Product classification
HS code for Embroidered cotton fabric: 5810.91
Embroidery, with visible ground, of cotton, in the piece, in strips or in motifs.
Classification of embroidered cotton fabric under HS 5810.91
Embroidered cotton fabric is classified under HS code 5810.91, which specifically covers embroidery with a visible ground made of cotton. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically focusing on the material composition and the decorative nature of the textile. Heading 5810 is reserved for embroidery in the piece, in strips, or in motifs. For a product to fall under 5810.91, the embroidery must be applied to a pre-existing cotton fabric base where that base remains visible after the stitching process. This distinguishes it from 'embroidery without visible ground' (chemical lace), which falls under a different subheading. The classification process involves identifying the primary fiber of the ground fabric; if the ground is predominantly cotton by weight, 5810.91 is the appropriate designation. This code applies regardless of whether the embroidery is done by hand or machine, provided the ground fabric is a woven, knitted, or non-woven cotton material.
- Covers
- Embroidered cotton voile in the piece
- Cotton canvas strips with decorative floral embroidery
- Embroidered cotton denim motifs for garment application
- Cotton poplin fabric with geometric embroidered patterns
- Cotton lace where the embroidery is applied to a visible cotton mesh
- Also under 5810.91
- Ralph Lauren embroidered cotton shirts
- Zara embroidered cotton dresses
- Pottery Barn embroidered bed linens
- DMC embroidery floss designs
- Liberty London embroidered cotton
Codes often confused with 5810.91
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these goods under Chapter 52 (Cotton), specifically codes like 5208 or 5209. While those codes cover woven cotton fabrics, they do not account for the added value and decorative nature of embroidery, which moves the product to Chapter 58. Another common mistake is using HS code 5810.10. This code is strictly for embroidery without a visible ground, such as chemical lace where the base fabric is dissolved after stitching. Additionally, if the fabric is embroidered with metal thread but the ground is cotton, it remains under 5810.91 unless the metal thread changes the essential character of the item.
Top exporters and importers of HS 581091 (the code used for embroidered cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 581091 (the code used for embroidered cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 8.8% 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 581091, not only embroidered cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $231M 64% of world exports
- 2 India $30M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $28M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $361M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$15M 8.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$15M 8.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$15M 8.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $174M 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 embroidered cotton fabric
Brazil classifies embroidered cotton fabric under NCM 5810.91.00: HS 5810.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about embroidered cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Embroidered cotton fabric?
The HS code for Embroidered cotton fabric is 581091 (Embroidery; with visible ground, of cotton, in the piece, in strips or in motifs). The primary HS code for embroidered cotton fabric with a visible ground is 5810.91.
How do I classify Embroidered cotton fabric for customs?
Embroidered cotton fabric is classified under HS code 581091 — Embroidery; with visible ground, of cotton, in the piece, in strips or in motifs. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include finished garments made of embroidered cotton?
No, finished garments such as shirts or dresses made from embroidered cotton are classified under Chapter 61 (knitted) or Chapter 62 (woven), depending on the construction of the garment.
Which countries are the top exporters of embroidered cotton fabric (HS 581091)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 581091 (the code used for embroidered cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($231M, 64% of world exports), India ($30M) and Thailand ($28M). World exports came to about $361M, 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 embroidered cotton fabric (HS 581091)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 581091 (the code used for embroidered cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $15M, 8.8% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $15M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $15M). World imports came to about $174M, 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 Embroidered cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 581091 for Embroidered 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 embroidered cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, embroidered cotton fabric (HS 581091) is classified under NCM 5810.91.00.