Product classification

HS code for Lightweight cotton blend: 5210.19

Fabrics, woven, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.1, weighing 200g/m2 or less.

Classification of lightweight cotton blend under HS 5210.19

The classification of lightweight cotton blends under HS code 521019 is determined by a hierarchical analysis of fiber content, weight, and state of processing. To qualify for this specific code, the textile must be a woven fabric where cotton constitutes less than 85% of the total weight. The remaining percentage must be comprised mainly or solely of man-made fibers, which include both synthetic fibers like polyester and regenerated fibers like rayon. Furthermore, the fabric must be unbleached, meaning it has not undergone any bleaching, dyeing, or printing processes after the weaving stage. The weight is a critical factor; it must not exceed 200 grams per square meter. Finally, the weave must be one that is not specifically listed in the preceding subheadings of 5210.1, such as plain or twill weaves. This 'not elsewhere classified' (n.e.c.) category often includes complex or specialty weaves like dobby or jacquard that do not meet the standard definitions of basic textile structures. The determination of fiber weight is conducted using laboratory analysis where the moisture regain is standardized. If the cotton content were to exceed 85%, the classification would shift to Chapter 5208. The distinction between man-made fibers and natural fibers is also paramount, as blends with wool or silk would require different headings entirely.

Covers
  • Unbleached poly-cotton blends (less than 85% cotton)
  • Unbleached cotton-nylon woven fabrics
  • Lightweight greige cloth mixed with synthetic staple fibers
  • Dobby-woven unbleached cotton-rich blends
  • Lightweight jacquard fabrics in the greige state
Also under 5210.19
  • Gap blended twill
  • Old Navy blended shirting
  • Target blended fabrics
  • H&M blended textured fabrics
  • C&A blended fabrics

Codes often confused with 5210.19

Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5208.11 or 5208.19, which are reserved for fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight. Another common error involves HS code 5210.11, which specifically covers plain weave fabrics; 5210.19 is only for weaves other than plain or twill. Additionally, if the fabric contains synthetic staple fibers as the predominant weight (even if less than 85% total synthetic), it might be mistakenly placed in Chapter 55, specifically 5513, though 5210 takes precedence when cotton is the primary natural fiber mixed with man-made fibers under 200g/m2.

Top exporters and importers of HS 521019 (the code used for lightweight cotton blend), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521019 (the code used for lightweight cotton blend) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 19% 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 521019, not only lightweight cotton blend.

Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports

  1. 1 Pakistan $25M
  2. 2 China $14M
  3. 3 Tรผrkiye $3.0M

World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports

  1. 1 Sri Lanka $14M
  2. 2 United States $12M
  3. 3 Indonesia $9.5M

World total: $71M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

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 codes for lightweight cotton blend

Brazil splits HS 5210.19 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 5210.19.10Raw cotton-mix 3/4-thread twill, up to 200 g/mยฒ
  • 5210.19.90Raw cotton-mix, other weaves, up to 200 g/mยฒ

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

Questions about lightweight cotton blend

What is the HS code for Lightweight cotton blend?

The HS code for Lightweight cotton blend is 521019 (Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.1, weighing 200g/m2 or less). The HS code for lightweight woven cotton blends (less than 85% cotton) that are unbleached and weigh 200g/m2 or less, with non-standard weaves, is 5210.19.

How do I classify Lightweight cotton blend for customs?

Lightweight cotton blend is classified under HS code 521019 โ€” Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.1, weighing 200g/m2 or less. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is 'unbleached' defined for this classification?

Unbleached refers to fabric in the 'greige' state, which has not been bleached, dyed, or printed. It may have been singed, desized, or scoured, but it retains the natural color of the fibers.

Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight cotton blend (HS 521019)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521019 (the code used for lightweight cotton blend) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($25M, 43% of world exports), China ($14M) and Tรผrkiye ($3.0M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 cotton blend (HS 521019)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 521019 (the code used for lightweight cotton blend) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($14M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($12M) and Indonesia ($9.5M). World imports came to about $71M, 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 cotton blend the same in all countries?

The base HS code 521019 for Lightweight cotton blend 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 cotton blend in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 521019 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lightweight cotton blend depends on the product's details: 5210.19.10 (Raw cotton-mix 3/4-thread twill, up to 200 g/mยฒ), 5210.19.90 (Raw cotton-mix, other weaves, up to 200 g/mยฒ).