Product classification
HS code for Heavy cotton denim: 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 heavy cotton denim under HS 5209.42
Heavy cotton denim is classified under HS code 5209.42. To meet the requirements of this specific code, the fabric must satisfy several strict criteria defined in the Harmonized System. First, it must contain 85% or more cotton by weight. Second, the fabric must weigh more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2), which distinguishes it from lighter 'shirt-weight' denim. Third, it must be 'denim' as defined in the Subheading Note 1 to Chapter 52, which specifies a 3-thread or 4-thread twill weave, including broken twill, warp faced, the warp yarns of which are of one and the same color and the weft yarns of which are unbleached, bleached, dyed grey or colored a lighter shade of the color of the warp yarns. This classification is part of Chapter 52, which covers cotton textiles. The 'yarns of different colors' aspect (the .42 suffix) refers to this traditional indigo-warp and white-weft construction that gives denim its characteristic appearance.
- Covers
- 14 oz indigo dyed cotton denim fabric
- Heavyweight raw denim (100% cotton)
- 12 oz cotton denim with 1% elastane (still >85% cotton)
- Heavy cotton broken twill denim
- Warp-faced heavy cotton twill for workwear
- Also under 5209.42
- Cone Denim
- Kaihara Denim
- Isko
- Candiani Denim
- Orta Anadolu
Codes often confused with 5209.42
Common mistake. Heavy denim is often confused with HS code 5208.43, which is for lighter cotton fabrics weighing 200g/m2 or less. It is also confused with 5211.42, which applies to denim that contains less than 85% cotton (usually blended with synthetic fibers). Another error is using 5209.41, which is for plain weave fabrics rather than the twill weave required for denim.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520942 (the code used for heavy cotton denim), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520942 (the code used for heavy cotton denim) 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 heavy cotton denim.
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 heavy cotton denim
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 heavy cotton denim
What is the HS code for Heavy cotton denim?
The HS code for Heavy cotton denim is 520942 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim). The HS code for denim fabric containing 85% or more cotton and weighing more than 200g/m2 is 5209.42.
How do I classify Heavy cotton denim for customs?
Heavy cotton denim 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.
Does 'heavy' refer to a specific weight?
In the context of HS code 5209, 'heavy' refers to any fabric weighing more than 200 grams per square meter.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy cotton denim (HS 520942)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520942 (the code used for heavy cotton denim) 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 heavy cotton denim (HS 520942)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520942 (the code used for heavy cotton denim) 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 Heavy cotton denim the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520942 for Heavy cotton denim 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 cotton denim in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 520942 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for heavy cotton denim 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).