Product classification
HS code for Yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric: 5208.41
Fabrics, woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2.
Classification of yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric under HS 5208.41
Yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric is classified under HS code 5208.41 because it meets several specific criteria defined in the Harmonized System's textile section. Firstly, the fabric must consist of at least 85% cotton by weight, placing it within the 5208 heading for lightweight woven cotton fabrics. Secondly, the weight of the fabric must not exceed 100 grams per square meter (g/m2), which distinguishes it from heavier cotton textiles. The classification further specifies the construction as a 'plain weave,' the simplest interlacing of warp and weft yarns. Most importantly, the 'yarn-dyed' status (referred to in the HS as 'of yarns of different colours') means the individual yarns were dyed before the weaving process began, rather than the finished fabric being dyed in a single color (piece-dyed) or printed. This classification ensures that lightweight, high-cotton content fabrics with woven-in patterns like stripes or checks are correctly identified for customs purposes.
- Covers
- Lightweight yarn-dyed cotton lawn
- Yarn-dyed cotton voile weighing less than 100g/m2
- Fine cotton batiste with woven color patterns
- Lightweight gingham fabrics (85%+ cotton)
- Chambray fabrics meeting the weight and composition limits
- Also under 5208.41
- Brooks Brothers (gingham shirts)
- J.Crew (Madras shorts)
- Ralph Lauren (seersucker suits)
- Thomas Pink (striped shirts)
Codes often confused with 5208.41
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5208.31, which covers plain weave cotton fabrics that are 'dyed' (piece-dyed) rather than yarn-dyed. Another common error is using 5209.41, which is reserved for yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabrics that weigh more than 200g/m2. If the fabric contains less than 85% cotton and is blended with synthetic fibers, it must be classified under Chapter 55 (e.g., 5513.31) rather than Chapter 52.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520841 (the code used for yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520841 (the code used for yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 16% 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 520841, not only yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $37M 54% of world exports
- 2 Italy $6.9M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $5.1M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$10M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$8.8M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $5.9M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $62M 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 plain weave cotton fabric
Brazil classifies yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric under NCM 5208.41.00: HS 5208.41 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 plain weave cotton fabric
What is the HS code for Yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric?
The HS code for Yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric is 520841 (Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2). The specific HS code is 5208.41, provided the fabric is at least 85% cotton and weighs no more than 100g/m2.
How do I classify Yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric for customs?
Yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric is classified under HS code 520841 — Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing not more than 100g/m2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 5208.41 and 5208.31?
5208.41 is for fabrics woven from yarns that were already dyed (creating stripes, checks, or heathered effects), while 5208.31 is for fabrics dyed a single uniform color after weaving.
Which countries are the top exporters of yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric (HS 520841)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520841 (the code used for yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were China ($37M, 54% of world exports), Italy ($6.9M) and the United States ($5.1M). World exports came to about $69M, 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 plain weave cotton fabric (HS 520841)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520841 (the code used for yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $10M, 16% of world imports), Vietnam (about $8.8M) and South Korea ($5.9M). World imports came to about $62M, 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 plain weave cotton fabric the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520841 for Yarn-dyed plain weave 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 plain weave cotton fabric in Brazil?
In Brazil, yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric (HS 520841) is classified under NCM 5208.41.00.