Product classification
HS code for white cotton fabric: 5212.12
Fabrics, woven, of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.
Classification of white cotton fabric under HS 5212.12
HS code 521212 is designated for "other" woven fabrics of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). This code is part of Chapter 52, which is dedicated to cotton and cotton products. The term "other" is significant because it indicates that this code is a residual category for fabrics that do not meet the specific weave descriptions found in headings 5208 or 5210. For example, if a fabric is a standard plain weave, twill, or sateen, it is usually classified under 5208. However, if the fabric features a complex, irregular, or specialty weave that is not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.), it falls under 5212. The "bleached" designation means the fabric has been chemically whitened. The weight limit of 200g/m2 is a strict threshold; fabrics exceeding this weight are moved to a different subheading. This classification is often used for specialty lightweight textiles used in medical, industrial, or high-end fashion applications where the weave structure is unique.
- Covers
- Lightweight bleached cotton specialty weaves
- White cotton gauze (not for medical use)
- Bleached cotton dobby fabrics (n.e.c.)
- White cotton jacquard (under 200g/m2)
- Bleached cotton mixed-fiber fabrics (cotton predominant)
- Also under 5212.12
- White bed linen fabric from Welspun
- Bleached shirting material from Raymond
- White cotton for medical gauze
- Bleached fabric for baby clothes
- White fabric rolls from Vardhman Textiles
Codes often confused with 5212.12
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 520821 through 520829, which covers bleached cotton fabrics of specific weaves like plain or twill. Importers often default to 5208 without realizing that 5212 is required for "other" weaves. Another common error is confusing it with 521222, which is the code for bleached cotton fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2. Precise measurement of weight and weave analysis is necessary to distinguish between these codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521212 (the code used for white cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521212 (the code used for white cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Dominican Republic, with 19% 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 521212, not only white cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $12M 45% of world exports
- 2 China $9.2M 35% of world exports
- 3 India $1.1M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $27M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Dominican Republic $4.8M 19% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$3.5M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Italy $1.8M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $26M 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 white cotton fabric
Brazil classifies white cotton fabric under NCM 5212.12.00: HS 5212.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about white cotton fabric
What is the HS code for white cotton fabric?
The HS code for white cotton fabric is 521212 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52).
How do I classify white cotton fabric for customs?
white cotton fabric is classified under HS code 521212 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing not more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for white cotton fabric under 200g/m2?
The HS code for bleached, other woven cotton fabrics weighing not more than 200g/m2 is 521212.
What does "n.e.c." mean in this classification?
It stands for "not elsewhere classified," meaning the fabric does not fit into the specific weave categories defined in headings 5208 to 5211.
Which countries are the top exporters of white cotton fabric (HS 521212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521212 (the code used for white cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($12M, 45% of world exports), China ($9.2M) and India ($1.1M). World exports came to about $27M, 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 white cotton fabric (HS 521212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521212 (the code used for white cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were the Dominican Republic ($4.8M, 19% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $3.5M) and Italy ($1.8M). World imports came to about $26M, 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 white cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521212 for white 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 white cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, white cotton fabric (HS 521212) is classified under NCM 5212.12.00.