Product classification
HS code for Cotton pile fabric: 5801.21
Fabrics, woven pile, of cotton, uncut weft pile fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 5806.
Classification of cotton pile fabric under HS 5801.21
Cotton pile fabric, specifically uncut weft pile fabric, is classified under HS code 5801.21. Chapter 58 covers special woven fabrics, including pile and chenille fabrics. Pile fabrics are characterized by a surface of upright hairs, loops, or tufts. In the case of weft pile fabrics, the pile is formed by additional weft threads that create floats on the surface. If these floats remain intact and are not severed by a cutting machine, the fabric is classified as \"uncut.\" Cotton is the primary material component for this specific code. This classification is distinct from warp pile fabrics (like terry towelling) and from cut pile fabrics (like standard corduroy or velvet). The technical distinction between the direction of the pile-forming thread (warp vs. weft) and the state of the pile (cut vs. uncut) is essential for correct coding. These fabrics are frequently used in specialized upholstery and decorative apparel where a looped texture is desired.
- Covers
- Uncut cotton corduroy
- Uncut cotton velveteen
- Cotton weft-pile fabrics with looped surfaces
- Moleskin fabrics (if meeting pile definitions)
- Also under 5801.21
- IKEA cotton loop pile upholstery
- Pottery Barn cotton uncut velvet
- Ralph Lauren Home cotton textured fabric
Codes often confused with 5801.21
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5801.22, which is for cut corduroy, or 5801.23, which covers other cut weft pile fabrics. The distinction is whether the loops have been cut. It is also frequently confused with 5802.11, which covers cotton terry towelling; however, terry towelling is a warp pile fabric, whereas 5801.21 is a weft pile fabric.
Top exporters and importers of HS 580121 (the code used for cotton pile fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 580121 (the code used for cotton pile fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 26% 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 580121, not only cotton pile fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $22M 68% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $3.4M 10% of world exports
- 3 Pakistan $2.4M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $32M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$8.0M 26% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Cambodia* ~$6.1M 20% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $3.2M 10% of world imports
World total: $31M 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 pile fabric
Brazil classifies cotton pile fabric under NCM 5801.21.00: HS 5801.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton pile fabric
What is the HS code for Cotton pile fabric?
The HS code for Cotton pile fabric is 580121 (Fabrics; woven pile, of cotton, uncut weft pile fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 5806). The HS code for uncut cotton weft pile fabric is 5801.21.
How do I classify Cotton pile fabric for customs?
Cotton pile fabric is classified under HS code 580121 — Fabrics; woven pile, of cotton, uncut weft pile fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 5806. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 5801.21 and 5802.11?
5801.21 is for weft pile fabrics (like uncut corduroy), while 5802.11 is for warp pile fabrics (like terry towelling used for towels).
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton pile fabric (HS 580121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 580121 (the code used for cotton pile fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($22M, 68% of world exports), South Korea ($3.4M) and Pakistan ($2.4M). World exports came to about $32M, 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 pile fabric (HS 580121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 580121 (the code used for cotton pile fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $8.0M, 26% of world imports), Cambodia (about $6.1M) and Indonesia ($3.2M). World imports came to about $31M, 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 pile fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 580121 for Cotton pile 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 cotton pile fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotton pile fabric (HS 580121) is classified under NCM 5801.21.00.