Product classification
HS code for Colored cotton twill: 5208.33
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2.
Classification of colored cotton twill under HS 5208.33
The classification of colored cotton twill under HS code 5208.33 is determined by three primary technical factors: fiber composition, weave structure, and fabric weight. According to the Harmonized System's Section XI, the fabric must consist of at least 85% cotton by weight. This high cotton threshold ensures the material is categorized as a cotton fabric rather than a synthetic blend. The weave must be a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, which includes cross twill patterns. This is identified by the diagonal ribbing or 'wales' visible on the surface of the textile. Furthermore, the fabric must be 'dyed,' meaning it has been colored a single uniform hue in the piece, distinguishing it from unbleached, bleached, or yarn-dyed fabrics. Finally, the weight is a critical decider; 5208.33 is strictly for fabrics weighing no more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). This classification is essential for distinguishing lightweight apparel textiles from heavier industrial or upholstery fabrics found in other headings.
- Covers
- Lightweight dyed cotton drill
- Dyed cotton gabardine under 200g/m2
- 3-thread cotton twill for shirting
- Dyed lightweight chino fabric
- 4-thread cross twill cotton fabrics
- Also under 5208.33
- Levi's (lighter twill jeans)
- Carhartt (light work shirts)
- Gap (chino pants)
- Uniqlo (twill shirts)
Codes often confused with 5208.33
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5209.32. The primary difference is weight; 5209.32 applies to 3-thread or 4-thread twill that weighs more than 200g/m2. Additionally, it is often confused with 5208.32, which covers plain weave fabrics rather than twill, and 5208.43, which is reserved for fabrics made of yarns of different colors (yarn-dyed) rather than piece-dyed fabrics.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520833 (the code used for colored cotton twill), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520833 (the code used for colored cotton twill) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 21% 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 520833, not only colored cotton twill.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $112M 62% of world exports
- 2 India $20M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $15M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $182M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$36M 21% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Indonesia $33M 19% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$24M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $170M 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 twill
Brazil classifies colored cotton twill under NCM 5208.33.00: HS 5208.33 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 twill
What is the HS code for Colored cotton twill?
The HS code for Colored cotton twill is 520833 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2). The HS code for colored cotton twill containing 85% or more cotton and weighing not more than 200g/m2 is 5208.33.
How do I classify Colored cotton twill for customs?
Colored cotton twill is classified under HS code 520833 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS 5208 and 5209?
The distinction is based entirely on weight: HS 5208 covers cotton fabrics weighing 200g/m2 or less, while HS 5209 covers those weighing more than 200g/m2.
Which countries are the top exporters of colored cotton twill (HS 520833)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520833 (the code used for colored cotton twill) in UN Comtrade data were China ($112M, 62% of world exports), India ($20M) and Italy ($15M). World exports came to about $182M, 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 twill (HS 520833)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520833 (the code used for colored cotton twill) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $36M, 21% of world imports), Indonesia ($33M) and Vietnam (about $24M). World imports came to about $170M, 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 twill the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520833 for Colored cotton twill 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 twill in Brazil?
In Brazil, colored cotton twill (HS 520833) is classified under NCM 5208.33.00.