Product classification
HS code for Heavy multi-color cotton: 5209.49
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.4, weighing more than 200g/m2.
Classification of heavy multi-color cotton under HS 5209.49
The classification for heavy multi-color cotton under HS code 5209.49 is reserved for fabrics with a high cotton content (85% or more) and a weight exceeding 200g/m2. The "yarns of different colors" designation is critical; it refers to fabrics where the design is woven into the cloth using threads of various colors, rather than being printed on the surface or dyed as a finished piece. This subheading (49) serves as a residual category for weaves that are not plain weave or specific twill weaves. This includes complex dobby or jacquard weaves used in heavy-duty applications. The high cotton percentage ensures the fabric maintains natural fiber characteristics like breathability and moisture absorption, while the heavy weight provides the necessary structural integrity for upholstery, heavy apparel, or outerwear.
- Covers
- Heavy cotton jacquard woven with colored yarns
- Yarn-dyed heavy cotton upholstery fabric
- Multi-colored heavy cotton dobby weaves
- Heavyweight cotton stripes and checks (85%+ cotton)
- Also under 5209.49
- Ralph Lauren Oxford cloth
- Brooks Brothers seersucker
- Liberty Fabrics dobby
- Thomas Mason shirting
- Albini Group fabrics
Codes often confused with 5209.49
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5209.41, which is specifically for plain weave fabrics of yarns of different colors. It is also confused with 5211.49, which applies when the cotton content drops below 85% and is blended with synthetic fibers. If the fabric is printed rather than woven with colored yarns, it falls under 5209.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520949 (the code used for heavy multi-color cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520949 (the code used for heavy multi-color cotton) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, 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 520949, not only heavy multi-color cotton.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $78M 60% of world exports
- 2 Italy $14M 11% of world exports
- 3 Spain $4.0M 3.1% of world exports
World total: $129M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$47M 30% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$12M 7.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Cambodia* ~$11M 7.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $155M 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 multi-color cotton
Brazil classifies heavy multi-color cotton under NCM 5209.49.00: HS 5209.49 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavy multi-color cotton
What is the HS code for Heavy multi-color cotton?
The HS code for Heavy multi-color cotton is 520949 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.4, weighing more than 200g/m2). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton, weighing more than 200g/m2, made of yarns of different colors (excluding plain and twill weaves) is 5209.49.
How do I classify Heavy multi-color cotton for customs?
Heavy multi-color cotton is classified under HS code 520949 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.4, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is this different from printed cotton?
Yarn-dyed multi-color cotton has the color integrated into the fibers before weaving, whereas printed cotton has the design applied to the surface of the finished fabric.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy multi-color cotton (HS 520949)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520949 (the code used for heavy multi-color cotton) in UN Comtrade data were China ($78M, 60% of world exports), Italy ($14M) and Spain ($4.0M). World exports came to about $129M, 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 multi-color cotton (HS 520949)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520949 (the code used for heavy multi-color cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $47M, 30% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $12M) and Cambodia (about $11M). World imports came to about $155M, 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 multi-color cotton the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520949 for Heavy multi-color 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 multi-color cotton in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavy multi-color cotton (HS 520949) is classified under NCM 5209.49.00.