Product classification
HS code for Cotton bags: 6305.20
Sacks and bags, of a kind used for the packing of goods, of cotton.
Classification of cotton bags under HS 6305.20
The classification of cotton bags under HS code 630520 is primarily dictated by the material composition and the intended utility of the article. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, products are classified based on their constituent materials and their function. HS code 6305 specifically covers sacks and bags of a kind used for the packing of goods. Since these items are made of cotton, they fall under the subheading 630520. This classification is distinct from bags intended for personal use, such as vanity cases or shopping bags, which are categorized elsewhere. The essential character of these bags is their durability and suitability for industrial or commercial transport and storage of bulk materials. To qualify for this code, the bags must be "made up" within the meaning of Note 7 to Section XI, which includes items that are sewn or otherwise finished. The cotton used must be the predominant textile material by weight. This code is frequently used for agricultural packaging, where breathability is required for the contents. Furthermore, the bags must not be impregnated or coated to the extent that they lose their textile character, as this might shift the classification to other chapters. The determination of whether a bag is for packing or personal use depends on its design, construction, and the presence of features like reinforced handles or specialized closures.
- Covers
- Bulk cotton sacks for flour or grain
- Cotton seed bags for agricultural transport
- Heavy-duty cotton packing bags for industrial parts
- Small cotton drawstring bags for bulk hardware packing
- Also under 6305.20
- Bulk cotton flour bags
- reusable cotton grocery bags
- canvas mail sacks
- cotton coffee bean bags
Codes often confused with 6305.20
Common mistake. Cotton bags are frequently misclassified under HS code 4202, which covers containers like shopping bags, handbags, and rucksacks. The distinction lies in the intended use: 630520 is for industrial packing and transport, while 4202 is for personal carriage. Additionally, if the bag is made of synthetic fibers, it must be moved to 630532 or 630533.
Top exporters and importers of HS 630520 (the code used for cotton bags), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 630520 (the code used for cotton bags) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 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 630520, not only cotton bags.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $52M 25% of world exports
- 2 China $43M 21% of world exports
- 3 Pakistan $15M 7.0% of world exports
World total: $209M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $39M 21% of world imports
- 2 Italy $25M 14% of world imports
- 3 Australia $20M 11% of world imports
World total: $184M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 cotton bags
Brazil classifies cotton bags under NCM 6305.20.00: HS 6305.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton bags
What is the HS code for Cotton bags?
The HS code for Cotton bags is 630520 (Sacks and bags; of a kind used for the packing of goods, of cotton). The HS code for cotton bags used for the packing of goods is 630520.
How do I classify Cotton bags for customs?
Cotton bags is classified under HS code 630520 — Sacks and bags; of a kind used for the packing of goods, of cotton. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between a packing bag and a shopping bag?
Packing bags (630520) are typically simpler in construction and intended for bulk transport, whereas shopping bags (4202) are designed for repeated personal use and often feature more complex handles and aesthetic finishes.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton bags (HS 630520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 630520 (the code used for cotton bags) in UN Comtrade data were India ($52M, 25% of world exports), China ($43M) and Pakistan ($15M). World exports came to about $209M, 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 cotton bags (HS 630520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 630520 (the code used for cotton bags) in UN Comtrade data were France ($39M, 21% of world imports), Italy ($25M) and Australia ($20M). World imports came to about $184M, 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 Cotton bags the same in all countries?
The base HS code 630520 for Cotton bags 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 cotton bags in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotton bags (HS 630520) is classified under NCM 6305.20.00.