Product classification
HS code for Printed poly-cotton twill fabric: 5514.42
Fabrics, woven, 3- or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, printed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, exceeding 170g/m2.
Classification of printed poly-cotton twill fabric under HS 5514.42
The classification of printed poly-cotton twill fabric under HS code 5514.42 is governed by the specific construction of the textile. This code is designated for woven fabrics containing less than 85% polyester staple fibers by weight, mixed mainly or solely with cotton. The fabric must have a weight exceeding 170g/m2. The defining characteristic of this subheading is the weave: it must be a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, which includes cross twill. Twill weaves are identified by the diagonal lines or "wales" created by the interlacing of threads. In the context of the Harmonized System, "printed" refers to fabrics that have been printed with a design, regardless of the number of colors. This classification is distinct from "dyed" or "yarn-dyed" fabrics. Accurate classification requires a physical analysis of the weave structure under magnification to confirm the thread count and the diagonal pattern. The twill weave is one of the three fundamental types of textile weaves, alongside plain and satin. In a 3-thread twill, each weft thread passes over two warp threads and then under one. In a 4-thread twill, it might pass over three and under one. This interlacing creates the characteristic diagonal pattern. For HS code 5514.42, this structural detail is paramount. Even if a fabric meets the weight and fiber requirements, if it is a plain weave, it cannot be classified here. The "cross twill" mention in the HS description refers to variations like broken twill or herringbone, which still maintain the basic twill interlacing principles but alter the direction of the diagonal.
- Covers
- Printed poly-cotton drill fabric (>170g/m2)
- Printed poly-cotton gabardine
- Heavyweight printed poly-cotton cavalry twill
- Printed poly-cotton cross twill fabrics for upholstery
- Also under 5514.42
- Printed twill fabrics for fashion jeans (e.g., from Guess, Diesel)
- printed work uniforms (e.g., medical scrubs with patterns)
- printed heavy cotton-poly twill for jackets
- printed chino fabrics
Codes often confused with 5514.42
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5514.41, which is reserved for plain weave fabrics. Another common error involves HS code 5211.42; however, heading 5211 is for fabrics containing less than 85% cotton but mixed mainly with man-made fibers, whereas 5514 is for fabrics where the man-made staple fiber is the primary component by weight. Furthermore, if the fabric weight is 170g/m2 or less, it must be classified under heading 5513.
Top exporters and importers of HS 551442 (the code used for printed poly-cotton twill fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 551442 (the code used for printed poly-cotton twill fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Tunisia, 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 551442, not only printed poly-cotton twill fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $101M 48% of world exports
- 2 Germany $33M 16% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $12M 5.9% of world exports
World total: $209M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Tunisia* ~$46M 25% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $32M 17% of world imports
- 3 France $12M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $188M 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 poly-cotton twill fabric
Brazil classifies printed poly-cotton twill fabric under NCM 5514.42.00: HS 5514.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about printed poly-cotton twill fabric
What is the HS code for Printed poly-cotton twill fabric?
The HS code for Printed poly-cotton twill fabric is 551442 (Fabrics, woven; 3- or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, printed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, exceeding 170g/m2). The correct HS code is 5514.42 for fabrics exceeding 170g/m2.
How do I classify Printed poly-cotton twill fabric for customs?
Printed poly-cotton twill fabric is classified under HS code 551442 — Fabrics, woven; 3- or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, printed, containing less than 85% by weight of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, exceeding 170g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a 3-thread or 4-thread twill in HS classification?
It refers to the number of threads in a repeat of the weave pattern that creates the diagonal line characteristic of twill fabrics.
Which countries are the top exporters of printed poly-cotton twill fabric (HS 551442)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 551442 (the code used for printed poly-cotton twill fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($101M, 48% of world exports), Germany ($33M) and the United Kingdom ($12M). World exports came to about $209M, 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 poly-cotton twill fabric (HS 551442)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 551442 (the code used for printed poly-cotton twill fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Tunisia (about $46M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($32M) and France ($12M). World imports came to about $188M, 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 poly-cotton twill fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 551442 for Printed poly-cotton twill 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 poly-cotton twill fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, printed poly-cotton twill fabric (HS 551442) is classified under NCM 5514.42.00.