Product classification

HS code for Lightweight greige cotton fabric: 5208.11

Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2.

Classification of lightweight greige cotton fabric under HS 5208.11

HS code 520811 is reserved for high-content cotton fabrics (85% or more by weight) that are in an unbleached state. The fabric must be of a plain weave construction and weigh no more than 100g/m2. This is a very specific classification for the lightest category of greige cotton goods. The plain weave is the simplest interlacing of warp and weft yarns, where each weft thread passes over and under each warp thread in a 1x1 ratio. The unbleached status, often referred to as 'greige' or 'gray' cloth, means the fabric is in its raw state after leaving the loom, containing natural impurities and sizing agents like starch. The weight limit of 100g/m2 identifies these as very fine, lightweight materials, such as those used for high-quality linings, bandages, or base cloths for fine printing. If the fabric were to undergo bleaching, it would move to 5208.21. If the weight exceeded 100g/m2 but remained under 200g/m2, it would be classified under 5208.12. This code is fundamental for the trade of base fabrics intended for further processing into high-end apparel or medical textiles. The 85% cotton threshold is a strict requirement; any blend with more than 15% synthetic fiber would move the product to heading 5210.

Covers
  • Unbleached cotton gauze (85%+ cotton)
  • Lightweight greige muslin (plain weave)
  • Unbleached cotton voile (under 100g/m2)
  • Raw plain-weave cotton lawn
  • Greige cotton cambric (lightweight)
Also under 5208.11
  • Unbleached muslin for pattern making
  • lightweight cotton for baby clothes
  • raw voile for curtains
  • natural cotton lining fabric

Codes often confused with 5208.11

Common mistake. Common misclassifications include HS code 5208.21, which is for bleached plain weave cotton. Another frequent error is 5208.12, which covers unbleached plain weave cotton weighing more than 100g/m2 but less than 200g/m2. If the weave is not plain (e.g., twill or satin), it must be classified under 5208.13 or 5208.19. Furthermore, if the cotton content is less than 85%, the correct code would be 5210.11, provided it is mixed with man-made fibers and weighs under 200g/m2.

5208.21Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25208.12Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m25208.13Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m25208.19Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.1, weighing not more than 200g/m25210.11Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, unbleached, plain weave, weighing 200g/m2 or less

Top exporters and importers of HS 520811 (the code used for lightweight greige cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520811 (the code used for lightweight greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 520811, not only lightweight greige cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $93M
  2. 2 India $81M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$33M

World total: $262M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $34M
  2. 2 South Korea $20M
  3. 3 India $19M

World total: $227M 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 greige cotton fabric

Brazil classifies lightweight greige cotton fabric under NCM 5208.11.00: HS 5208.11 with 00 added.

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

Questions about lightweight greige cotton fabric

What is the HS code for Lightweight greige cotton fabric?

The HS code for Lightweight greige cotton fabric is 520811 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2). The HS code for unbleached, plain-weave woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton and weighing 100g/m2 or less is 5208.11.

How do I classify Lightweight greige cotton fabric for customs?

Lightweight greige cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520811 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What does 'plain weave' mean in this context?

Plain weave is a basic textile weave where the working yarns are interlaced in an alternating over-and-under pattern. It is the most common and simplest weave structure, also known as tabby weave.

Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight greige cotton fabric (HS 520811)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520811 (the code used for lightweight greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($93M, 36% of world exports), India ($81M) and Vietnam (about $33M). World exports came to about $262M, 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 greige cotton fabric (HS 520811)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520811 (the code used for lightweight greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($34M, 15% of world imports), South Korea ($20M) and India ($19M). World imports came to about $227M, 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 greige cotton fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520811 for Lightweight greige 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 greige cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, lightweight greige cotton fabric (HS 520811) is classified under NCM 5208.11.00.