Product classification
HS code for Uncut weft pile cotton: 5801.21
Fabrics, woven pile, of cotton, uncut weft pile fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 5806.
Classification of uncut weft pile cotton under HS 5801.21
The classification of uncut weft pile cotton fabrics under HS code 5801.21 is determined by the specific weaving technique and fiber composition. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), this code is reserved for woven pile fabrics where the pile is formed by supplementary weft yarns that remain uncut, creating a looped surface. To qualify for this specific subheading, the fabric must be predominantly composed of cotton (typically 85% or more by weight). The 'uncut' nature is a critical technical distinction; if the loops were severed to create a velvety surface, the classification would shift to 5801.22. Furthermore, this code excludes fabrics of heading 58.02 (terry towelling) and 58.06 (narrow woven fabrics). The structural integrity of the base fabric combined with the looped weft pile defines its placement within the Harmonized System, ensuring it is distinguished from warp pile fabrics or knitted alternatives.
- Covers
- Uncut cotton corduroy (where the weft loops are not yet cut)
- Cotton velveteen in its uncut state
- Looped weft pile upholstery fabrics made of cotton
- Industrial cotton fabrics with integrated uncut weft loops
- Also under 5801.21
- IKEA cotton loop pile upholstery
- Pottery Barn cotton uncut velvet
- Ralph Lauren Home cotton textured fabric
Codes often confused with 5801.21
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 5801.22, which covers cut weft pile fabrics like finished corduroy or velveteen. The primary difference is the mechanical finishing; 5801.21 must remain uncut. It is also often misclassified under 5802.11 (Terry towelling), but 5802 is reserved for fabrics where the pile is formed by the warp, not the weft. Additionally, if the fabric is synthetic rather than cotton, it must be moved to the 5801.31 series.
Top exporters and importers of HS 580121 (the code used for uncut weft pile cotton), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 580121 (the code used for uncut weft pile cotton) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 26% 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 580121, not only uncut weft pile cotton.
Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports
- 1 China $22M 68% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $3.4M 10% of world exports
- 3 Pakistan $2.4M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $32M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$8.0M 26% of world imports ยท partner records โ
- 2 Cambodia* ~$6.1M 20% of world imports ยท partner records โ
- 3 Indonesia $3.2M 10% of world imports
World total: $31M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
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 uncut weft pile cotton
Brazil classifies uncut weft pile cotton under NCM 5801.21.00: HS 5801.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about uncut weft pile cotton
What is the HS code for Uncut weft pile cotton?
The HS code for Uncut weft pile cotton is 580121 (Fabrics; woven pile, of cotton, uncut weft pile fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 5806). The specific HS code for uncut weft pile fabrics made of cotton is 5801.21.
How do I classify Uncut weft pile cotton for customs?
Uncut weft pile cotton is classified under HS code 580121 โ Fabrics; woven pile, of cotton, uncut weft pile fabrics, other than fabrics of heading no. 5802 or 5806. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between weft pile and warp pile?
Weft pile is formed by additional horizontal yarns (weft) that create loops across the width of the fabric, whereas warp pile (5801.23) is formed by vertical yarns (warp) running the length of the fabric.
Which countries are the top exporters of uncut weft pile cotton (HS 580121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 580121 (the code used for uncut weft pile cotton) in UN Comtrade data were China ($22M, 68% of world exports), South Korea ($3.4M) and Pakistan ($2.4M). World exports came to about $32M, 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 uncut weft pile cotton (HS 580121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 580121 (the code used for uncut weft pile cotton) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $8.0M, 26% of world imports), Cambodia (about $6.1M) and Indonesia ($3.2M). World imports came to about $31M, 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 Uncut weft pile cotton the same in all countries?
The base HS code 580121 for Uncut weft pile 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 uncut weft pile cotton in Brazil?
In Brazil, uncut weft pile cotton (HS 580121) is classified under NCM 5801.21.00.