Product classification
HS code for patterned cotton fabric: 5212.15
Fabrics, woven, of cotton, printed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.
Classification of patterned cotton fabric under HS 5212.15
Patterned cotton fabric weighing not more than 200g/m2 is classified under HS code 5212.15. This classification applies to "other" woven fabrics of cotton that are printed. The term "printed" refers to fabrics that have a design or pattern applied to the surface after the weaving process is complete, typically through screen, roller, or digital printing methods. The classification under 5212 is used when the fabric does not meet the specific technical requirements of headings 5208 through 5211, which cover more common constructions like plain weave, twill, or sateen with specific thread counts or compositions. Subheading 5212.15 is specifically for lightweight fabrics (under 200g/m2). This code is vital for the garment industry, particularly for lightweight summer clothing, linings, and decorative textiles where the cotton is blended or woven in a manner not specified in the more restrictive headings of Chapter 52.
- Covers
- Printed cotton fabrics (lightweight)
- Patterned cotton blends (predominantly cotton)
- Lightweight printed cotton canvas (under 200g/m2)
- Printed cotton lawn or voile not meeting Chapter 5208 specs
- Also under 5212.15
- Liberty Fabrics prints
- Marimekko printed cotton
- Printed fabric for children's clothing
- Zara printed dresses material
- Printed cotton from Bombay Dyeing
Codes often confused with 5212.15
Common mistake. This fabric is frequently misclassified under 5208.52, which also covers printed cotton fabrics under 200g/m2 but is limited to specific plain weave constructions. It is also confused with 5212.25, which is the code for printed cotton fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2. Accurate weight measurement and weave analysis are required to distinguish between these codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521215 (the code used for patterned cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521215 (the code used for patterned cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 13% 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 521215, not only patterned cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $15M 29% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $9.4M 19% of world exports
- 3 Italy $7.2M 14% of world exports
World total: $50M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$3.0M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$2.4M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Cambodia* ~$1.4M 6.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $24M 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 patterned cotton fabric
Brazil classifies patterned cotton fabric under NCM 5212.15.00: HS 5212.15 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about patterned cotton fabric
What is the HS code for patterned cotton fabric?
The HS code for patterned cotton fabric is 521215 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, printed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). For printed cotton fabrics weighing 200g/m2 or less that are not elsewhere specified, the HS code is 5212.15.
How do I classify patterned cotton fabric for customs?
patterned cotton fabric is classified under HS code 521215 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, printed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a fabric as "printed" in the HS system?
A fabric is considered printed if a pattern or design is applied to the surface of the woven cloth, as opposed to being created by the weave or using dyed yarns.
Which countries are the top exporters of patterned cotton fabric (HS 521215)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521215 (the code used for patterned cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($15M, 29% of world exports), the Netherlands ($9.4M) and Italy ($7.2M). 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 patterned cotton fabric (HS 521215)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521215 (the code used for patterned cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $3.0M, 13% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $2.4M) and Cambodia (about $1.4M). World imports came to about $24M, 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 patterned cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521215 for patterned 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 patterned cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, patterned cotton fabric (HS 521215) is classified under NCM 5212.15.00.