Product classification
HS code for Medium weight greige cotton fabric: 5208.12
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2.
Classification of medium weight greige cotton fabric under HS 5208.12
Medium weight greige cotton fabric is classified under HS code 5208.12 based on its raw, unfinished state and specific physical dimensions. The term "greige" or "unbleached" refers to fabric as it comes directly from the loom, without having undergone bleaching, dyeing, or printing processes. Under the Harmonized System, Heading 5208 applies to cotton fabrics with a cotton content of at least 85% and a weight limit of 200 g/m2. Subheading 5208.12 specifically identifies unbleached fabrics of plain weave that weigh more than 100 g/m2 but no more than 200 g/m2. Plain weave is the simplest weaving pattern, where the warp and weft yarns cross each other alternately. The classification requires precise measurement of the fabric's mass; if the fabric weighs 100 g/m2 or less, it would fall under a different subheading. This code is essential for manufacturers importing base cloths intended for subsequent finishing processes like scouring, bleaching, or dyeing. The technical definition of "unbleached" in the legal notes includes fabrics woven from unbleached yarns or from recovered fibers that have not been treated with chemicals to remove natural color. It is vital to distinguish these from "bleached" fabrics, which have been chemically whitened. Importers must ensure that the fabric has not undergone any whitening or coloring process to maintain eligibility for this specific code. The weight must be calculated based on the conditioned state of the fabric as per international textile standards to ensure accuracy in classification.
- Covers
- Unbleached cotton muslin (medium weight)
- Raw cotton canvas for painting (lightweight variety)
- Loom-state plain weave cotton fabric
- Unfinished cotton sheeting
- Greige cotton poplin base cloth
- Also under 5208.12
- Unbleached calico for prototypes
- raw cotton duck for bags
- natural poplin for shirts
- unbleached sheeting for bedding
Codes often confused with 5208.12
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with 5208.22, which is for bleached cotton fabrics. If the fabric has been even slightly whitened, it moves from 5208.12 to 5208.22. Another error involves 5208.11, which is for fabrics weighing 100 g/m2 or less. Furthermore, if the fabric contains less than 85% cotton (e.g., a 65/35 poly-cotton blend), it must be classified under heading 5210 or 5211 depending on the weight.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520812 (the code used for medium weight greige cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520812 (the code used for medium weight greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 12% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 93% of its imports here ($52M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 520812, not only medium weight greige cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $258M 38% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $146M 21% of world exports
- 3 India $110M 16% of world exports
World total: $678M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $68M 12% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $55M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$43M 7.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 93% of its imports here ($52M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $578M 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 greige cotton fabric
Brazil classifies medium weight greige cotton fabric under NCM 5208.12.00: HS 5208.12 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 greige cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Medium weight greige cotton fabric?
The HS code for Medium weight greige cotton fabric is 520812 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2). The HS code is 5208.12, which covers unbleached, plain weave cotton fabrics (>=85% cotton) weighing between 101 and 200 g/m2.
How do I classify Medium weight greige cotton fabric for customs?
Medium weight greige cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520812 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a fabric as unbleached?
A fabric is unbleached if it has not been subjected to any bleaching or dyeing processes and retains the natural color of the cotton fibers, often containing small flecks of cotton seed husks.
Which countries are the top exporters of medium weight greige cotton fabric (HS 520812)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520812 (the code used for medium weight greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($258M, 38% of world exports), Pakistan ($146M) and India ($110M). World exports came to about $678M, 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 greige cotton fabric (HS 520812)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520812 (the code used for medium weight greige cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($68M, 12% of world imports), Pakistan ($55M) and Vietnam (about $43M). World imports came to about $578M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 93% of its imports here ($52M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Medium weight greige cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520812 for Medium weight greige 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 greige cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, medium weight greige cotton fabric (HS 520812) is classified under NCM 5208.12.00.