.00.