Product classification

HS code for Printed cotton fabric: 5209.51

Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2.

Classification of printed cotton fabric under HS 5209.51

HS code 5209.51 applies to woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight, printed, in a plain weave, and weighing more than 200g/m². This classification falls under Chapter 52 (Cotton) and is distinguished by its high cotton purity and substantial weight. Plain weave, also known as 'one-up, one-down' weave, is the most basic textile construction where the warp and weft threads interlace alternately. The weight requirement of over 200g/m² classifies these as heavyweight fabrics, often referred to as canvas or duck. The 'printed' status indicates that the fabric has been decorated with a pattern via mechanical or digital printing after the weaving process. This code is essential for the trade of heavy cotton materials used in home decor, heavy-duty apparel, and industrial applications where the natural properties of cotton are desired.

Covers
  • Printed cotton canvas (over 200g/m²)
  • Printed cotton duck fabric
  • Heavyweight printed plain-weave cotton upholstery fabric
  • Printed cotton sailcloth
  • Heavy printed cotton calico (over 200g/m²)
Also under 5209.51
  • Laura Ashley printed cotton
  • Marimekko printed fabrics
  • Waverly printed home decor fabrics
  • IKEA printed cotton
  • Cath Kidston prints

Codes often confused with 5209.51

Common mistake. A frequent error is misclassifying this under 5208.51 or 5208.52, which are for printed cotton fabrics weighing 200g/m² or less. Another common mistake is confusing the weave; if the fabric is a twill weave (diagonal ribs), it must be classified under 5209.52. Furthermore, if the cotton content is 84% or less, the fabric moves to heading 5211. Importers also sometimes use 5903 if the fabric is coated or laminated with plastics, but 5209.51 is strictly for uncoated, printed woven textiles. Finally, if the pattern is woven into the fabric using different colored yarns, it is 'yarn-dyed' (5209.41) rather than printed.

5209.59Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.5, weighing more than 200g/m25212.15Fabrics, woven; of cotton, printed, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 525208.59Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.5, weighing not more than 200g/m25208.51Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25208.52Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m25209.52Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m252.11Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m259.03Textile fabrics impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics, other than those of heading no. 59025209.41Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 520951 (the code used for printed cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520951 (the code used for printed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 520951, not only printed cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $13M
  2. 2 Thailand $5.5M
  3. 3 Spain $5.5M

World total: $44M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $9.0M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$6.8M
  3. 3 Poland $6.1M

World total: $56M 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 printed cotton fabric

Brazil classifies printed cotton fabric under NCM 5209.51.00: HS 5209.51 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about printed cotton fabric

What is the HS code for Printed cotton fabric?

The HS code for Printed cotton fabric is 520951 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2).

How do I classify Printed cotton fabric for customs?

Printed cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520951 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for 5209.51?

The HS code 5209.51 is for printed woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m².

How does 5209.51 differ from 5209.52?

The difference lies in the weave: 5209.51 is for plain weave, while 5209.52 is for twill weave (including cross twill) of the same weight and cotton content.

Which countries are the top exporters of printed cotton fabric (HS 520951)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520951 (the code used for printed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($13M, 29% of world exports), Thailand ($5.5M) and Spain ($5.5M). World exports came to about $44M, 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 printed cotton fabric (HS 520951)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520951 (the code used for printed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.0M, 16% of world imports), Vietnam (about $6.8M) and Poland ($6.1M). World imports came to about $56M, 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 Printed cotton fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520951 for 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 printed cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, printed cotton fabric (HS 520951) is classified under NCM 5209.51.00.