Product classification
HS code for white heavy cotton fabric: 5212.22
Fabrics, woven, of cotton, bleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52.
Classification of white heavy cotton fabric under HS 5212.22
HS code 521222 is used for woven fabrics of cotton that are bleached and weigh more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2), specifically those categorized as "other" woven fabrics. This classification is found in Chapter 52. The "other" designation implies that the fabric's weave structure does not conform to the specific definitions of plain, twill, or sateen weaves found in headings 5209 or 5211. The weight threshold of 200g/m2 distinguishes this fabric as "heavyweight" within the Harmonized System. Bleached fabrics are those that have undergone a chemical process to remove natural impurities and color, resulting in a white finish. This code is typically applied to heavy-duty textiles such as industrial canvas, thick upholstery fabrics, or specialized heavy apparel fabrics that utilize non-standard weaving techniques. Accurate classification requires both a confirmation of the cotton content (which must predominate by weight) and a precise measurement of the fabric's mass per unit area.
- Covers
- Heavy bleached cotton canvas (specialty weave)
- White cotton upholstery fabric (over 200g/m2)
- Bleached cotton duck fabric (n.e.c.)
- Heavy white cotton dobby or jacquard
- Bleached industrial cotton textiles (heavyweight)
- Also under 5212.22
- Bleached canvas for artist's use
- White workwear fabric
- Bleached heavy cotton for uniforms
- White upholstery fabric from Milliken
- Bleached heavy cotton for medical drapes
Codes often confused with 5212.22
Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 520921 through 520929, which covers heavy bleached cotton fabrics of standard weaves (like plain or twill). It is also frequently mixed up with 521212, which is the code for the same type of fabric but weighing 200g/m2 or less. If the fabric is unbleached, it would fall under 521221, and if it is dyed, it would fall under 521223. Proper identification of the finishing process and weight is vital.
Top exporters and importers of HS 521222 (the code used for white heavy cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 521222 (the code used for white heavy cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 25% 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 521222, not only white heavy cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $7.3M 37% of world exports
- 2 China $5.0M 26% of world exports
- 3 Italy $3.3M 17% of world exports
World total: $20M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$3.0M 25% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $1.0M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Italy $758K 6.6% of world imports
World total: $12M 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 heavy cotton fabric
Brazil classifies white heavy cotton fabric under NCM 5212.22.00: HS 5212.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about white heavy cotton fabric
What is the HS code for white heavy cotton fabric?
The HS code for white heavy cotton fabric is 521222 (Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52). The HS code for bleached, other woven cotton fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2 is 521222.
How do I classify white heavy cotton fabric for customs?
white heavy cotton fabric is classified under HS code 521222 — Fabrics, woven; of cotton, bleached, weighing more than 200g/m2, n.e.c. in chapter 52. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is "heavy" defined for this HS code?
In the context of HS code 5212, "heavy" refers to any fabric with a weight exceeding 200 grams per square meter (g/m2).
Which countries are the top exporters of white heavy cotton fabric (HS 521222)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 521222 (the code used for white heavy cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($7.3M, 37% of world exports), China ($5.0M) and Italy ($3.3M). World exports came to about $20M, 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 heavy cotton fabric (HS 521222)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 521222 (the code used for white heavy cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $3.0M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($1.0M) and Italy ($758K). World imports came to about $12M, 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 heavy cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 521222 for white heavy 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 heavy cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, white heavy cotton fabric (HS 521222) is classified under NCM 5212.22.00.