Product classification
HS code for Heavy greige cotton fabric: 5209.11
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2.
Classification of heavy greige cotton fabric under HS 5209.11
Classification of heavy greige cotton fabric under HS code 5209.11 is determined by four specific technical criteria defined in the Harmonized System. First, the fiber composition must be at least 85% cotton by weight, which classifies it as a cotton fabric rather than a blend. Second, the fabric must be in its unbleached or "greige" state, meaning it has not undergone any chemical whitening or dyeing processes after the weaving stage. Third, the weave must be a plain weave, the simplest form of textile construction where warp and weft threads cross alternately. Finally, the weight must exceed 200 grams per square meter (g/m2), placing it in the "heavy" category. This code is typically used for industrial-grade canvases, heavy upholstery bases, and raw materials for further textile processing. The unbleached state is critical for classification, as it represents the rawest form of the woven textile before finishing.
- Covers
- Unbleached heavy cotton canvas
- Greige cotton duck fabric over 200g/m2
- Raw plain-weave cotton upholstery base
- Heavy industrial cotton filter cloth (unbleached)
- Also under 5209.11
- Cone Mills (raw denim base)
- Mount Vernon Mills (industrial fabrics)
- Shijiazhuang Changshan (greige goods)
- Weiqiao Textile (unbleached fabrics)
Codes often confused with 5209.11
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5208.11, which also covers unbleached plain weave cotton but is restricted to fabrics weighing 200g/m2 or less. Additionally, if the fabric has undergone any bleaching process, it must be moved to 5209.21. If the weave is a twill rather than a plain weave, it falls under 5209.12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520911 (the code used for heavy greige cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520911 (the code used for heavy greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 12% 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 520911, not only heavy greige cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $23M 24% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $17M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $15M 16% of world exports
World total: $95M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $11M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $8.8M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $8.5M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $90M 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 heavy greige cotton fabric
Brazil classifies heavy greige cotton fabric under NCM 5209.11.00: HS 5209.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavy greige cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Heavy greige cotton fabric?
The HS code for Heavy greige cotton fabric is 520911 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton, unbleached, in a plain weave, and weighing more than 200g/m2 is 5209.11.
How do I classify Heavy greige cotton fabric for customs?
Heavy greige cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520911 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does "greige" mean the same as unbleached?
Yes, in textile terminology, greige refers to fabric that has been woven but not yet subjected to bleaching, dyeing, or finishing processes.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy greige cotton fabric (HS 520911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520911 (the code used for heavy greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were India ($23M, 24% of world exports), Pakistan ($17M) and China ($15M). World exports came to about $95M, 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 greige cotton fabric (HS 520911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520911 (the code used for heavy greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($11M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($8.8M) and the United Kingdom ($8.5M). World imports came to about $90M, 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 greige cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520911 for Heavy 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 heavy greige cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavy greige cotton fabric (HS 520911) is classified under NCM 5209.11.00.