Product classification
HS code for Lightweight colored cotton fabric: 5208.31
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2.
Classification of lightweight colored cotton fabric under HS 5208.31
HS code 5208.31 is used for lightweight colored cotton fabrics that meet specific technical parameters regarding composition, weave, and weight. To qualify, the fabric must consist of 85% or more cotton by weight, ensuring it is classified as a "pure" cotton textile under heading 5208. The fabric must be "dyed," meaning it has been immersed in a colorant to achieve a uniform hue, as opposed to being bleached or printed. The weave must be a "plain weave," which is the simplest interlacing pattern of warp and weft threads. Finally, the weight must not exceed 100g/m2. This specific subheading is often used for high-quality shirting, voile, or lightweight apparel fabrics. Classification errors often occur when the weight is slightly above the 100g/m2 limit or if the weave is a more complex structure like twill or dobby. The 100g/m2 limit is a strict threshold; fabrics weighing 101g/m2 would move to a different subheading within the same category.
- Covers
- Dyed cotton voile (plain weave)
- Dyed cotton lawn (under 100g/m2)
- Plain weave dyed cotton batiste
- Lightweight dyed cotton organza
- Dyed cotton cambric under 100g/m2
- Also under 5208.31
- Colored muslin for apparel
- dyed voile for scarves
- colored lawn for blouses
- dyed cotton lining for garments
- colored handkerchief fabric
Codes often confused with 5208.31
Common mistake. Which other HS codes get confused with this one and why. Mention specific code numbers. It is frequently confused with HS code 5208.41 (fabrics of yarns of different colors) or 5208.51 (printed fabrics). If the color is applied via printing rather than immersion dyeing, 5208.51 is the correct code. Also, if the weight exceeds 100g/m2 but is under 200g/m2, it falls under 5208.32.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520831 (the code used for lightweight colored cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520831 (the code used for lightweight colored cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, 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 520831, not only lightweight colored cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $106M 42% of world exports
- 2 India $75M 29% of world exports
- 3 Pakistan $26M 10% of world exports
World total: $256M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Morocco $24M 12% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$22M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$20M 9.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $203M 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 lightweight colored cotton fabric
Brazil classifies lightweight colored cotton fabric under NCM 5208.31.00: HS 5208.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lightweight colored cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Lightweight colored cotton fabric?
The HS code for Lightweight colored cotton fabric is 520831 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2). The HS code for dyed, plain weave cotton fabric containing 85% or more cotton and weighing 100g/m2 or less is 5208.31.
How do I classify Lightweight colored cotton fabric for customs?
Lightweight colored cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520831 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the fabric is a twill weave?
If the fabric is a twill weave rather than a plain weave, it cannot be classified under 5208.31 and would likely fall under 5208.33, provided it meets the other weight and composition requirements.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight colored cotton fabric (HS 520831)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520831 (the code used for lightweight colored cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($106M, 42% of world exports), India ($75M) and Pakistan ($26M). World exports came to about $256M, 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 lightweight colored cotton fabric (HS 520831)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520831 (the code used for lightweight colored cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($24M, 12% of world imports), Vietnam (about $22M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $20M). World imports came to about $203M, 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 Lightweight colored cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520831 for Lightweight colored 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 lightweight colored cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, lightweight colored cotton fabric (HS 520831) is classified under NCM 5208.31.00.