Product classification
HS code for heavy printed cotton: 5212.25
Fabrics, woven, of cotton, printed, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.
Classification of heavy printed cotton under HS 5212.25
The classification for heavy printed cotton falls under HS code 5212.25. This code is specific to woven cotton fabrics that weigh more than 200 grams per square meter and have been decorated through a printing process. Printing involves the application of designs, patterns, or colors to the surface of the fabric using various techniques such as screen printing, rotary printing, or digital inkjet printing. Unlike dyed fabrics, which are a solid color throughout, printed fabrics feature distinct patterns on at least one side. This subheading is part of the residual heading 5212, which covers cotton fabrics not specified in the more detailed headings of Chapter 52. The classification requires that the fabric be primarily composed of cotton by weight. The "heavy" designation (over 200g/m2) typically includes materials like heavy-duty canvas for bags, decorative upholstery fabrics, and thick drapery materials. Because these fabrics are often used in high-value consumer goods or specialized industrial applications, precise HS code declaration is vital for trade statistics and regulatory compliance.
- Covers
- Printed heavy cotton canvas
- Printed cotton upholstery fabric
- Printed heavy decorative cotton cloth
- Printed cotton-rich blends (>200g/m2)
- Floral or geometric printed heavy cotton
- Also under 5212.25
- Printed upholstery from Waverly
- Heavy printed cotton for curtains
- Camouflage fabric for military gear
- Printed canvas for tote bags
- Patterned heavy cotton from Schumacher
Codes often confused with 5212.25
Common mistake. HS code 5209.51 (printed plain weave >200g) is the primary alternative. If the fabric is a plain weave and 85% or more cotton, it belongs in 5209. 5212.25 is for "other" weaves or blends. Also, 5212.24 (yarns of different colors) is sometimes confused with printed stripes; if the stripe is part of the yarn, it is 5212.24; if it is printed on top, it is 5212.25.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521225 (the code used for heavy printed cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521225 (the code used for heavy printed cotton) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 17% 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 521225, not only heavy printed cotton.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $4.9M 20% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $3.2M 13% of world exports
- 3 France $2.7M 11% of world exports
World total: $24M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Morocco $4.8M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $3.3M 12% of world imports
- 3 Cambodia* ~$1.9M 6.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $29M 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 printed cotton
Brazil classifies heavy printed cotton under NCM 5212.25.00: HS 5212.25 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavy printed cotton
What is the HS code for heavy printed cotton?
The HS code for heavy printed cotton is 521225 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, printed, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code for printed woven cotton fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2, not elsewhere classified, is 5212.25.
How do I classify heavy printed cotton for customs?
heavy printed cotton is classified under HS code 521225 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, printed, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is digital textile printing classified?
Digital textile printing is treated the same as traditional printing methods for HS classification purposes; if the fabric is cotton, woven, and >200g/m2, it falls under 5212.25.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy printed cotton (HS 521225)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521225 (the code used for heavy printed cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($4.9M, 20% of world exports), Pakistan ($3.2M) and France ($2.7M). World exports came to about $24M, 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 printed cotton (HS 521225)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521225 (the code used for heavy printed cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($4.8M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($3.3M) and Cambodia (about $1.9M). World imports came to about $29M, 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 printed cotton the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521225 for heavy printed 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 printed cotton in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavy printed cotton (HS 521225) is classified under NCM 5212.25.00.