Product classification
HS code for Lightweight printed cotton fabric: 5208.51
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2.
Classification of lightweight printed cotton fabric under HS 5208.51
HS code 5208.51 is utilized for woven fabrics that are predominantly cotton, specifically containing 85% or more cotton by weight. This subheading is strictly reserved for fabrics that have been printed, utilize a plain weave, and are exceptionally lightweight, weighing no more than 100g/m2. These fabrics are typically used for high-quality summer apparel, scarves, or delicate linings. The classification is governed by Chapter 52, which covers cotton textiles. The weight limit of 100g/m2 is a very narrow threshold; even a slight increase in weight would move the product to 5208.52 (which covers fabrics between 100g/m2 and 200g/m2). The "printed" status indicates that the fabric has undergone a coloring process where patterns or designs are applied after the weaving is complete, which distinguishes it from dyed or yarn-dyed fabrics. Plain weave, or 1/1 weave, is the required structure for this specific code.
- Covers
- Printed cotton lawn weighing under 100g/m2
- Lightweight printed cotton voile
- Printed plain weave cotton batiste
- Very light printed cotton cambric
- Printed cotton handkerchief fabric (plain weave)
- Also under 5208.51
- Liberty London (floral prints)
- Cath Kidston (vintage prints)
- H&M (printed dresses)
- Target (children's printed fabrics)
Codes often confused with 5208.51
Common mistake. The most frequent error is classifying these fabrics under HS code 5208.52. While both codes cover printed plain weave cotton, 5208.52 is for fabrics weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2. Another common misclassification is 5210.51, which is used for printed plain weave fabrics that contain less than 85% cotton mixed with man-made fibers. If the fabric is not a plain weave (e.g., a printed twill or satin), it must be classified under 5208.59. Additionally, if the fabric is dyed a solid color rather than printed with a pattern, it belongs in the 5208.31 category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520851 (the code used for lightweight printed cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520851 (the code used for lightweight printed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 31% 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 520851, not only lightweight printed cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $155M 40% of world exports
- 2 China $107M 27% of world exports
- 3 Italy $56M 14% of world exports
World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$105M 31% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Pakistan $42M 12% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$18M 5.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $340M 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 printed cotton fabric
Brazil classifies lightweight printed cotton fabric under NCM 5208.51.00: HS 5208.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lightweight printed cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Lightweight printed cotton fabric?
The HS code for Lightweight printed cotton fabric is 520851 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2). The HS code for printed plain weave fabric containing 85% or more cotton and weighing 100g/m2 or less is 5208.51.
How do I classify Lightweight printed cotton fabric for customs?
Lightweight printed cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520851 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include floral or geometric patterns?
Yes, any fabric where the design is applied via printing (rotary, screen, or digital) falls under this code, provided the weight and composition criteria are met.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight printed cotton fabric (HS 520851)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520851 (the code used for lightweight printed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were India ($155M, 40% of world exports), China ($107M) and Italy ($56M). World exports came to about $391M, 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 printed cotton fabric (HS 520851)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520851 (the code used for lightweight printed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $105M, 31% of world imports), Pakistan ($42M) and Vietnam (about $18M). World imports came to about $340M, 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 printed cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520851 for Lightweight printed 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 printed cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, lightweight printed cotton fabric (HS 520851) is classified under NCM 5208.51.00.