Product classification

HS code for lightweight cotton fabric: 5212.12

Fabrics, woven, of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.

Classification of lightweight cotton fabric under HS 5212.12

HS code 521212 is designated for woven fabrics of cotton that are bleached and weigh no more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2), specifically those not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) within Chapter 52. The 'n.e.c.' designation is vital; it means this code is used for fabrics that do not meet the strict criteria of headings 5208 through 5211. Typically, this applies to fabrics where cotton is the predominant fiber by weight (usually over 50%) but is mixed with other fibers in a way that excludes it from the more specific categories, or where the weave type is not covered by other headings. The bleaching process involves chemical treatment to remove natural pigments, resulting in a white or off-white finish. To qualify for 521212, the fabric must be lightweight, making it suitable for shirting, linings, or light apparel. The classification relies on two primary metrics: the weight per square meter and the chemical state (bleached). Customs officials often require a precise GSM (grams per square meter) calculation and a fiber composition analysis to confirm that the fabric belongs in this 'other' category rather than the standard cotton headings.

Covers
  • Bleached cotton-predominant woven fabrics (mixed with synthetic fibers)
  • Lightweight bleached cotton blends (under 200g/m2)
  • Woven cotton fabrics with specialty weaves not in 5208-5211
  • Bleached cotton-linen blends (cotton predominant)
Also under 5212.12
  • White bed linen fabric from Welspun
  • Bleached shirting material from Raymond
  • White cotton for medical gauze
  • Bleached fabric for baby clothes
  • White fabric rolls from Vardhman Textiles

Codes often confused with 5212.12

Common mistake. The most common misclassification for 521212 is HS code 520821 or 520822. These codes are for fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight. If a fabric contains only 60% cotton, it must move to 5212. Another common error is confusing it with 521211, which is for unbleached fabrics. Importers must ensure that the bleaching process is fully completed and that the fiber percentage is accurately documented to avoid being flagged for incorrect classification under the more common 85%+ cotton headings.

5212.13Fabrics, woven; of cotton, dyed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 525212.11Fabrics, woven; of cotton, unbleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 525208.21Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25208.22Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m252.12Other woven fabrics of cotton, n.e.c. in chapter 52

Top exporters and importers of HS 521212 (the code used for lightweight cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521212 (the code used for lightweight cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Dominican Republic, 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 521212, not only lightweight cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Pakistan $12M
  2. 2 China $9.2M
  3. 3 India $1.1M

World total: $27M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Dominican Republic $4.8M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$3.5M
  3. 3 Italy $1.8M

World total: $26M 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 cotton fabric

Brazil classifies lightweight cotton fabric under NCM 5212.12.00: HS 5212.12 with 00 added.

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

Questions about lightweight cotton fabric

What is the HS code for lightweight cotton fabric?

The HS code for lightweight cotton fabric is 521212 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). If the fabric is bleached, weighs under 200g/m2, and is a blend not elsewhere specified, the HS code is 521212.

How do I classify lightweight cotton fabric for customs?

lightweight cotton fabric is classified under HS code 521212 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What does n.e.c. mean in this classification?

It stands for 'not elsewhere classified,' meaning the fabric does not fit into the more specific categories of 100% cotton or specific cotton-synthetic blends defined in 5208-5211.

Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight cotton fabric (HS 521212)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521212 (the code used for lightweight cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($12M, 45% of world exports), China ($9.2M) and India ($1.1M). World exports came to about $27M, 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 fabric (HS 521212)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 521212 (the code used for lightweight cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the Dominican Republic ($4.8M, 19% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $3.5M) and Italy ($1.8M). World imports came to about $26M, 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 fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 521212 for lightweight 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 cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, lightweight cotton fabric (HS 521212) is classified under NCM 5212.12.00.