Product classification

HS code for heavy dyed cotton: 5212.23

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

Classification of heavy dyed cotton under HS 5212.23

HS code 5212.23 is utilized for heavy dyed cotton fabrics weighing more than 200 grams per square meter. The classification process involves identifying the fabric as woven and confirming that it has been dyed a uniform color. Dyeing is a process where the fabric is immersed in a colorant, ensuring the pigment penetrates the fibers. This differs from printing, where color is applied only to the surface. Heading 5212 is the "other" category for cotton fabrics, meaning it captures textiles that do not fall into the more specific definitions of headings 5208 (lightweight) or 5209 (heavyweight with specific weaves). For a product to be classified here, it must be "not elsewhere classified," which often applies to complex weaves or cotton blends where cotton is the majority fiber. The weight requirement of over 200g/m2 is a significant dividing line in textile classification, as it usually separates garment-grade fabrics from those used for home furnishings, heavy workwear, or industrial covers. Accurate classification ensures that the correct tariff rates are applied, as dyed fabrics often carry different duty implications compared to unbleached or bleached versions.

Covers
  • Dyed heavy cotton upholstery fabric
  • Dyed heavy-duty workwear cotton (non-twill)
  • Dyed heavy cotton curtains
  • Dyed cotton-rich canvas (>200g/m2)
  • Solid-colored heavy cotton decorative cloth
Also under 5212.23
  • Levi's colored denim
  • Carhartt workwear fabric
  • Dyed canvas for bags
  • Heavy dyed cotton for outdoor gear
  • Colored upholstery fabric from Sunbrella

Codes often confused with 5212.23

Common mistake. HS codes 5209.31 (dyed plain weave >200g) and 5209.32 (dyed twill >200g) are frequently used incorrectly. 5212.23 is only for "other" weaves or blends that do not meet the 85% cotton threshold of 5209. Another confusion is with 5212.22 (bleached) if the dye is extremely light, or 5212.24 if the fabric has a subtle stripe that is actually woven in rather than dyed as a solid piece.

5209.39Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.3, weighing more than 200g/m25209.31Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m25209.32Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m252.09Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing more than 200g/m25212.22Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 525212.24Fabrics, woven; of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52

Top exporters and importers of HS 521223 (the code used for heavy dyed cotton), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521223 (the code used for heavy dyed cotton) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 23% 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 521223, not only heavy dyed cotton.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $28M
  2. 2 Pakistan $21M
  3. 3 Italy $12M

World total: $91M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$19M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$9.1M
  3. 3 Cambodia* ~$5.9M

World total: $83M 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 dyed cotton

Brazil classifies heavy dyed cotton under NCM 5212.23.00: HS 5212.23 with 00 added.

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

Questions about heavy dyed cotton

What is the HS code for heavy dyed cotton?

The HS code for heavy dyed cotton is 521223 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code for dyed woven cotton fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2, not elsewhere classified, is 5212.23.

How do I classify heavy dyed cotton for customs?

heavy dyed cotton is classified under HS code 521223 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 'dyed' and 'yarns of different colors'?

Dyed fabric (5212.23) is colored after the weaving process is complete, resulting in a solid color. Yarns of different colors (5212.24) use pre-colored yarns to create patterns during the weaving process.

Which countries are the top exporters of heavy dyed cotton (HS 521223)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521223 (the code used for heavy dyed cotton) in UN Comtrade data were China ($28M, 31% of world exports), Pakistan ($21M) and Italy ($12M). World exports came to about $91M, 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 dyed cotton (HS 521223)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 521223 (the code used for heavy dyed cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $19M, 23% of world imports), Vietnam (about $9.1M) and Cambodia (about $5.9M). World imports came to about $83M, 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 dyed cotton the same in all countries?

The base HS code 521223 for heavy dyed 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 dyed cotton in Brazil?

In Brazil, heavy dyed cotton (HS 521223) is classified under NCM 5212.23.00.