Product classification

HS code for Heavy yarn-dyed cotton: 5209.41

Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2.

Classification of heavy yarn-dyed cotton under HS 5209.41

HS code 5209.41 is the international standard for classifying heavy yarn-dyed cotton fabrics. To be categorized here, the fabric must consist of at least 85% cotton by weight and have a mass of more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). The "yarn-dyed" designation (technically "of yarns of different colours") means the fabric features patterns or color effects achieved by weaving together yarns that were dyed individually before being placed on the loom. This is distinct from "dyed" fabrics (which are dyed after weaving) or "printed" fabrics. The weave must be a plain weave, characterized by a simple over-under pattern. This code is frequently applied to heavy cotton ducks, canvas with woven stripes, and thick woven checks used in high-quality workwear and home textiles. Accurate classification is dependent on verifying the cotton percentage and the weight, as well as confirming that the weave is plain rather than twill. Misclassifying a plain weave as a twill or a blend can lead to incorrect duty assessments and regulatory hurdles during the importation process.

Covers
  • Heavy yarn-dyed cotton canvas (>200g/m2)
  • Striped cotton duck fabric for awnings
  • Heavy woven gingham cotton (85%+ cotton)
  • Plain weave yarn-dyed upholstery cotton
Also under 5209.41
  • Brooks Brothers (shirting)
  • Ralph Lauren (home textiles)
  • Gant (apparel)
  • Lands' End (apparel)
  • Sunbrella (some heavy cottons)

Codes often confused with 5209.41

Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5209.42, which covers yarn-dyed cotton in a twill weave (including denim). It is also confused with 5211.41 if the cotton content is less than 85%. If the fabric weighs 200g/m2 or less, it must be classified under 5208.41.

5209.42Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim5211.41Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2, of yarns of different colours, plain weave5208.41Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 520941 (the code used for heavy yarn-dyed cotton), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520941 (the code used for heavy yarn-dyed cotton) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 21% 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 520941, not only heavy yarn-dyed cotton.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $18M
  2. 2 India $3.8M
  3. 3 Italy $1.9M

World total: $31M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$7.1M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$5.8M
  3. 3 United States $3.3M

World total: $34M 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 yarn-dyed cotton

Brazil classifies heavy yarn-dyed cotton under NCM 5209.41.00: HS 5209.41 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about heavy yarn-dyed cotton

What is the HS code for Heavy yarn-dyed cotton?

The HS code for Heavy yarn-dyed cotton is 520941 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2). The HS code is 5209.41, for fabrics with 85% or more cotton, weighing over 200g/m2, using a plain weave and yarns of different colors.

How do I classify Heavy yarn-dyed cotton for customs?

Heavy yarn-dyed cotton is classified under HS code 520941 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is denim classified under 5209.41?

No, denim is typically a twill weave and is therefore classified under HS code 5209.42, even if it is yarn-dyed and heavy.

Which countries are the top exporters of heavy yarn-dyed cotton (HS 520941)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520941 (the code used for heavy yarn-dyed cotton) in UN Comtrade data were China ($18M, 60% of world exports), India ($3.8M) and Italy ($1.9M). World exports came to about $31M, 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 yarn-dyed cotton (HS 520941)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520941 (the code used for heavy yarn-dyed cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $7.1M, 21% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $5.8M) and the United States ($3.3M). World imports came to about $34M, 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 yarn-dyed cotton the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520941 for Heavy yarn-dyed 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 yarn-dyed cotton in Brazil?

In Brazil, heavy yarn-dyed cotton (HS 520941) is classified under NCM 5209.41.00.