Product classification
HS code for Cotton batting: 5601.21
Wadding, other articles thereof, of cotton.
Classification of cotton batting under HS 5601.21
Cotton batting is classified under HS code 560121, which specifically covers wadding and articles thereof made of cotton. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), classification is determined by the material composition and the manufacturing state of the product. Cotton batting consists of cotton fibers that have been carded or otherwise processed into a loose, cohesive web or sheet, but not yet spun into yarn or woven into fabric. This material is primarily used for its loft and insulating properties. Under Chapter 56, the Harmonized System distinguishes between wadding, felt, and nonwovens. Cotton batting falls under heading 5601 because it is a product of wadding where the fibers are held together by natural friction or light bonding rather than a structured weave. The classification 560121 is reserved for cotton-based wadding, ensuring that the specific physical properties of natural cotton fibers are accounted for in trade statistics and tariff applications.
- Covers
- Cotton wadding in rolls or sheets
- Cotton padding for upholstery and furniture
- Non-sterile cotton batting for quilting
- Cotton fiber fillers for apparel insulation
- Absorbent cotton wadding for industrial use
- Also under 5601.21
- Johnson & Johnson cotton balls
- Mountain Mist cotton batting
- Warm & Natural cotton quilt batting
- Muji cotton pads
Codes often confused with 5601.21
Common mistake. Cotton batting is frequently confused with raw cotton classified under heading 5201. However, 5201 is reserved for cotton that has not been carded or combed. Another common error is using 5203, which covers cotton that has been carded or combed but has not yet reached the state of "wadding." Furthermore, if the cotton batting is medicated or put up in forms for retail sale for medical, surgical, or dental purposes, it must be classified under heading 3005 rather than 560121. Synthetic batting is also a common misclassification, which belongs under 560122.
Top exporters and importers of HS 560121 (the code used for cotton batting), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560121 (the code used for cotton batting) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 560121, not only cotton batting.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $270M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $98M 8.8% of world exports
- 3 India $86M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $108M 11% of world imports
- 2 France $86M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $66M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 codes for cotton batting
Brazil splits HS 5601.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5601.21.10Cotton wadding
- 5601.21.90Other articles of cotton wadding
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton batting
What is the HS code for Cotton batting?
The HS code for Cotton batting is 560121 (Wadding; other articles thereof, of cotton). The HS code for cotton batting is 560121, which refers to wadding and articles of wadding made of cotton.
How do I classify Cotton batting for customs?
Cotton batting is classified under HS code 560121 — Wadding; other articles thereof, of cotton. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sterile cotton batting classified here?
No, sterile cotton batting or cotton put up for medical use is typically classified under HS code 3005 to reflect its use as a pharmaceutical or surgical supply.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton batting (HS 560121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560121 (the code used for cotton batting) in UN Comtrade data were China ($270M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($98M) and India ($86M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 batting (HS 560121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 560121 (the code used for cotton batting) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($108M, 11% of world imports), France ($86M) and Germany ($66M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 batting the same in all countries?
The base HS code 560121 for Cotton batting 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 batting in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 560121 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cotton batting depends on the product's details: 5601.21.10 (Cotton wadding), 5601.21.90 (Other articles of cotton wadding).