Product classification
HS code for White cotton twill: 5208.23
Fabrics, 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.
Classification of white cotton twill under HS 5208.23
The classification of white cotton twill under HS code 5208.23 is determined by four technical parameters: fiber content, weight, weave structure, and the state of the fabric. Firstly, the fabric must contain 85% or more by weight of cotton, which places it in heading 5208. Secondly, the fabric must be "bleached," a term defined in the Section XI Subheading Notes as fabric that has been undergone a bleaching process or is dyed white. Thirdly, the weave must be a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill. Finally, the fabric must have a weight not exceeding 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). This specific code is used for lightweight apparel and home textile fabrics. The classification follows GRI 1 and 6, ensuring that the technical specifications of the textile match the precise language of the subheading. Accurate measurement of the weight and a weave analysis are often required to distinguish this fabric from plain weaves or heavier drills.
- Covers
- Bleached cotton drill (lightweight)
- Bleached cotton gabardine (under 200g/m2)
- White cotton denim (lightweight, 3-thread or 4-thread)
- Bleached cotton serge
- White cotton twill for shirting
- Also under 5208.23
- White twill for chef coats
- bleached denim for white jeans
- white gabardine for trench coats
- bleached chino for summer trousers
Codes often confused with 5208.23
Common mistake. White cotton twill is often misclassified under HS code 5208.13, which is for unbleached (grey) twill fabrics. The distinction lies in the chemical treatment of the fibers. Another common error is using HS code 5209.22, which applies to bleached cotton twill that weighs more than 200 g/m2. Furthermore, if the fabric is a blend containing less than 85% cotton, such as a poly-cotton blend, it must be moved to Chapter 55, specifically heading 5513 for lightweight bleached fabrics.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520823 (the code used for white cotton twill), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520823 (the code used for white cotton twill) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, 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 520823, not only white cotton twill.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $37M 51% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $7.3M 10% of world exports
- 3 Italy $6.1M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $72M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $10M 15% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$8.4M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$6.3M 9.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $66M 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 twill
Brazil classifies white cotton twill under NCM 5208.23.00: HS 5208.23 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 twill
What is the HS code for White cotton twill?
The HS code for White cotton twill is 520823 (Fabrics, 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). The HS code for bleached woven fabric containing 85% or more cotton, in a 3-thread or 4-thread twill weave, weighing no more than 200g/m2, is 5208.23.
How do I classify White cotton twill for customs?
White cotton twill is classified under HS code 520823 — Fabrics, 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. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the white twill weighs more than 200g/m2?
If the bleached cotton twill fabric weighs more than 200g/m2, it is classified under HS code 5209.22.
Which countries are the top exporters of white cotton twill (HS 520823)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520823 (the code used for white cotton twill) in UN Comtrade data were China ($37M, 51% of world exports), Pakistan ($7.3M) and Italy ($6.1M). World exports came to about $72M, 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 twill (HS 520823)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520823 (the code used for white cotton twill) in UN Comtrade data were France ($10M, 15% of world imports), Vietnam (about $8.4M) and Bangladesh (about $6.3M). World imports came to about $66M, 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 twill the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520823 for White cotton twill 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 twill in Brazil?
In Brazil, white cotton twill (HS 520823) is classified under NCM 5208.23.00.