Product classification

HS code for colored cotton fabric: 5212.13

Fabrics, woven, of cotton, dyed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.

Classification of colored cotton fabric under HS 5212.13

Classification under HS code 5212.13 involves a multi-step verification of material composition, weight, and finishing. Heading 5212 is a residual or "basket" category for woven fabrics of cotton that are not specified or included in the more specific headings of Chapter 52 (5208 through 5211). To qualify for 5212.13, the fabric must primarily consist of cotton (usually in blends where cotton is the predominant fiber but less than 85% of the total weight, and not mixed mainly with man-made fibers). The subheading 5212.13 specifically applies to fabrics weighing not more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2) that have been dyed. The term "dyed" refers to fabrics that have been colored in the piece (piece-dyed) or made from dyed yarns where the entire fabric presents a single uniform color. This code is essential for classifying lightweight cotton-blend textiles used in the garment industry that do not meet the strict criteria of the preceding headings.

Covers
  • Dyed cotton-linen blends (where cotton predominates) weighing 150g/m2
  • Lightweight dyed cotton-silk woven fabrics
  • Dyed cotton-wool blends under 200g/m2 where cotton is the main fiber
  • Woven cotton-hemp dyed fabrics for summer apparel
  • Specialty dyed cotton weaves not covered by headings 5208-5210
Also under 5212.13
  • Uniqlo colored shirts fabric
  • Zara blouse material
  • Dyed cotton for children's wear
  • Solid color fabric from Alok Industries
  • Dyed cotton for summer dresses

Codes often confused with 5212.13

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 5208.31 through 5208.39, which covers dyed cotton fabrics containing 85% or more cotton weighing under 200g/m2. If the cotton content is 85% or higher, 5212.13 is incorrect. Another error involves 5210.31 through 5210.39, which is for dyed cotton fabrics (<85%) mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibers. If the cotton is blended with polyester, it likely belongs in 5210, not 5212. Finally, if the fabric weighs more than 200g/m2, it must be classified under 5212.23.

5208.39Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.3 weighing not more than 200g/m25208.31Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25210.31Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing 200g/m2 or less, dyed, plain weave5210.39Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing 200g/m2 or less, dyed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.352.10Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m252.12Other woven fabrics of cotton, n.e.c. in chapter 525212.23Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52

Top exporters and importers of HS 521213 (the code used for colored cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521213 (the code used for colored cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was the Dominican Republic, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Haiti, with about 46% 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 521213, not only colored cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Dominican Republic $73M
  2. 2 China $51M
  3. 3 Pakistan $11M

World total: $180M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Haiti* ~$73M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$28M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$11M

World total: $157M 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 colored cotton fabric

Brazil classifies colored cotton fabric under NCM 5212.13.00: HS 5212.13 with 00 added.

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

Questions about colored cotton fabric

What is the HS code for colored cotton fabric?

The HS code for colored cotton fabric is 521213 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). For lightweight (under 200g/m2) dyed cotton fabrics not elsewhere classified, the HS code is 5212.13.

How do I classify colored cotton fabric for customs?

colored cotton fabric is classified under HS code 521213 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What does "n.e.c." mean in this classification?

It stands for "not elsewhere classified," meaning this code is used only when the fabric does not fit into the more specific descriptions found in headings 5208 to 5211.

Which countries are the top exporters of colored cotton fabric (HS 521213)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521213 (the code used for colored cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the Dominican Republic ($73M, 41% of world exports), China ($51M) and Pakistan ($11M). World exports came to about $180M, 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 colored cotton fabric (HS 521213)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 521213 (the code used for colored cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Haiti (about $73M, 46% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $28M) and Vietnam (about $11M). World imports came to about $157M, 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 colored cotton fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 521213 for colored 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 colored cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, colored cotton fabric (HS 521213) is classified under NCM 5212.13.00.