Product classification
HS code for unbleached heavy cotton: 5212.21
Fabrics, woven, of cotton, unbleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.
Classification of unbleached heavy cotton under HS 5212.21
Unbleached heavy cotton fabric is classified under HS code 5212.21. Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to cotton and its products. Heading 5212 acts as a residual category for woven cotton fabrics that do not fit into the more specific descriptions found in headings 5208 through 5211 (which cover fabrics based on specific cotton percentages and weave types like plain, twill, or sateen). Subheading 5212.21 is specifically for fabrics weighing more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2) that are unbleached. "Unbleached" refers to fabric woven from "grey" yarns that have not been subjected to bleaching, dyeing, or printing processes. The classification is determined by three primary criteria: the fiber content (predominantly cotton), the weight (exceeding the 200g/m2 threshold), and the state of finish (unbleached). This code is typically used for heavy-duty industrial fabrics, canvas, or base materials intended for subsequent dyeing or finishing. Accurate weight measurement and verification of the unbleached state are essential for correct classification.
- Covers
- Heavy unbleached cotton canvas
- Grey cotton duck fabric (>200g/m2)
- Unbleached industrial cotton cloth
- Heavyweight plain weave cotton (not elsewhere specified)
- Unbleached cotton upholstery base fabric
- Also under 5212.21
- Raw denim for jeans production
- Heavy canvas for tarpaulins
- Unbleached duck for workwear
- Greige fabric rolls from Ginni Filaments
- Unfinished upholstery cotton
Codes often confused with 5212.21
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5209.11, which also covers heavy unbleached cotton but is restricted to specific plain weaves. If the fabric has a specialized weave not covered by 5209, it must fall under 5212.21. Another common error is using 5208.11, which is for unbleached cotton weighing 100g/m2 or less. Additionally, if the fabric has been bleached, it must be moved to 5212.22, even if all other characteristics remain the same.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521221 (the code used for unbleached heavy cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521221 (the code used for unbleached heavy cotton) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 521221, not only unbleached heavy cotton.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.6M 24% of world exports
- 2 Egypt $4.2M 22% of world exports
- 3 Pakistan $3.1M 16% of world exports
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.3M 15% of world imports
- 2 Italy $1.8M 11% of world imports
- 3 Cambodia* ~$1.5M 9.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $15M 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 heavy cotton
Brazil classifies unbleached heavy cotton under NCM 5212.21.00: HS 5212.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about unbleached heavy cotton
What is the HS code for unbleached heavy cotton?
The HS code for unbleached heavy cotton is 521221 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, unbleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code for woven cotton fabrics, unbleached and weighing more than 200g/m2, not elsewhere specified, is 5212.21.
How do I classify unbleached heavy cotton for customs?
unbleached heavy cotton is classified under HS code 521221 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, unbleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use 5212.21 instead of 5209.11?
Use 5212.21 if the fabric weave does not meet the specific definitions of plain, twill, or sateen weaves required for classification under heading 5209.
Which countries are the top exporters of unbleached heavy cotton (HS 521221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521221 (the code used for unbleached heavy cotton) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.6M, 24% of world exports), Egypt ($4.2M) and Pakistan ($3.1M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 heavy cotton (HS 521221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521221 (the code used for unbleached heavy cotton) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3M, 15% of world imports), Italy ($1.8M) and Cambodia (about $1.5M). World imports came to about $15M, 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 heavy cotton the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521221 for unbleached heavy cotton 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 heavy cotton in Brazil?
In Brazil, unbleached heavy cotton (HS 521221) is classified under NCM 5212.21.00.