Product classification
HS code for plaid cotton fabric: 5212.14
Fabrics, woven, of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.
Classification of plaid cotton fabric under HS 5212.14
Plaid cotton fabric, characterized by its multi-colored checkered pattern, is classified under HS code 5212.14 when it weighs no more than 200g/m2. The classification is based on the "yarns of different colors" criteria. Unlike printed fabrics, plaid is usually created by interlacing yarns that have been dyed different colors prior to the weaving process. Heading 5212 acts as a residual category for cotton fabrics that do not fall into headings 5208 to 5211. Subheading 5212.14 specifically targets these lightweight, yarn-dyed fabrics. To be classified here, the fabric must be predominantly cotton by weight. This code is commonly used for shirting, lightweight flannels, and various apparel textiles where the pattern is structural rather than topical. The distinction between 5212.14 and other yarn-dyed codes depends on the specific weave type and the presence of other fibers in the blend.
- Covers
- Yarn-dyed plaid cotton fabric
- Gingham cotton fabrics (lightweight)
- Checkered cotton textiles (yarn-dyed)
- Lightweight Madras cotton
- Also under 5212.14
- Brooks Brothers oxford shirts
- Ralph Lauren polo shirts fabric
- Yarn-dyed shirting from Arvind
- Gingham fabric for summer dresses
- Madras checks from India
Codes often confused with 5212.14
Common mistake. Plaid cotton is often misclassified under 5212.15 if the customs agent mistakes the yarn-dyed pattern for a printed pattern. It is also frequently confused with 5208.42, which covers yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabrics. If the weave is a complex dobby or a specific twill not covered by 5208, it correctly falls under 5212.14.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521214 (the code used for plaid cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521214 (the code used for plaid cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 43% 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 521214, not only plaid cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $76M 66% of world exports
- 2 Italy $11M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$4.9M 4.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $116M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$44M 43% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$14M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $7.0M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $103M 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 plaid cotton fabric
Brazil classifies plaid cotton fabric under NCM 5212.14.00: HS 5212.14 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plaid cotton fabric
What is the HS code for plaid cotton fabric?
The HS code for plaid cotton fabric is 521214 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code for lightweight (under 200g/m2) plaid cotton fabric made of yarns of different colors is 5212.14.
How do I classify plaid cotton fabric for customs?
plaid cotton fabric is classified under HS code 521214 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I tell if a fabric is yarn-dyed or printed?
In yarn-dyed fabrics like plaid, the individual threads are colored before weaving, meaning the pattern is visible on both sides. Printed fabrics usually have the design applied to one side only.
Which countries are the top exporters of plaid cotton fabric (HS 521214)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521214 (the code used for plaid cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($76M, 66% of world exports), Italy ($11M) and Vietnam (about $4.9M). World exports came to about $116M, 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 plaid cotton fabric (HS 521214)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521214 (the code used for plaid cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $44M, 43% of world imports), Vietnam (about $14M) and Indonesia ($7.0M). World imports came to about $103M, 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 plaid cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521214 for plaid 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 plaid cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, plaid cotton fabric (HS 521214) is classified under NCM 5212.14.00.