Product classification
HS code for Medium weight printed cotton fabric: 5208.52
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2.
Classification of medium weight printed cotton fabric under HS 5208.52
The classification for medium weight printed cotton fabric falls under HS code 5208.52, which is designated for woven cotton fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight, weighing between 101 and 200 g/m2, and featuring a printed design. The Harmonized System distinguishes printed fabrics from dyed fabrics based on the application of color; printed fabrics have designs, patterns, or motifs applied to the surface, usually on one side, through methods such as screen printing, roller printing, or digital inkjet printing. To qualify for 5208.52, the fabric must utilize a plain weave construction. This classification is critical because the duty rates for printed fabrics often differ from those of greige or dyed fabrics. The weight specification (100-200 g/m2) ensures that the fabric is categorized as medium weight, excluding lighter materials like voile or heavier materials like denim or heavy upholstery cotton. Plain weave is defined by the 1/1 interlacing of warp and weft. If the fabric features a more complex weave, such as a twill or satin weave, it would be classified under a different subheading within the 5208 group (e.g., 5208.59). The printing must be permanent and cover a significant portion of the fabric surface to be considered "printed" for customs purposes. This includes fabrics where the pattern is produced by a discharge process or by resist printing. Accurate classification requires checking the weight per square meter and the percentage of cotton fiber, as even a small amount of synthetic fiber could change the heading if the cotton content drops below 85%.
- Covers
- Printed cotton calico
- Printed cotton chintz (plain weave)
- Digital printed cotton sheeting
- Screen-printed cotton poplin
- Batik-style printed cotton (if plain weave)
- Also under 5208.52
- IKEA (printed home textiles)
- Laura Ashley (floral prints)
- Jo-Ann Fabrics (craft cottons)
- Zara Home (printed bedding)
Codes often confused with 5208.52
Common mistake. The most frequent error is confusing 5208.52 with 5208.51, which is for printed fabrics weighing 100 g/m2 or less. Another common mistake is using 5208.32 (dyed fabrics) for fabrics that have a printed pattern. Additionally, if the fabric is a twill weave (like a printed drill), it should be classified under 5208.59, not 5208.52.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520852 (the code used for medium weight printed cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520852 (the code used for medium weight printed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Togo, with about 25% 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 520852, not only medium weight printed cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.4B 59% of world exports
- 2 India $411M 17% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $124M 5.2% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Togo* ~$346M 25% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $229M 17% of world imports
- 3 Gambia* ~$100M 7.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.4B 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 printed cotton fabric
Brazil classifies medium weight printed cotton fabric under NCM 5208.52.00: HS 5208.52 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 printed cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Medium weight printed cotton fabric?
The HS code for Medium weight printed cotton fabric is 520852 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m2). The HS code is 5208.52, applicable to printed, plain weave cotton fabrics (>=85% cotton) weighing between 101 and 200 g/m2.
How do I classify Medium weight printed cotton fabric for customs?
Medium weight printed cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520852 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, 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 fabrics with a floral print?
Yes, any decorative pattern applied via printing methods on a plain weave cotton fabric of this weight falls under 5208.52.
Which countries are the top exporters of medium weight printed cotton fabric (HS 520852)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520852 (the code used for medium weight printed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 59% of world exports), India ($411M) and South Korea ($124M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 printed cotton fabric (HS 520852)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520852 (the code used for medium weight printed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Togo (about $346M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($229M) and the Gambia (about $100M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 printed cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520852 for Medium weight printed 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 printed cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, medium weight printed cotton fabric (HS 520852) is classified under NCM 5208.52.00.