Product classification
HS code for Printed plain weave 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 printed plain weave cotton fabric under HS 5208.52
The classification of printed plain weave cotton fabric under HS code 5208.52 is highly specific, requiring the fabric to meet four distinct technical criteria. First, the cotton content must be at least 85% by weight, placing it firmly within the "high cotton" category of Chapter 52. Second, the weave must be a "plain weave," which is the simplest interlacing pattern where the warp and weft threads cross each other at every intersection. Third, the fabric must be "printed," distinguishing it from unbleached, bleached, or dyed fabrics. Finally, the weight of the fabric must fall within a specific range: more than 100g/m2 but not exceeding 200g/m2. This weight range typically covers medium-weight fabrics used in apparel, such as shirts and dresses, as well as light home textiles. Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to cotton, and the subheadings are meticulously organized by weight and weave type to ensure precise trade monitoring and tariff application. Failure to meet any of these four criteria—composition, weave, finish, or weight—will result in a different classification.
- Covers
- Printed cotton poplin (within weight limits)
- Printed cotton muslin (over 100g/m2)
- Medium-weight printed cotton lawn
- Printed cotton calico
- Printed cotton sheeting (under 200g/m2)
- 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. This code is often confused with HS code 5208.51, which covers printed plain weave cotton fabrics weighing 100g/m2 or less. Conversely, if the fabric exceeds 200g/m2, it must be classified under 5209.51. Another common error involves the weave; if the fabric is a twill or satin weave instead of a plain weave, it would fall under 5208.59. Accurate measurement of grams per square meter (GSM) is vital for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520852 (the code used for printed plain weave cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520852 (the code used for printed plain weave 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 printed plain weave 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 printed plain weave cotton fabric
Brazil classifies printed plain weave 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 printed plain weave cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Printed plain weave cotton fabric?
The HS code for Printed plain weave 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).
How do I classify Printed plain weave cotton fabric for customs?
Printed plain weave 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.
What is the HS code for printed cotton fabric (150 GSM)?
For a printed plain weave cotton fabric weighing 150g/m2 with 85% or more cotton, the correct HS code is 5208.52.
Does this code cover cotton-polyester blends?
Only if the cotton content is 85% or more by weight. If the cotton content is lower, the fabric is classified under different headings, such as 5210 or 5513.
Which countries are the top exporters of printed plain weave cotton fabric (HS 520852)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520852 (the code used for printed plain weave 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 printed plain weave cotton fabric (HS 520852)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520852 (the code used for printed plain weave 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 Printed plain weave cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520852 for Printed plain weave 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 plain weave cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, printed plain weave cotton fabric (HS 520852) is classified under NCM 5208.52.00.