Product classification
HS code for Greige cotton fabric: 5208.19
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.1, weighing not more than 200g/m2.
Classification of greige cotton fabric under HS 5208.19
Greige cotton fabric is classified under HS code 5208.19. This classification applies to woven fabrics that contain 85% or more by weight of cotton and have a total weight not exceeding 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). The 'greige' designation indicates that the fabric is unbleached. Within the structure of Chapter 52, fabrics are categorized first by their cotton percentage, then by their weight, and finally by their weave and finish. The subheading 5208.19 is a residual category for 'other' weaves that are not plain weave or specific twill patterns mentioned in subheadings 5208.11 through 5208.13. This includes complex weaves like satin, dobby, or jacquard, provided they are unbleached and meet the weight and composition requirements. The classification is vital for trade statistics and duty applications, as unbleached cotton is often a primary input for the textile finishing industry. The technical specifications, such as the thread count and the specific weight in g/m2, must be verified to ensure the fabric does not fall into the heavier categories of heading 5209.
- Covers
- Unbleached cotton satin fabrics under 200g/m2
- Greige cotton dobby woven textiles
- Unbleached cotton jacquard fabrics
- Lightweight raw cotton cloth (non-plain, non-twill)
- Unbleached cotton poplin (if not plain weave)
- Also under 5208.19
- Raw sateen for bedding
- unbleached dobby for shirts
- natural jacquard for upholstery
- unbleached pique for polo shirts
Codes often confused with 5208.19
Common mistake. A common error is classifying this under 5209.19, which is for fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2. Another frequent mistake is using 5208.11 or 5208.12, which are strictly for plain weave fabrics. If the fabric has been dyed even a light cream color, it can no longer be classified as unbleached (5208.19) and must move to the 'dyed' subheadings starting at 5208.31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520819 (the code used for greige cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520819 (the code used for greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Myanmar, with 15% 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 520819, not only greige cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $87M 33% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $66M 25% of world exports
- 3 Egypt $22M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $265M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Myanmar $50M 15% of world imports
- 2 Italy $37M 11% of world imports
- 3 Pakistan $29M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $337M 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 code for greige cotton fabric
Brazil classifies greige cotton fabric under NCM 5208.19.00: HS 5208.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about greige cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Greige cotton fabric?
The HS code for Greige cotton fabric is 520819 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.1, weighing not more than 200g/m2). For woven cotton fabrics (85%+ cotton) weighing under 200g/m2 in an unbleached state with 'other' weaves, the HS code is 5208.19.
How do I classify Greige cotton fabric for customs?
Greige cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520819 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.1, weighing not more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the weight determined for this HS code?
The weight is calculated as grams per square meter (g/m2). If the fabric exceeds 200g/m2, it moves from heading 5208 to 5209.
Which countries are the top exporters of greige cotton fabric (HS 520819)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520819 (the code used for greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($87M, 33% of world exports), Pakistan ($66M) and Egypt ($22M). World exports came to about $265M, 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 greige cotton fabric (HS 520819)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520819 (the code used for greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($50M, 15% of world imports), Italy ($37M) and Pakistan ($29M). World imports came to about $337M, 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 Greige cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520819 for Greige 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 greige cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, greige cotton fabric (HS 520819) is classified under NCM 5208.19.00.