Product classification

HS code for Dyed cotton fabric: 5209.31

Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2.

Classification of dyed cotton fabric under HS 5209.31

HS code 5209.31 is designated for woven fabrics that are predominantly cotton, specifically containing 85% or more cotton by weight. To fall under this specific subheading, the fabric must meet two additional criteria: it must weigh more than 200 grams per square meter and be constructed using a plain weave. The \"dyed\" designation implies the fabric has been subjected to a dyeing process in the piece, resulting in a uniform color throughout. This classification is critical for heavy-weight cotton textiles like canvas or duck that are used in upholstery, heavy apparel, or industrial covers. The distinction between plain weave and other structures like twill is a fundamental requirement for this code. Plain weave is characterized by the simplest interlacing of warp and weft yarns in a 1/1 ratio. During customs inspections, the weight is verified through standardized sample cutting and weighing, while the weave is confirmed via physical inspection or magnification to ensure no diagonal twill lines are present.

Covers
  • Heavyweight dyed cotton canvas
  • Dyed cotton duck fabric
  • Dyed plain weave upholstery cotton
  • Heavy dyed cotton calico over 200g/m2
  • Solid color dyed cotton sailcloth
Also under 5209.31
  • Solid color heavy cotton shirting
  • dyed canvas for tote bags
  • dyed heavy cotton for workwear trousers
  • colored bed linen fabric

Codes often confused with 5209.31

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 5208.31, which applies to dyed plain weave cotton fabrics weighing 200g/m2 or less. It is also often confused with HS code 5209.32, which covers twill weave fabrics of the same weight and composition. Furthermore, if the fabric is woven from yarns of different colors (such as a chambray), it must be classified under 5209.41.

5209.39Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.3, weighing more than 200g/m25212.13Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 525208.39Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.3 weighing not more than 200g/m25208.31Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25209.32Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m25209.41Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 520931 (the code used for dyed cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520931 (the code used for dyed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 27% 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 520931, not only dyed cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $181M
  2. 2 India $30M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$13M

World total: $300M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$81M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$46M
  3. 3 Indonesia $33M

World total: $297M 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 dyed cotton fabric

Brazil classifies dyed cotton fabric under NCM 5209.31.00: HS 5209.31 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about dyed cotton fabric

What is the HS code for Dyed cotton fabric?

The HS code for Dyed cotton fabric is 520931 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2). For dyed woven fabric containing 85% or more cotton, weighing over 200g/m2 with a plain weave, the HS code is 5209.31.

How do I classify Dyed cotton fabric for customs?

Dyed cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520931 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What defines a plain weave for this classification?

A plain weave is a construction where each weft yarn passes over and under each warp yarn in alternating rows, creating a flat, uniform surface without diagonal patterns.

Which countries are the top exporters of dyed cotton fabric (HS 520931)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520931 (the code used for dyed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($181M, 60% of world exports), India ($30M) and Vietnam (about $13M). World exports came to about $300M, 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 dyed cotton fabric (HS 520931)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520931 (the code used for dyed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $81M, 27% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $46M) and Indonesia ($33M). World imports came to about $297M, 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 Dyed cotton fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520931 for Dyed cotton 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 dyed cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, dyed cotton fabric (HS 520931) is classified under NCM 5209.31.00.