Product classification

HS code for heavy bleached cotton: 5212.22

Fabrics, woven, of cotton, bleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.

Classification of heavy bleached cotton under HS 5212.22

The classification of heavy bleached cotton under HS code 5212.22 is determined by three primary factors: fiber composition, weight, and the state of processing. This code falls under Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System, which governs cotton and cotton-based textiles. Specifically, heading 5212 is reserved for "other" woven fabrics of cotton that do not meet the specific criteria of headings 5208 through 5211. The subheading 5212.22 is designated for fabrics weighing more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2) that have undergone a bleaching process. Bleaching involves the chemical treatment of the fabric to remove natural pigments, resulting in a white or off-white appearance. This classification is essential for customs authorities to distinguish between raw, processed, and finished textile goods. To qualify for this code, the fabric must be woven and the cotton content must be the predominant textile material by weight. If the fabric were lighter than 200g/m2, it would be classified under a different subheading. The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere classified) designation indicates that this code is used when the fabric's weave or composition does not fit into more specific categories like plain weave, twill, or sateen as defined in earlier headings of the chapter.

Covers
  • Bleached heavy cotton canvas
  • Bleached upholstery-grade cotton cloth
  • Bleached industrial cotton duck fabric
  • Heavyweight bleached cotton twill (if not meeting 5209 criteria)
  • Bleached cotton-rich blended fabrics (>200g/m2)
Also under 5212.22
  • Bleached canvas for artist's use
  • White workwear fabric
  • Bleached heavy cotton for uniforms
  • White upholstery fabric from Milliken
  • Bleached heavy cotton for medical drapes

Codes often confused with 5212.22

Common mistake. HS code 5209.21 is often confused with 5212.22. Both cover bleached cotton fabrics over 200g/m2. However, 5209.21 is strictly for plain weave fabrics containing 85% or more cotton. If the fabric is a complex weave or a blend where cotton is the majority but less than 85%, it must be moved to 5212.22. Additionally, 5208.21 is for bleached cotton but for weights under 200g/m2.

5209.29Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.2, weighing more than 200g/m25209.21Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m25208.21Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 521222 (the code used for heavy bleached cotton), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521222 (the code used for heavy bleached cotton) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 25% 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 521222, not only heavy bleached cotton.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Pakistan $7.3M
  2. 2 China $5.0M
  3. 3 Italy $3.3M

World total: $20M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$3.0M
  2. 2 United States $1.0M
  3. 3 Italy $758K

World total: $12M 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 heavy bleached cotton

Brazil classifies heavy bleached cotton under NCM 5212.22.00: HS 5212.22 with 00 added.

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

Questions about heavy bleached cotton

What is the HS code for heavy bleached cotton?

The HS code for heavy bleached cotton is 521222 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code for heavy bleached cotton fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2, not elsewhere classified, is 5212.22.

How do I classify heavy bleached cotton for customs?

heavy bleached cotton is classified under HS code 521222 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does bleaching affect the weight classification?

While bleaching can slightly alter the weight of the fabric due to the removal of natural waxes and impurities, the classification is based on the final weight of the finished fabric as presented to customs.

Which countries are the top exporters of heavy bleached cotton (HS 521222)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521222 (the code used for heavy bleached cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($7.3M, 37% of world exports), China ($5.0M) and Italy ($3.3M). World exports came to about $20M, 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 heavy bleached cotton (HS 521222)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 521222 (the code used for heavy bleached cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $3.0M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($1.0M) and Italy ($758K). World imports came to about $12M, 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 heavy bleached cotton the same in all countries?

The base HS code 521222 for heavy bleached cotton 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 heavy bleached cotton in Brazil?

In Brazil, heavy bleached cotton (HS 521222) is classified under NCM 5212.22.00.