Product classification
HS code for Medium weight colored cotton fabric: 5208.32
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2.
Classification of medium weight colored cotton fabric under HS 5208.32
The classification of medium weight colored cotton fabric under HS code 5208.32 is determined by three primary technical criteria: fiber composition, weight per square meter, and the state of the fabric regarding color application. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, Chapter 52 covers cotton and woven fabrics thereof. Heading 5208 specifically addresses woven fabrics containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m2. Within this heading, the subheading 5208.32 is reserved for fabrics that have been dyed (colored) after weaving, are of a plain weave construction, and possess a weight exceeding 100 g/m2 but not exceeding 200 g/m2. This weight range is often referred to as "medium weight" in the textile industry, distinguishing it from lightweight lawns or heavy canvases. The "dyed" status implies that the fabric has been immersed in a coloring matter or treated with a coloring solution to achieve a uniform hue throughout the piece, which is distinct from fabrics woven from yarns of different colors or printed fabrics. Plain weave, also known as tabby weave, is the most basic of the three fundamental textile weaves. It is characterized by the weft yarn passing over and under each warp yarn, alternating each row. This creates a durable and versatile fabric surface. To correctly classify a product under 5208.32, a laboratory analysis or a detailed manufacturer's specification is often required to confirm that the cotton content meets the 85% threshold and that the weight falls precisely within the 101 to 200 grams per square meter range. Failure to verify these metrics can lead to significant customs delays or penalties, as the tariff schedules for cotton fabrics are highly granular and sensitive to minor variations in weight and weave type.
- Covers
- Dyed cotton poplin weighing 120 g/m2
- Colored cotton broadcloth (plain weave)
- Dyed cotton percale for bedding
- Solid-colored cotton sheeting (medium weight)
- Dyed cotton lawn exceeding 100 g/m2
- Also under 5208.32
- Colored calico for crafts
- dyed poplin for shirts
- colored cotton bed sheets
- dyed drill for uniforms
- colored canvas for bags
Codes often confused with 5208.32
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 5208.31, which covers dyed plain weave cotton fabrics weighing 100 g/m2 or less. Another common error is using 5209.31, which applies to fabrics weighing more than 200 g/m2. Additionally, if the fabric is woven from yarns of different colors (such as a gingham or chambray), it must be classified under 5208.42 rather than 5208.32, even if the weight and weave are identical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520832 (the code used for medium weight colored cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520832 (the code used for medium weight colored cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 22% 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 520832, not only medium weight colored cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $445M 54% of world exports
- 2 India $125M 15% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $38M 4.6% of world exports
World total: $818M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Morocco $189M 22% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$108M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$94M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $859M 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 medium weight colored cotton fabric
Brazil classifies medium weight colored cotton fabric under NCM 5208.32.00: HS 5208.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about medium weight colored cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Medium weight colored cotton fabric?
The HS code for Medium weight colored cotton fabric is 520832 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2). The correct HS code is 5208.32, provided the fabric is at least 85% cotton, plain weave, dyed, and weighs between 101 and 200 g/m2.
How do I classify Medium weight colored cotton fabric for customs?
Medium weight colored cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520832 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include yarn-dyed fabrics?
No, yarn-dyed fabrics are classified under subheading 5208.42. Code 5208.32 is strictly for piece-dyed fabrics where the color is applied after the weaving process is complete.
Which countries are the top exporters of medium weight colored cotton fabric (HS 520832)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520832 (the code used for medium weight colored cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($445M, 54% of world exports), India ($125M) and Türkiye ($38M). World exports came to about $818M, 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 medium weight colored cotton fabric (HS 520832)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520832 (the code used for medium weight colored cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($189M, 22% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $108M) and Vietnam (about $94M). World imports came to about $859M, 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 Medium weight colored cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520832 for Medium weight colored 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 medium weight colored cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, medium weight colored cotton fabric (HS 520832) is classified under NCM 5208.32.00.