Product classification
HS code for Heavy printed twill: 5209.52
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2.
Classification of heavy printed twill under HS 5209.52
HS code 5209.52 is the specific designation for heavy printed twill fabrics that are composed predominantly of cotton. To fall under this heading, the textile must contain a minimum of 85% cotton by weight. This high cotton content distinguishes it from the 5211 series, which covers cotton blends mixed with man-made fibers. The weight of the fabric is another critical factor; it must exceed 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). Fabrics weighing 200g/m2 or less are classified under heading 5208. The weave must be a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, a category that includes common structures like drill and gabardine. The "printed" classification means that the fabric has undergone a printing process—such as screen, roller, or digital printing—to apply a pattern to the surface. This code is used globally to track the trade of heavy cotton goods used in the production of durable consumer items like printed chinos, heavy-duty curtains, and certain types of outerwear. Accurate classification under 5209.52 requires precise laboratory testing of fiber content and weight to avoid customs delays or penalties associated with misdeclaration of material composition.
- Covers
- Heavy printed cotton drill (>200g/m2)
- Printed cotton gabardine for outerwear
- Heavy printed cotton 4-thread twill for home decor
- Printed denim-weight cotton fabrics (not yarn-dyed)
- Also under 5209.52
- Dickies printed twill
- Carhartt printed duck
- G-Star RAW printed denim
- Zara printed twill garments
- H&M printed twill
Codes often confused with 5209.52
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 5211.52, which is used if the cotton content drops below 85%. Additionally, if the fabric is yarn-dyed (where the pattern is woven from colored yarns) rather than printed, it should be classified under 5209.42. Lighter fabrics (200g/m2 or less) must be moved to 5208.52.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520952 (the code used for heavy printed twill), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520952 (the code used for heavy printed twill) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 37% 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 520952, not only heavy printed twill.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $28M 42% of world exports
- 2 Italy $8.4M 13% of world exports
- 3 India $5.3M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $66M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$22M 37% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Tunisia* ~$5.4M 9.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$4.5M 7.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
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 printed twill
Brazil classifies heavy printed twill under NCM 5209.52.00: HS 5209.52 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 twill
What is the HS code for Heavy printed twill?
The HS code for Heavy printed twill is 520952 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2). The HS code is 5209.52, specifically for fabrics with 85% or more cotton, weighing over 200g/m2, and featuring a printed twill weave.
How do I classify Heavy printed twill for customs?
Heavy printed twill is classified under HS code 520952 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the weight determined for this HS code?
The weight is measured in grams per square meter (g/m2) of the finished fabric. It must be strictly above 200g/m2 to qualify for the 5209 heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy printed twill (HS 520952)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520952 (the code used for heavy printed twill) in UN Comtrade data were China ($28M, 42% of world exports), Italy ($8.4M) and India ($5.3M). World exports came to about $66M, 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 twill (HS 520952)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520952 (the code used for heavy printed twill) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $22M, 37% of world imports), Tunisia (about $5.4M) and Vietnam (about $4.5M). 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 printed twill the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520952 for Heavy printed twill 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 twill in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavy printed twill (HS 520952) is classified under NCM 5209.52.00.