Product classification

HS code for Unbleached cotton twill fabric: 5208.13

Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2.

Classification of unbleached cotton twill fabric under HS 5208.13

HS code 5208.13 is the specific designation for lightweight to medium-weight unbleached cotton twill fabrics. To be classified under this code, the fabric must consist of at least 85% cotton by weight. The weight of the fabric is a critical factor; it must not exceed 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). The weave must be a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, which includes cross twill. These fabrics are 'unbleached,' meaning they have not been treated with bleach or dyes. This category typically includes fabrics used for apparel such as shirts, light trousers, and linings, as well as base cloths for printing. The Harmonized System separates these from heavier fabrics (heading 5209) because the economic value and end-use applications of lightweight cottons differ significantly from heavy-duty industrial cottons. Accurate measurement of the weight per square meter is the most important step in distinguishing this code from its heavyweight counterparts.

Covers
  • Lightweight unbleached cotton drill (≤200g/m2)
  • Unbleached cotton shirting twill
  • Greige cotton twill for apparel linings
  • 3-thread unbleached cotton twill weighing 150g/m2
Also under 5208.13
  • Raw denim for jeans
  • unbleached twill for workwear prototypes
  • natural gabardine for coats
  • unbleached chino for trousers

Codes often confused with 5208.13

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 5209.12, which applies to the same type of fabric but for weights exceeding 200g/m2. Another error involves HS code 5208.11, which is for unbleached cotton fabrics of a plain weave rather than a twill weave. Additionally, if the fabric contains less than 85% cotton and is mixed with man-made fibers, it should be classified under heading 5210. Importers should also ensure the fabric is truly unbleached; if it has been scoured or whitened, it may fall under 5208.23 (bleached).

5209.12Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m25208.11Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m252.10Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m25208.23Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 520813 (the code used for unbleached cotton twill fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520813 (the code used for unbleached cotton twill fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 42% 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 520813, not only unbleached cotton twill fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $94M
  2. 2 Pakistan $13M
  3. 3 India $12M

World total: $135M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$54M
  2. 2 Italy $10M
  3. 3 Bangladesh* ~$8.2M

World total: $128M 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 unbleached cotton twill fabric

Brazil classifies unbleached cotton twill fabric under NCM 5208.13.00: HS 5208.13 with 00 added.

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

Questions about unbleached cotton twill fabric

What is the HS code for Unbleached cotton twill fabric?

The HS code for Unbleached cotton twill fabric is 520813 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2). The HS code for unbleached cotton twill (85%+ cotton) weighing 200g/m2 or less is 5208.13.

How do I classify Unbleached cotton twill fabric for customs?

Unbleached cotton twill fabric is classified under HS code 520813 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing not more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is the weight of the fabric determined for HS classification?

The weight is determined by the mass in grams of one square meter of the fabric in its imported state.

Which countries are the top exporters of unbleached cotton twill fabric (HS 520813)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520813 (the code used for unbleached cotton twill fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($94M, 70% of world exports), Pakistan ($13M) and India ($12M). World exports came to about $135M, 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 unbleached cotton twill fabric (HS 520813)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520813 (the code used for unbleached cotton twill fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $54M, 42% of world imports), Italy ($10M) and Bangladesh (about $8.2M). World imports came to about $128M, 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 Unbleached cotton twill fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520813 for Unbleached 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 unbleached cotton twill fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, unbleached cotton twill fabric (HS 520813) is classified under NCM 5208.13.00.