Product classification
HS code for Cotton handkerchief: 6213.20
Handkerchiefs, of cotton (not knitted or crocheted).
Classification of cotton handkerchief under HS 6213.20
Cotton handkerchiefs are classified under HS code 6213.20. This classification is governed by the rules of Chapter 62, which encompasses articles of apparel and clothing accessories that are not knitted or crocheted (woven). Heading 6213 is dedicated exclusively to handkerchiefs. According to the Chapter Notes, handkerchiefs are defined as articles of which no side exceeds 60 cm. If any side exceeds this dimension, the item might be classified as a scarf or muffler under heading 6214. Subheading 6213.20 specifically addresses those made of cotton. The classification process involves identifying the manufacturing technique (weaving) and the fiber content (cotton). Under GRI 1 and 6, the specific description of \"handkerchiefs of cotton\" in the nomenclature provides a clear path for this code. It is essential to distinguish these from knitted versions, which would fall under Chapter 61, or from bulk fabric that has not yet been cut and hemmed into individual units. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the handkerchief is plain, embroidered, or printed, provided the cotton content is predominant by weight.
- Covers
- Woven cotton pocket squares
- Standard cotton handkerchiefs
- Embroidered cotton handkerchiefs (woven)
- Printed cotton handkerchiefs
- Hemmed cotton squares for personal use
- Also under 6213.20
- Ralph Lauren pocket squares
- Hermès cotton handkerchiefs
- Charvet handkerchiefs
- Fruit of the Loom cotton hankies
- Hanes cotton handkerchiefs
Codes often confused with 6213.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 6214.90, which covers scarves and mufflers; this happens when the dimensions of the cotton square exceed 60 cm per side. Another frequent error is using HS code 6117.80 for knitted handkerchiefs, which belong in Chapter 61. Furthermore, some importers mistakenly use 6307.90 (other made-up articles), but 6213.20 is more specific and takes precedence according to GRI 3(a). Finally, if the handkerchief is made of silk, it must be classified under 6213.90 rather than the cotton-specific code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 621320 (the code used for cotton handkerchief), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 621320 (the code used for cotton handkerchief) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 621320, not only cotton handkerchief.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $52M 67% of world exports
- 2 India $8.6M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $2.2M 2.8% of world exports
World total: $77M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $9.6M 18% of world imports
- 2 Japan $9.0M 17% of world imports
- 3 France $3.3M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $53M 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 handkerchief
Brazil classifies cotton handkerchief under NCM 6213.20.00: HS 6213.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton handkerchief
What is the HS code for Cotton handkerchief?
The HS code for Cotton handkerchief is 621320 (Handkerchiefs; of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)). The HS code for woven cotton handkerchiefs is 6213.20.
How do I classify Cotton handkerchief for customs?
Cotton handkerchief is classified under HS code 621320 — Handkerchiefs; of cotton (not knitted or crocheted). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the maximum size for an item to be classified as a handkerchief?
Per the Chapter 62 notes, a handkerchief must not have any side exceeding 60 centimeters; otherwise, it is classified as a scarf or other accessory.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton handkerchief (HS 621320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 621320 (the code used for cotton handkerchief) in UN Comtrade data were China ($52M, 67% of world exports), India ($8.6M) and Italy ($2.2M). World exports came to about $77M, 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 handkerchief (HS 621320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 621320 (the code used for cotton handkerchief) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.6M, 18% of world imports), Japan ($9.0M) and France ($3.3M). World imports came to about $53M, 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 handkerchief the same in all countries?
The base HS code 621320 for Cotton handkerchief 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 handkerchief in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotton handkerchief (HS 621320) is classified under NCM 6213.20.00.