Product classification
HS code for Cotton wadding: 5601.21
Wadding, other articles thereof, of cotton.
Classification of cotton wadding under HS 5601.21
Cotton wadding is classified under HS code 560121 because it consists of cotton fibers that have been carded or otherwise processed into a loose, coherent mass but have not yet been spun into yarn or woven into fabric. According to the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), specifically Rule 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 56 covers wadding, felt, and nonwovens. Heading 5601 specifically addresses wadding of textile materials and articles thereof. The subheading 560121 is reserved for wadding specifically made of cotton. This material is characterized by its bulk and absorbent properties, often used in medical, cosmetic, or industrial padding applications. The classification remains here as long as the cotton has not been impregnated, coated, or covered with pharmaceutical substances, which would shift the classification to Chapter 30.
- Covers
- Absorbent cotton wool (non-medicated)
- Cotton cosmetic rounds and pads
- Cotton wadding for upholstery stuffing
- Cotton zig-zag wool
- Carded cotton fibers in bulk wadding form
- 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 wadding is frequently misclassified under HS code 5201, which is reserved for raw cotton that has not been carded or combed. Another common error is using HS code 3005, which applies to wadding that has been impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances for medical or surgical use. Additionally, synthetic wadding falls under 560122, so it is vital to confirm the fiber content is 100% cotton or predominantly cotton before using 560121.
Top exporters and importers of HS 560121 (the code used for cotton wadding), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560121 (the code used for cotton wadding) 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 wadding.
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 wadding
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 wadding
What is the HS code for Cotton wadding?
The HS code for Cotton wadding is 560121 (Wadding; other articles thereof, of cotton). The HS code for cotton wadding is 560121, which covers wadding and other articles of wadding made specifically from cotton.
How do I classify Cotton wadding for customs?
Cotton wadding is classified under HS code 560121 — Wadding; other articles thereof, of cotton. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include cotton balls for medical use?
If the cotton balls are simple wadding without medication or retail packaging for medical use, they fall under 560121. If they are medicated, they move to 3005.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton wadding (HS 560121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560121 (the code used for cotton wadding) 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 wadding (HS 560121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 560121 (the code used for cotton wadding) 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 wadding the same in all countries?
The base HS code 560121 for Cotton wadding 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 wadding in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 560121 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cotton wadding depends on the product's details: 5601.21.10 (Cotton wadding), 5601.21.90 (Other articles of cotton wadding).