Product classification
HS code for Denim fabric: 5209.42
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim.
Classification of denim fabric under HS 5209.42
Denim fabric is classified under HS code 5209.42 because it meets the stringent technical criteria defined in the Harmonized System for heavy-weight cotton textiles. To qualify for this specific code, the fabric must contain at least 85% cotton by weight and exceed a weight of 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). Furthermore, the weave must be a twill construction (3-thread or 4-thread twill, including broken twill) where the yarns are of different colors. Specifically, the warp yarns are typically dyed (often indigo), while the weft yarns remain unbleached, bleached, or dyed a lighter shade. This specific yarn-dyeing process is what distinguishes denim from other dyed cotton fabrics in the 5209 heading. The classification is determined by the fiber content, the weight of the textile, and the specific weaving and dyeing technique employed during manufacturing.
- Covers
- Indigo dyed denim fabric
- Stretch denim with at least 85% cotton content
- Heavy-weight cotton twill denim exceeding 200g/m2
- Broken twill denim fabrics
- Crushed or stonewashed denim in bulk rolls
- Also under 5209.42
- Cone Denim
- Kaihara Denim
- Isko
- Candiani Denim
- Orta Anadolu
Codes often confused with 5209.42
Common mistake. Denim is frequently misclassified under HS code 5211.42. The distinction lies in the cotton percentage; 5211.42 is reserved for fabrics containing less than 85% cotton, often blended with man-made fibers. Another common error is using 5208.43, which applies to cotton fabrics weighing 200g/m2 or less. Importers must verify the precise weight and fiber composition through laboratory testing to avoid these errors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520942 (the code used for denim fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520942 (the code used for denim fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 30% 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 520942, not only denim fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $725M 31% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $477M 20% of world exports
- 3 India $284M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$709M 30% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Cambodia* ~$201M 8.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Egypt $186M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 codes for denim fabric
Brazil splits HS 5209.42 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5209.42.10CI 73000 indigo cotton denim, over 200 g/m²
- 5209.42.90Other cotton denim, over 200 g/m²
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about denim fabric
What is the HS code for Denim fabric?
The HS code for Denim fabric is 520942 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim).
How do I classify Denim fabric for customs?
Denim fabric is classified under HS code 520942 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for denim?
The primary HS code for standard heavy-weight denim (over 200g/m2 and 85%+ cotton) is 5209.42.
How does the weight affect denim classification?
If the denim fabric weighs 200g/m2 or less, it moves from heading 5209 to heading 5208, even if the cotton content and weave remain identical.
Which countries are the top exporters of denim fabric (HS 520942)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520942 (the code used for denim fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($725M, 31% of world exports), Pakistan ($477M) and India ($284M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 denim fabric (HS 520942)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520942 (the code used for denim fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $709M, 30% of world imports), Cambodia (about $201M) and Egypt ($186M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Denim fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520942 for Denim 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 denim fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 520942 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for denim fabric depends on the product's details: 5209.42.10 (CI 73000 indigo cotton denim, over 200 g/m²), 5209.42.90 (Other cotton denim, over 200 g/m²).