Product classification
HS code for Heavy plain weave cotton: 5209.21
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2.
Classification of heavy plain weave cotton under HS 5209.21
HS code 5209.21 identifies heavy-weight cotton fabrics that have undergone a bleaching process. To meet this classification, the fabric must consist of at least 85% cotton and weigh more than 200g/m2. The weave must be a plain weave, which is characterized by a simple over-under pattern of threads. Bleaching is a chemical treatment used to remove the natural pigments and impurities from the cotton fibers, resulting in a clean, white finish. This process is a prerequisite for fabrics intended to be sold as white goods or those that will later be dyed into very light or bright shades. The heavy weight of these fabrics makes them suitable for high-quality bed linens, professional kitchen apparel, and sturdy white garments. The plain weave provides a uniform surface that is both durable and easy to clean.
- Covers
- Bleached heavy cotton canvas
- White heavy-duty plain weave cotton sheets
- Bleached cotton duck fabric over 200g/m2
- Heavy white cotton fabric for professional uniforms
- Also under 5209.21
- White bed linen fabric (heavy)
- bleached cotton uniform fabric
- bleached heavy shirting material
Codes often confused with 5209.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with 5209.11, which is for unbleached (greige) fabric. Another common error is using 5208.21, which is for bleached plain weave cotton weighing 200g/m2 or less. If the fabric is dyed a specific color (other than white), it should be classified under 5209.31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520921 (the code used for heavy plain weave cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520921 (the code used for heavy plain weave cotton) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its imports here ($1.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 520921, not only heavy plain weave cotton.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $10M 26% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $10M 26% of world exports
- 3 Germany $6.8M 17% of world exports
World total: $39M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.0M 12% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$3.1M 9.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$2.7M 8.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its imports here ($1.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $33M 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 plain weave cotton
Brazil classifies heavy plain weave cotton under NCM 5209.21.00: HS 5209.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavy plain weave cotton
What is the HS code for Heavy plain weave cotton?
The HS code for Heavy plain weave cotton is 520921 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton, bleached, in a plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2 is 5209.21.
How do I classify Heavy plain weave cotton for customs?
Heavy plain weave cotton is classified under HS code 520921 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does bleached fabric include off-white colors?
Generally, if the fabric has been chemically treated to remove color, it is considered bleached. If it has been dyed to an off-white shade, it may be classified as dyed.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy plain weave cotton (HS 520921)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520921 (the code used for heavy plain weave cotton) in UN Comtrade data were China ($10M, 26% of world exports), Pakistan ($10M) and Germany ($6.8M). World exports came to about $39M, 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 plain weave cotton (HS 520921)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520921 (the code used for heavy plain weave cotton) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.0M, 12% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $3.1M) and Vietnam (about $2.7M). World imports came to about $33M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its imports here ($1.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Heavy plain weave cotton the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520921 for Heavy plain weave 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 plain weave cotton in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavy plain weave cotton (HS 520921) is classified under NCM 5209.21.00.