Product classification
HS code for Lightweight yarn-dyed fabric: 5210.49
Fabrics, woven, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing 200g/m2 or less, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.4.
Classification of lightweight yarn-dyed fabric under HS 5210.49
HS code 5210.49 is designated for woven fabrics where cotton is the predominant fiber, yet constitutes less than 85% of the total weight. To fall under this specific code, the cotton must be mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibers (either synthetic or artificial). The fabric must be lightweight, defined as weighing no more than 200g/m2. The \"yarn-dyed\" classification (yarns of different colors) implies that the fabric's pattern is integrated into the weave rather than printed on the surface. Subheading 5210.49 acts as a catch-all for weaves that are not plain, twill, or other specifically named structures in the 5210.4 series, such as complex dobby or jacquard weaves used in high-end shirting and apparel.
- Covers
- Cotton-polyester blends (cotton dominant) with complex weaves
- Cotton-viscose blends weighing less than 200g/m2
- Yarn-dyed jacquard fabrics with <85% cotton
- Dobby weave shirting fabrics mixed with man-made fibers
- Lightweight upholstery fabrics of mixed cotton/synthetic yarns
- Also under 5210.49
- Zara patterned twill shirts
- Brooks Brothers striped sateen
- Ralph Lauren plaid blazers (lightweight)
- Uniqlo textured blend trousers
- H&M patterned skirts
Codes often confused with 5210.49
Common mistake. A frequent mistake is classifying these goods under 5208 or 5209, which are reserved for fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight. Conversely, if the man-made fiber content exceeds the cotton content by weight, the fabric may belong in Chapter 54 or 55. Specifically, 5210.49 is often confused with 5210.41 (plain weave) or 5210.43 (3-thread or 4-thread twill). If the weave structure is a standard twill, 5210.49 is incorrect.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521049 (the code used for lightweight yarn-dyed fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521049 (the code used for lightweight yarn-dyed fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 26% 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 521049, not only lightweight yarn-dyed fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $88M 61% of world exports
- 2 Italy $10M 7.1% of world exports
- 3 India $8.4M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $146M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$36M 26% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$25M 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $9.7M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $137M 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 yarn-dyed fabric
Brazil splits HS 5210.49 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5210.49.10Yarn-dyed cotton-mix 3/4-thread twill, to 200 g/m²
- 5210.49.90Yarn-dyed 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 yarn-dyed fabric
What is the HS code for Lightweight yarn-dyed fabric?
The HS code for Lightweight yarn-dyed fabric is 521049 (Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing 200g/m2 or less, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.4). The HS code is 5210.49 for fabrics weighing 200g/m2 or less, containing less than 85% cotton mixed with man-made fibers, using yarns of different colors and non-standard weaves.
How do I classify Lightweight yarn-dyed fabric for customs?
Lightweight yarn-dyed fabric is classified under HS code 521049 — Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing 200g/m2 or less, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.4. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What determines if a fabric is \"yarn-dyed\" for this code?
The fabric must be composed of yarns of different colors or different shades of the same color (other than the natural color of the constituent fibers) to meet the yarn-dyed criteria.
Which countries are the top exporters of lightweight yarn-dyed fabric (HS 521049)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521049 (the code used for lightweight yarn-dyed fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($88M, 61% of world exports), Italy ($10M) and India ($8.4M). World exports came to about $146M, 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 yarn-dyed fabric (HS 521049)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521049 (the code used for lightweight yarn-dyed fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $36M, 26% of world imports), Vietnam (about $25M) and Indonesia ($9.7M). World imports came to about $137M, 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 yarn-dyed fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521049 for Lightweight yarn-dyed 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 yarn-dyed fabric in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 521049 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lightweight yarn-dyed fabric depends on the product's details: 5210.49.10 (Yarn-dyed cotton-mix 3/4-thread twill, to 200 g/m²), 5210.49.90 (Yarn-dyed cotton-mix, other weaves, up to 200 g/m²).