Product classification
HS code for Lightweight printed fabric: 5210.59
Fabrics, woven, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing 200g/m2 or less, printed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.5.
Classification of lightweight printed fabric under HS 5210.59
The classification of lightweight printed fabric under HS code 5210.59 applies to textiles where cotton is the primary component but constitutes less than 85% of the total weight, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibers. The fabric must be printed and weigh 200g/m2 or less. The "59" suffix indicates "other" weaves, meaning it excludes plain weaves (5210.51) and 3-thread or 4-thread twills (5210.52). This category encompasses a wide variety of specialty weaves such as satin, dobby, or jacquard patterns that have been printed. The classification process involves a two-step verification: first, confirming that cotton is the heaviest single fiber but remains under the 85% threshold, and second, identifying that the weave does not fit the standard plain or twill definitions. This code is common for blended fashion fabrics that require the breathability of cotton and the durability or drape of synthetic fibers like polyester.
- Covers
- Printed poly-cotton satin weave fabrics
- Printed dobby weave cotton-rich blends
- Lightweight printed jacquard cotton-polyester
- Printed cotton-rich honeycombed fabrics
- Other printed specialty weaves under 200g/m2
- Also under 5210.59
- Liberty Fabrics (cotton-poly blends)
- Spoonflower (custom printed fabrics)
- Mood Fabrics (various blends)
- Robert Kaufman Fabrics
- Art Gallery Fabrics.
Codes often confused with 5210.59
Common mistake. A common error is using HS code 5210.51, which is specifically for plain weave fabrics. If the fabric has any texture or complex interlacing beyond a simple 1/1 pattern, 5210.59 is more appropriate. Another frequent mistake is using 5513.49, which applies to similar printed blends where the synthetic fiber (like polyester) actually outweighs the cotton. Importers also often confuse this with 5208.59, which is only for fabrics containing 85% or more cotton. Finally, if the fabric exceeds 200g/m2, it must be moved to heading 5211. Miscalculating the weight or the fiber percentage can lead to significant classification errors at customs.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521059 (the code used for lightweight printed fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521059 (the code used for lightweight printed fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 24% 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 521059, not only lightweight printed fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $18M 37% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $4.4M 8.9% of world exports
- 3 Pakistan $4.0M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $50M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$10M 24% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$4.3M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Cambodia* ~$3.0M 7.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $42M 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 codes for lightweight printed fabric
Brazil splits HS 5210.59 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5210.59.10Printed cotton-mix 3/4-thread twill, to 200 g/m²
- 5210.59.90Printed cotton-mix, other weaves, up to 200 g/m²
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lightweight printed fabric
What is the HS code for Lightweight printed fabric?
The HS code for Lightweight printed fabric is 521059 (Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing 200g/m2 or less, printed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.5). The HS code for printed woven fabric, containing less than 85% cotton mixed with man-made fibers, weighing 200g/m2 or less, and featuring "other" weaves, is 5210.59.
How do I classify Lightweight printed fabric for customs?
Lightweight printed fabric is classified under HS code 521059 — Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing 200g/m2 or less, printed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.5. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does "n.e.c." mean in this HS description?
It stands for "not elsewhere classified," meaning this code covers all weave types that are not specifically named in the other subheadings of the 5210.5 group.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight printed fabric (HS 521059)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521059 (the code used for lightweight printed fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($18M, 37% of world exports), Türkiye ($4.4M) and Pakistan ($4.0M). 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 fabric (HS 521059)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521059 (the code used for lightweight printed fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $10M, 24% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $4.3M) and Cambodia (about $3.0M). World imports came to about $42M, 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 fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521059 for Lightweight printed 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 fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 521059 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lightweight printed fabric depends on the product's details: 5210.59.10 (Printed cotton-mix 3/4-thread twill, to 200 g/m²), 5210.59.90 (Printed cotton-mix, other weaves, up to 200 g/m²).