Product classification
HS code for Heavy unbleached cotton: 5209.19
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.1, weighing more than 200g/m2.
Classification of heavy unbleached cotton under HS 5209.19
Heavy unbleached cotton fabrics falling under HS code 5209.19 are defined by their raw state and specific weave requirements. This code applies to woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight and weighing more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). The term "unbleached" refers to the fabric in its "greige" or "gray" state—meaning it has been woven from fibers that have not been bleached, dyed, or printed. The subheading 5209.19 is a "not elsewhere classified" (n.e.c.) category for weaves other than plain weave or 3-thread/4-thread twill. This includes more complex or specialty weaves such as satin, sateen, or dobby weaves, provided they are unbleached and heavy. These fabrics are often used as industrial substrates, heavy-duty bags, or as base materials for subsequent finishing processes. Because this is a residual category for "other" weaves, it is essential to first rule out plain weave (5209.11) and twill weave (5209.12) before assigning this code. The durability and natural state of these fabrics make them essential for industrial applications where aesthetic finishing is secondary to structural integrity.
- Covers
- Heavy unbleached cotton satin or sateen
- Unbleached cotton dobby weave fabrics (>200g/m2)
- Heavy greige cotton upholstery base fabrics
- Unbleached cotton canvas (non-plain weave)
- Also under 5209.19
- Organic unbleached cotton sateen
- heavy unbleached dobby shirting
- raw cotton jacquard upholstery fabric
Codes often confused with 5209.19
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5209.11 (plain weave) or 5209.12 (3-thread or 4-thread twill). If the fabric is unbleached but weighs 200g/m2 or less, it falls under 5208.19. It is also distinct from 5209.29, which covers "bleached" fabrics of the same weight and weave.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520919 (the code used for heavy unbleached cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520919 (the code used for heavy unbleached cotton) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 16% 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 520919, not only heavy unbleached cotton.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $26M 25% of world exports
- 2 China $26M 24% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $18M 17% of world exports
World total: $105M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $22M 16% of world imports
- 2 Dominican Republic $20M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $140M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 unbleached cotton
Brazil classifies heavy unbleached cotton under NCM 5209.19.00: HS 5209.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavy unbleached cotton
What is the HS code for Heavy unbleached cotton?
The HS code for Heavy unbleached cotton is 520919 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.1, weighing more than 200g/m2). The HS code is 5209.19 for fabrics with 85%+ cotton, weighing over 200g/m2, in an unbleached state with a weave other than plain or twill.
How do I classify Heavy unbleached cotton for customs?
Heavy unbleached cotton is classified under HS code 520919 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.1, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does "n.e.c." mean in this classification?
It stands for "not elsewhere classified," meaning this code is used for any weave structure that does not specifically fit the definitions of plain or twill weave.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy unbleached cotton (HS 520919)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520919 (the code used for heavy unbleached cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($26M, 25% of world exports), China ($26M) and Türkiye ($18M). World exports came to about $105M, 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 unbleached cotton (HS 520919)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520919 (the code used for heavy unbleached cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($22M, 16% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($20M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $140M, 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 unbleached cotton the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520919 for Heavy unbleached 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 unbleached cotton in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavy unbleached cotton (HS 520919) is classified under NCM 5209.19.00.