Product classification
HS code for heavy plaid cotton: 5212.24
Fabrics, woven, of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.
Classification of heavy plaid cotton under HS 5212.24
HS code 5212.24 is designated for woven fabrics of cotton weighing more than 200g/m2 that are composed of yarns of different colors. This classification is essential for heavy plaid, checkered, or striped fabrics where the pattern is integrated into the structure of the textile during the weaving process. Unlike printed fabrics, these textiles use pre-dyed yarns to achieve their aesthetic. The weight threshold of 200g/m2 distinguishes these from lighter apparel fabrics. Because this falls under the "other" category of cotton fabrics (5212), it is used when the fabric does not qualify for more specific headings like 5209, which covers specific weaves like denim or heavy twills. The classification requires a technical analysis of the yarn; if the fabric is woven from yarns that were dyed before the weaving process to create a pattern (like a tartan or plaid), 5212.24 is the correct designation. This code is commonly used for heavy-duty shirting, outerwear, and home textiles that require the durability of a heavy-weight cotton combined with a woven-in pattern.
- Covers
- Heavy cotton plaid flannel
- Checkered cotton upholstery fabric
- Striped heavy cotton canvas
- Multi-colored woven cotton rugs (non-pile)
- Heavy gingham cotton over 200g/m2
- Yarn-dyed cotton duck with woven stripes
- Also under 5212.24
- Heavy plaid flannel shirts
- Striped denim for workwear
- Yarn-dyed upholstery from Kravet
- Checked canvas for outdoor furniture
- Patterned heavy cotton from Cone Mills
Codes often confused with 5212.24
Common mistake. Frequently confused with 5212.25, which covers printed patterns that look like plaid but are not woven in. It is also confused with 5209.41 (yarn-dyed plain weave cotton) if the weave is standard. If the fabric contains less than 85% cotton and is mixed with man-made fibers, it may fall under 5211.41 or 5211.43 depending on the weave.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521224 (the code used for heavy plaid cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521224 (the code used for heavy plaid cotton) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 13% 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 521224, not only heavy plaid cotton.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $23M 40% of world exports
- 2 Italy $13M 22% of world exports
- 3 France $4.4M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $58M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$7.9M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$7.3M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Spain $4.6M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $59M 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 plaid cotton
Brazil classifies heavy plaid cotton under NCM 5212.24.00: HS 5212.24 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavy plaid cotton
What is the HS code for heavy plaid cotton?
The HS code for heavy plaid cotton is 521224 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code is 5212.24 for cotton fabrics over 200g/m2 made of yarns of different colors.
How do I classify heavy plaid cotton for customs?
heavy plaid cotton is classified under HS code 521224 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include denim?
No, denim is usually classified under 5209.42, even though it uses yarns of different colors (blue and white), because it has a specific twill weave.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy plaid cotton (HS 521224)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521224 (the code used for heavy plaid cotton) in UN Comtrade data were China ($23M, 40% of world exports), Italy ($13M) and France ($4.4M). World exports came to about $58M, 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 plaid cotton (HS 521224)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521224 (the code used for heavy plaid cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $7.9M, 13% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $7.3M) and Spain ($4.6M). World imports came to about $59M, 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 plaid cotton the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521224 for heavy plaid 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 plaid cotton in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavy plaid cotton (HS 521224) is classified under NCM 5212.24.00.