Product classification
HS code for lightweight printed cotton: 5212.15
Fabrics, woven, of cotton, printed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.
Classification of lightweight printed cotton under HS 5212.15
HS code 521215 covers printed woven fabrics of cotton, weighing 200g/m2 or less, which are not classified under more specific headings in Chapter 52. The printed status is defined by the application of designs, patterns, or colors to the fabric surface after weaving, usually through screen, roller, or digital printing techniques. Like other 5212 codes, this is a basket category for cotton-predominant blends that do not fit the 85% or more cotton threshold required for headings 5208 or 5209, or the specific mixed-fiber requirements of 5210 and 5211. The weight limit of 200g/m2 classifies these as lightweight materials, commonly used for summer clothing, decorative textiles, and accessories. Accurate classification requires a laboratory analysis of the fiber content by weight and a confirmation of the printing process versus yarn-dyeing or simple dyeing. The Harmonized System uses this code to track the trade of specialized textile blends that incorporate cotton as the main component but include other fibers like silk, flax, or synthetics in proportions that defy standard categorization. This ensures that the diverse range of modern textile innovations is captured accurately in global trade data.
- Covers
- Printed cotton-synthetic blends (cotton predominant)
- Lightweight printed cotton-linen fabrics
- Printed woven cotton fabrics under 200g/m2 (n.e.c.)
- Digitally printed cotton-rich blended fabrics
- Also under 5212.15
- Liberty Fabrics prints
- Marimekko printed cotton
- Printed fabric for children's clothing
- Zara printed dresses material
- Printed cotton from Bombay Dyeing
Codes often confused with 5212.15
Common mistake. This product is frequently misclassified under HS code 520852, which is for printed plain weave cotton fabrics containing 85% or more cotton. If the cotton content is less than 85%, 521215 is the correct code. It is also sometimes confused with 521214, which is for fabrics made of yarns of different colors (yarn-dyed) rather than printed. Distinguishing between a print and a woven-in pattern is essential for correct HS code application, as the manufacturing process significantly impacts the classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521215 (the code used for lightweight printed cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521215 (the code used for lightweight printed cotton) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 13% 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 521215, not only lightweight printed cotton.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $15M 29% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $9.4M 19% of world exports
- 3 Italy $7.2M 14% of world exports
World total: $50M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$3.0M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$2.4M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Cambodia* ~$1.4M 6.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $24M 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
Brazil classifies lightweight printed cotton under NCM 5212.15.00: HS 5212.15 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
What is the HS code for lightweight printed cotton?
The HS code for lightweight printed cotton is 521215 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, printed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code for printed woven cotton fabrics weighing under 200g/m2 (not elsewhere classified) is 521215.
How do I classify lightweight printed cotton for customs?
lightweight printed cotton is classified under HS code 521215 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, printed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is weight determined for this HS code?
The weight is determined by the mass of the fabric in grams per square meter (g/m2). It must be 200g/m2 or less to fall under this specific subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight printed cotton (HS 521215)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521215 (the code used for lightweight printed cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($15M, 29% of world exports), the Netherlands ($9.4M) and Italy ($7.2M). World exports came to about $50M, 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 (HS 521215)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521215 (the code used for lightweight printed cotton) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $3.0M, 13% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $2.4M) and Cambodia (about $1.4M). World imports came to about $24M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521215 for lightweight printed cotton 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, lightweight printed cotton (HS 521215) is classified under NCM 5212.15.00.