Product classification
HS code for heavy cotton fabric: 5212.21
Fabrics, woven, of cotton, unbleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.
Classification of heavy cotton fabric under HS 5212.21
Heavy cotton fabric in its unbleached state is classified under HS code 5212.21. This classification applies to woven fabrics where cotton is the primary component by weight, and the fabric weighs more than 200 grams per square meter. The term "unbleached" refers to fabric in its natural, "greige" state, which has not been subjected to bleaching, dyeing, or printing. This stage of production is critical for industrial applications where the natural properties of cotton are required without the added cost or chemical alteration of finishing processes. Under the Harmonized System, heading 5212 acts as a residual category for cotton fabrics that are not specifically described in headings 5208 to 5211. For instance, if a fabric is a mixture of cotton and synthetic fibers but cotton remains the heaviest component, and it does not fit the specific weave descriptions of 5211, it falls here. The weight threshold of 200g/m2 distinguishes it from lighter fabrics, which are typically used for apparel, whereas these heavier fabrics are often destined for industrial use, heavy-duty upholstery, or specialized technical textiles.
- Covers
- Unbleached heavy cotton canvas
- Raw greige cotton duck
- Heavyweight unbleached cotton for industrial filters
- Unbleached cotton-rich blends (>200g/m2)
- Natural heavy cotton scrim
- Also under 5212.21
- Raw denim for jeans production
- Heavy canvas for tarpaulins
- Unbleached duck for workwear
- Greige fabric rolls from Ginni Filaments
- Unfinished upholstery cotton
Codes often confused with 5212.21
Common mistake. HS code 5209.11 is the most common source of confusion, as it also covers unbleached cotton over 200g/m2. The distinction lies in the weave; 5209.11 is specifically for plain weave fabrics with 85% or more cotton. If the fabric has a more complex weave or is a specific blend not meeting the 85% cotton threshold of 5209, 5212.21 is the correct code. 5212.11 is also confused but is for fabrics under 200g/m2.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521221 (the code used for heavy cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521221 (the code used for heavy cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 521221, not only heavy cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.6M 24% of world exports
- 2 Egypt $4.2M 22% of world exports
- 3 Pakistan $3.1M 16% of world exports
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.3M 15% of world imports
- 2 Italy $1.8M 11% of world imports
- 3 Cambodia* ~$1.5M 9.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $15M 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 cotton fabric
Brazil classifies heavy cotton fabric under NCM 5212.21.00: HS 5212.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavy cotton fabric
What is the HS code for heavy cotton fabric?
The HS code for heavy cotton fabric is 521221 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, unbleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code for unbleached heavy cotton fabric weighing more than 200g/m2 is 5212.21.
How do I classify heavy cotton fabric for customs?
heavy cotton fabric is classified under HS code 521221 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, unbleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can unbleached fabric contain synthetic fibers?
Yes, as long as cotton is the predominant fiber by weight and the fabric does not meet the specific criteria for classification in headings 5210 or 5211, it can be classified under 5212.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy cotton fabric (HS 521221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521221 (the code used for heavy cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.6M, 24% of world exports), Egypt ($4.2M) and Pakistan ($3.1M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 fabric (HS 521221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521221 (the code used for heavy cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3M, 15% of world imports), Italy ($1.8M) and Cambodia (about $1.5M). World imports came to about $15M, 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 fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521221 for heavy 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 heavy cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavy cotton fabric (HS 521221) is classified under NCM 5212.21.00.