Product classification
HS code for Cotton embroidery: 5810.91
Embroidery, with visible ground, of cotton, in the piece, in strips or in motifs.
Classification of cotton embroidery under HS 5810.91
Cotton embroidery is classified under HS code 5810.91. This classification is found in Chapter 58, which deals with special woven fabrics and embroidery. Heading 5810 covers embroidery in the piece, in strips, or in motifs. The subheading 5810.91 specifically refers to embroidery with a visible ground fabric made of cotton. Embroidery is defined as the decoration of a textile fabric with threads to create patterns or designs. The "visible ground" distinction is crucial, as it indicates that the embroidery is worked onto a pre-existing cotton fabric base that remains part of the finished product. This distinguishes it from "chemical" or "aerial" embroidery where the ground is removed after the stitching is complete. The classification is determined by the material of the ground fabric, not necessarily the material of the embroidery thread, although in 5810.91, the ground must be cotton.
- Covers
- Cotton fabric with visible ground embroidery in the piece
- Embroidered cotton strips or ribbons
- Embroidered cotton motifs for apparel
- Cotton lace-like embroidery with a visible base
- Also under 5810.91
- Ralph Lauren embroidered cotton shirts
- Zara embroidered cotton dresses
- Pottery Barn embroidered bed linens
- DMC embroidery floss designs
- Liberty London embroidered cotton
Codes often confused with 5810.91
Common mistake. A common error is misclassifying cotton embroidery under 5810.10, which is reserved for embroidery without a visible ground (such as certain types of lace). Another mistake is using 5810.92, which is for embroidery on a ground of man-made fibers. Additionally, if the fabric is simply woven with a pattern (like Jacquard) rather than embroidered with a needle, it should be classified in Chapter 52 under woven cotton fabrics. Importers must distinguish between woven-in designs and needle-worked embroidery.
Top exporters and importers of HS 581091 (the code used for cotton embroidery), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 581091 (the code used for cotton embroidery) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 8.8% 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 581091, not only cotton embroidery.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $231M 64% of world exports
- 2 India $30M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $28M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $361M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$15M 8.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$15M 8.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$15M 8.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $174M 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 cotton embroidery
Brazil classifies cotton embroidery under NCM 5810.91.00: HS 5810.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton embroidery
What is the HS code for Cotton embroidery?
The HS code for Cotton embroidery is 581091 (Embroidery; with visible ground, of cotton, in the piece, in strips or in motifs). The HS code for embroidery with a visible ground of cotton, in the piece, strips, or motifs, is 5810.91.
How do I classify Cotton embroidery for customs?
Cotton embroidery is classified under HS code 581091 — Embroidery; with visible ground, of cotton, in the piece, in strips or in motifs. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does "visible ground" mean in HS classification?
"Visible ground" means that the base fabric onto which the embroidery is stitched remains intact and visible as part of the final product. If the base fabric is dissolved or removed, it is classified under 5810.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton embroidery (HS 581091)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 581091 (the code used for cotton embroidery) in UN Comtrade data were China ($231M, 64% of world exports), India ($30M) and Thailand ($28M). World exports came to about $361M, 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 embroidery (HS 581091)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 581091 (the code used for cotton embroidery) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $15M, 8.8% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $15M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $15M). World imports came to about $174M, 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 embroidery the same in all countries?
The base HS code 581091 for Cotton embroidery 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 embroidery in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotton embroidery (HS 581091) is classified under NCM 5810.91.00.