HS 520811 Unbleached

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What products does HS 520811 cover?

This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, mixed primarily or solely with man-made staple fibres, and weighing not more than 200 g/m², which are unbleached. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these fabrics are characterized by their composition and the absence of bleaching or dyeing processes. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database further specify that these are plain weave cotton fabrics, typically used for apparel and home furnishings, with a specific weight limitation to distinguish them from heavier textile materials.

What falls outside HS 520811?

The following products are excluded from HS 520811: woven cotton fabrics that are bleached, dyed, or printed; fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight; fabrics weighing more than 200 g/m²; and fabrics where cotton is not the primary component or is mixed with other materials beyond man-made staple fibres in a manner that alters their classification. For instance, a 100% cotton unbleached fabric would fall under a different subheading within heading 5208, and a fabric with significant wool content would be classified elsewhere entirely.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 520811?

A common error is misinterpreting the percentage of cotton content or the weight per square meter. Importers may incorrectly classify a fabric containing 85% or more cotton under this subheading, which belongs to a different HS code. Additionally, mistaking unbleached for undyed can lead to misclassification, as undyed fabrics that have undergone bleaching processes are excluded. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial.

How should importers classify products under HS 520811?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520811 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first ascertain the exact fiber composition, specifically the percentage of cotton by weight. Secondly, they must confirm the fabric's weight per square meter, ensuring it does not exceed 200 g/m². Thirdly, they need to verify that the fabric is indeed unbleached and not dyed or printed. Finally, consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is essential for definitive classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520811?

A bolt of unbleached cotton-blend fabric weighing 150 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($1,500 USD × 10% = $150.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5208.11.0000, which is applicable to this type of fabric.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520811?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520811, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying fabrics originating from Mexico or Canada can be imported duty-free. For preferential treatment, a valid Certificate of Origin or a producer's declaration is typically required. Additionally, fabrics originating from certain developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also benefit from reduced or zero duty rates, often requiring a Form A.

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