Product classification
HS code for Cotton terry fabric: 6001.21
Fabrics, looped pile fabrics, of cotton, knitted or crocheted.
Classification of cotton terry fabric under HS 6001.21
HS code 6001.21 applies to looped pile fabrics made of cotton that have been knitted or crocheted. Chapter 60 covers all knitted or crocheted fabrics. Heading 6001 is dedicated to pile fabrics, including "long pile" fabrics and looped pile fabrics. The subheading 6001.21 specifically identifies looped pile fabrics where cotton is the predominant fiber. These fabrics are characterized by a surface consisting of loops, similar to the texture found in towels, but produced through a knitting process rather than weaving. This distinction is vital for customs purposes. The technical construction involves a ground fabric and an additional yarn that forms the loops on the surface. This code is used for bulk fabric sold by the roll or bolt, rather than finished articles like towels. If the fabric were woven, it would move to Chapter 58. The weight and width of the fabric do not change the four-digit heading but may affect national-level tariff lines. Importers must provide laboratory analysis or technical specifications confirming the knitted nature of the base to avoid disputes with customs authorities regarding the distinction between 6001 and 5802.
- Covers
- Knitted cotton terry cloth in rolls
- Looped pile knitted cotton fabric
- Cotton French Terry fabric
- Knitted cotton toweling fabric
- Stretch cotton terry fabric
- Also under 6001.21
- Frette Bath Towels
- GapKids French Terry Hoodies
- Aden + Anais Muslin Terry
- Christy Towels
- Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts (French Terry)
Codes often confused with 6001.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 5802.11, which is for woven cotton terry toweling. Because the fabrics look identical to the naked eye, the knitting vs. weaving distinction is often overlooked. Another error is 6001.10, which is for "long pile" fabrics (fake fur style), whereas 6001.21 is specifically for looped pile.
Top exporters and importers of HS 600121 (the code used for cotton terry fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 600121 (the code used for cotton terry fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Cambodia, with about 25% 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 600121, not only cotton terry fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $185M 36% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $164M 32% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $62M 12% of world exports
World total: $517M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Cambodia* ~$142M 25% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Jordan* ~$134M 24% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$85M 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $562M 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 terry fabric
Brazil classifies cotton terry fabric under NCM 6001.21.00: HS 6001.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton terry fabric
What is the HS code for Cotton terry fabric?
The HS code for Cotton terry fabric is 600121 (Fabrics; looped pile fabrics, of cotton, knitted or crocheted). The HS code for knitted looped pile cotton fabric is 6001.21.
How do I classify Cotton terry fabric for customs?
Cotton terry fabric is classified under HS code 600121 — Fabrics; looped pile fabrics, of cotton, knitted or crocheted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is French Terry classified under this code?
Yes, most knitted cotton French Terry fabrics are classified under 6001.21 because they feature the characteristic looped pile on one side.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton terry fabric (HS 600121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 600121 (the code used for cotton terry fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($185M, 36% of world exports), Malaysia ($164M) and Singapore ($62M). World exports came to about $517M, 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 terry fabric (HS 600121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 600121 (the code used for cotton terry fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Cambodia (about $142M, 25% of world imports), Jordan (about $134M) and Vietnam (about $85M). World imports came to about $562M, 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 terry fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 600121 for Cotton terry 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 terry fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotton terry fabric (HS 600121) is classified under NCM 6001.21.00.