Product classification

HS code for colored heavy cotton fabric: 5212.23

Fabrics, woven, of cotton, dyed, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.

Classification of colored heavy cotton fabric under HS 5212.23

HS code 5212.23 is used for the classification of heavy woven cotton fabrics that have been dyed and do not fall under the more specific headings of Chapter 52. The classification criteria are twofold: the fabric must weigh more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2), and it must be dyed a uniform color. As part of heading 5212, this code serves as a "catch-all" for cotton-predominant fabrics that are not covered by headings 5208 to 5211. This usually applies to fabrics where cotton is blended with other natural fibers like flax, jute, or silk, provided that cotton is the heaviest component by weight but constitutes less than 85% of the total. The "heavy" designation (>200g/m2) typically includes fabrics used for durable apparel like workwear, heavy trousers, or home furnishing applications like upholstery and drapes. The dyeing process must be completed before or after weaving to provide a consistent colored finish.

Covers
  • Heavyweight dyed cotton-linen upholstery fabric (e.g., 250g/m2)
  • Dyed cotton-jute blended fabrics for industrial bags
  • Woven dyed cotton-wool blends where cotton predominates and weight exceeds 200g/m2
  • Heavy dyed cotton canvas blends not mixed with man-made fibers
  • Durable dyed cotton-hemp fabrics for outerwear
Also under 5212.23
  • Levi's colored denim
  • Carhartt workwear fabric
  • Dyed canvas for bags
  • Heavy dyed cotton for outdoor gear
  • Colored upholstery fabric from Sunbrella

Codes often confused with 5212.23

Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5209.31 through 5209.39, which covers dyed cotton fabrics containing 85% or more cotton weighing over 200g/m2. If the fabric is nearly pure cotton, 5212.23 is inapplicable. It is also frequently confused with 5211.31 through 5211.39, which covers heavy cotton blends (<85%) mixed mainly with man-made fibers like polyester or nylon. If the blend is primarily cotton and synthetic, Chapter 5211 is the correct destination. Lastly, if the fabric is lightweight (200g/m2 or less), it must be classified under 5212.13.

5209.31Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m25209.39Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.3, weighing more than 200g/m25211.31Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2, dyed, plain weave5211.39Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2, dyed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5211.352.11Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m25212.13Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52

Top exporters and importers of HS 521223 (the code used for colored heavy cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521223 (the code used for colored heavy cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 23% 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 521223, not only colored heavy cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $28M
  2. 2 Pakistan $21M
  3. 3 Italy $12M

World total: $91M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$19M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$9.1M
  3. 3 Cambodia* ~$5.9M

World total: $83M 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 heavy cotton fabric

Brazil classifies colored heavy cotton fabric under NCM 5212.23.00: HS 5212.23 with 00 added.

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

Questions about colored heavy cotton fabric

What is the HS code for colored heavy cotton fabric?

The HS code for colored heavy cotton fabric is 521223 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code for dyed woven cotton fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2, not elsewhere classified, is 5212.23.

How do I classify colored heavy cotton fabric for customs?

colored heavy cotton fabric is classified under HS code 521223 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is the weight per square meter calculated?

It is calculated by weighing a known area of the fabric (e.g., 1 meter by 1 meter) in grams. This measurement determines whether the fabric falls into the "light" (5212.1x) or "heavy" (5212.2x) category.

Which countries are the top exporters of colored heavy cotton fabric (HS 521223)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521223 (the code used for colored heavy cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($28M, 31% of world exports), Pakistan ($21M) and Italy ($12M). World exports came to about $91M, 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 heavy cotton fabric (HS 521223)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 521223 (the code used for colored heavy cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $19M, 23% of world imports), Vietnam (about $9.1M) and Cambodia (about $5.9M). World imports came to about $83M, 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 heavy cotton fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 521223 for colored heavy 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 heavy cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, colored heavy cotton fabric (HS 521223) is classified under NCM 5212.23.00.