Product classification

HS code for striped 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 striped cotton fabric under HS 5212.14

HS code 521214 is a specific classification for woven fabrics of cotton that are composed of yarns of different colors and weigh no more than 200 grams per square meter. This code is part of the "other" category (n.e.c.) within the cotton chapter, meaning it applies when the fabric does not meet the more specific definitions found in headings 5208 through 5211. The "yarns of different colors" designation typically refers to fabrics where the pattern, such as stripes, is created during the weaving process using pre-dyed yarns, rather than being printed onto the finished cloth. Accurate classification requires precise measurement of the fabric's weight and a clear understanding of the weaving technique. This code is essential for identifying lightweight, patterned cotton textiles that are used extensively in the apparel industry for shirts, blouses, and summer wear. Because it is a residual category, it captures a wide variety of mixed-weave or specialty cotton fabrics that do not fit the standard plain or twill weave definitions of the preceding headings.

Covers
  • Striped cotton shirting fabric under 200g/m2
  • Lightweight gingham cotton fabrics
  • Woven cotton fabrics with multicolored stripes
  • Dobby-woven cotton fabrics with colored yarns
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. This code is frequently confused with HS code 520842, which covers plain weave cotton fabrics of yarns of different colors weighing between 100g/m2 and 200g/m2. If the fabric is a standard plain weave, 520842 takes precedence. It is also confused with 521224, which is for similar fabrics that weigh more than 200g/m2. Proper weight verification is mandatory for correct classification.

5208.42Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m25208.49Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.4, weighing not more than 200g/m25208.41Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m25212.24Fabrics, woven; of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52

Top exporters and importers of HS 521214 (the code used for striped cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521214 (the code used for striped 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 striped cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $76M
  2. 2 Italy $11M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$4.9M

World total: $116M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$44M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$14M
  3. 3 Indonesia $7.0M

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 striped cotton fabric

Brazil classifies striped 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 striped cotton fabric

What is the HS code for striped cotton fabric?

The HS code for striped 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). For woven cotton fabrics of yarns of different colors weighing 200g/m2 or less that are not elsewhere classified, the HS code is 521214.

How do I classify striped cotton fabric for customs?

striped 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.

What if the stripes are printed on the fabric?

If the stripes are printed rather than woven from different colored yarns, the fabric would be classified under HS code 521215 (printed cotton fabrics).

Which countries are the top exporters of striped cotton fabric (HS 521214)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521214 (the code used for striped 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 striped cotton fabric (HS 521214)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 521214 (the code used for striped 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 striped cotton fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 521214 for striped 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 striped cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, striped cotton fabric (HS 521214) is classified under NCM 5212.14.00.