Product classification

HS code for Yarn-dyed cotton fabric: 5208.49

Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.4, weighing not more than 200g/m2.

Classification of yarn-dyed cotton fabric under HS 5208.49

HS code 5208.49 covers woven fabrics that are composed of 85% or more cotton by weight and weigh no more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2). These fabrics are classified as "yarn-dyed," meaning they are woven from yarns of different colors to create patterns. This specific subheading is a residual category for weaves that are not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.) within the 5208.4 group. This means it excludes plain weaves (5208.41) and standard 3-thread or 4-thread twills (5208.43). It typically includes more intricate weaves like dobby, jacquard, or satin weaves used in high-quality shirting, blouses, and lightweight home textiles where the high cotton content provides breathability and softness.

Covers
  • High-cotton dobby shirting fabrics
  • Yarn-dyed cotton jacquard under 200g/m2
  • Lightweight cotton satin fabrics with colored yarns
  • Intricate woven patterns in 100% cotton shirting
  • Fine cotton fabrics with structural color patterns
Also under 5208.49
  • Versace (jacquard fabrics)
  • Ralph Lauren Home (dobby patterns)
  • Frette (sateen bedding)
  • Etro (patterned cottons)

Codes often confused with 5208.49

Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 5209.49, which applies to the same types of weaves and cotton content but for fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2. It is also often mistaken for 5210.49, which is used when the cotton content drops below 85% and is blended with synthetic fibers. Additionally, if the weave is a simple plain weave, it must be classified under 5208.41. Accurate determination of the weave structure and cotton percentage is vital for correct classification.

5209.41Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m25209.49Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.4, weighing more than 200g/m25208.42Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 100g/m2 but not more than 200g/m25210.49Fabrics, woven; containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing 200g/m2 or less, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5210.45208.41Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2

Top exporters and importers of HS 520849 (the code used for yarn-dyed cotton fabric), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520849 (the code used for yarn-dyed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 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 520849, not only yarn-dyed cotton fabric.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $126M
  2. 2 Italy $54M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$33M

World total: $303M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$53M
  2. 2 Italy $37M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$33M

World total: $353M 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 yarn-dyed cotton fabric

Brazil classifies yarn-dyed cotton fabric under NCM 5208.49.00: HS 5208.49 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about yarn-dyed cotton fabric

What is the HS code for Yarn-dyed cotton fabric?

The HS code for Yarn-dyed cotton fabric is 520849 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.4, weighing not more than 200g/m2). The HS code is 5208.49 for fabrics with 85% or more cotton, weighing 200g/m2 or less, with non-standard weaves.

How do I classify Yarn-dyed cotton fabric for customs?

Yarn-dyed cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520849 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5208.4, weighing not more than 200g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What does "n.e.c." mean in this HS code?

It stands for "not elsewhere classified," meaning this code covers all weaves that are not plain weave or 3/4-thread twill within the yarn-dyed category.

Which countries are the top exporters of yarn-dyed cotton fabric (HS 520849)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520849 (the code used for yarn-dyed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($126M, 42% of world exports), Italy ($54M) and Vietnam (about $33M). World exports came to about $303M, 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 yarn-dyed cotton fabric (HS 520849)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520849 (the code used for yarn-dyed cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $53M, 15% of world imports), Italy ($37M) and Vietnam (about $33M). World imports came to about $353M, 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 Yarn-dyed cotton fabric the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520849 for Yarn-dyed 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 yarn-dyed cotton fabric in Brazil?

In Brazil, yarn-dyed cotton fabric (HS 520849) is classified under NCM 5208.49.00.