Product classification
HS code for Heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric: 5209.11
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2.
Classification of heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric under HS 5209.11
HS code 5209.11 is reserved for woven fabrics that are predominantly composed of cotton, specifically 85% or more by weight. To qualify for this code, the fabric must be unbleached, meaning it has not undergone any whitening, dyeing, or printing processes after the weaving stage. Additionally, the weave must be a "plain weave," characterized by a simple over-under pattern of warp and weft threads. The weight must exceed 200g/m2, which classifies it as a heavyweight textile. This classification is typically used for heavy-duty industrial or artistic textiles where the natural state of the cotton and the durability of a heavy weight are required. These fabrics are often referred to as "greige" or "gray" goods in the industry. Because they are unbleached, they retain the natural creamy or off-white color of the cotton fibers and may contain small bits of cotton seed husks. This code is vital for tracking the trade of raw materials intended for further processing or for use in rugged applications like heavy canvas bags and industrial covers.
- Covers
- Heavy cotton canvas, unbleached, plain weave
- Unbleached cotton duck fabric over 200g/m2
- Industrial greige cotton cloth
- Heavyweight plain weave cotton for upholstery backing
- Unprocessed heavy cotton fabric for artist canvases
- Also under 5209.11
- Cone Mills (raw denim base)
- Mount Vernon Mills (industrial fabrics)
- Shijiazhuang Changshan (greige goods)
- Weiqiao Textile (unbleached fabrics)
Codes often confused with 5209.11
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5208.11, which also covers unbleached plain weave cotton but is limited to fabrics weighing 100g/m2 or less. It is also mistaken for HS code 5209.21, which applies to the same weight and composition but for bleached fabrics. If the fabric has a twill or satin weave, it must be classified under other subheadings of 5209, such as 5209.12 or 5209.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520911 (the code used for heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520911 (the code used for heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 12% 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 520911, not only heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $23M 24% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $17M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $15M 16% of world exports
World total: $95M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $11M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $8.8M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $8.5M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $90M 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 heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric
Brazil classifies heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric under NCM 5209.11.00: HS 5209.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric?
The HS code for Heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric is 520911 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2). The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton, unbleached, plain weave, and weighing more than 200g/m2 is 5209.11.
How do I classify Heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric for customs?
Heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520911 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does unbleached mean in this context?
Unbleached means the fabric is in its natural state after weaving, without having been subjected to any bleaching agents, dyes, or pigments.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric (HS 520911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520911 (the code used for heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were India ($23M, 24% of world exports), Pakistan ($17M) and China ($15M). World exports came to about $95M, 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 heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric (HS 520911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520911 (the code used for heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($11M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($8.8M) and the United Kingdom ($8.5M). World imports came to about $90M, 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 Heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520911 for Heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric 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 heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric (HS 520911) is classified under NCM 5209.11.00.