HS 520819 Other fabrics
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics of less than 85% cotton, unbleached, and not containing other textile materials, imported under HS 5208.19 enter the UK at 8.00% ad valorem, the EU at 8.00% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying significantly from Free under various Free Trade Agreements to 18.7% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification applies to woven cotton fabrics that are not printed, dyed, or otherwise finished, and where cotton constitutes the predominant fiber but is less than 85% of the total weight. Importers should carefully verify the exact composition and origin of the goods to determine the applicable duty rate, especially for US imports. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208190000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208190000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520819 | — | — | — |
| 52081920 | 7.9% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5208194020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208194090 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208196020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 5208.19?
Imports of Other fabrics may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 12 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 520819 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m², and which are unbleached or bleached, and not printed, other than those falling under subheadings 5208.11 to 5208.13. According to the WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature and the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this category encompasses a broad range of plain weave cotton fabrics, such as broadcloth and poplin, that have not undergone further finishing processes beyond bleaching. The EU TARIC system also aligns with this definition for classification purposes.
What falls outside HS 520819?
The following products are excluded from HS 520819: fabrics made from cotton blends containing less than 85% cotton by weight, fabrics exceeding 200 g/m², and any fabrics that have been printed, dyed, or subjected to other finishing treatments beyond bleaching. For instance, printed cotton poplin would be classified under a different subheading, likely within 5208.29 or 5208.39 depending on the specific finishing. Similarly, heavier cotton twills or denims, even if unbleached, would fall under different headings based on their weight and weave structure.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520819?
A common error is misinterpreting the weight threshold of 200 g/m² or overlooking the "not printed" criterion. Importers may incorrectly classify printed cotton fabrics under this subheading, when they should be classified under subheadings for printed fabrics. Furthermore, confusion can arise with fabrics containing less than 85% cotton, which are not classified under Chapter 52 but rather under Chapter 55 for synthetic fibers if those fibers predominate. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 is crucial for correct classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 520819?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520819 involves a multi-step process. First, confirm the fiber content, ensuring cotton constitutes 85% or more by weight. Second, verify the fabric's weight, confirming it does not exceed 200 g/m². Third, ascertain that the fabric is either unbleached or bleached and has not been printed. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the specific chapter and heading notes for Chapter 52.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520819?
A bolt of unbleached cotton broadcloth weighing 150 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD would attract a US duty of $75.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($1,500 USD × 0.05 = $75.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5208.19.0000, which specifies an ad valorem duty.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520819?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520819, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for Free duty for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from certain developing countries, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates. Documentation required to claim preference typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's regulations.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 5208.19, covering 'Other fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m²'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 5208.19 can vary. For instance, the United States applies an 8.00% ad valorem duty. The European Union's TARIC system may show different rates depending on specific origin and trade agreements. The UK Trade Tariff also lists rates, which can be around 7.9% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate. For example, under the US tariff schedule, 8.00% ad valorem is common. Some trade agreements offer preferential rates; for example, duty-free entry (Free) may be available for goods originating from countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others under specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
How is the import duty for HS 5208.19 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS 5208.19 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of cotton fabric classified under 5208.19 has a customs value of $10,000 USD and the MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.08 (Duty Rate) = $800 USD. Always ensure the customs value is correctly determined according to the importing country's valuation rules.
What are the key classification criteria for fabrics to fall under HS code 5208.19?
To be classified under HS code 5208.19, fabrics must meet several specific criteria. Firstly, they must be made of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton. Secondly, they must be unbleached. Thirdly, their weight must not exceed 200 g/m². Fabrics that meet these conditions but are not specifically covered by other subheadings within 5208 (which typically cover plain weave, twill weave, or other weaves) would fall under the 'other fabrics' category of 5208.19. Verification of the fabric's composition, bleaching status, and weight is essential.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 5208.19?
Standard documentation for importing fabrics under HS 5208.19 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, unit price, and total value of the goods. A packing list specifying the contents of each package is also required. A bill of lading or air waybill serves as the contract of carriage. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. For textiles, specific declarations regarding fiber content and compliance with safety standards might also be requested by customs authorities.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5208.19, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS 5208.19. For example, the United States has FTAs with countries like Chile, Colombia, Peru, and South Korea, which may offer reduced or zero duties. The UK has agreements with numerous countries post-Brexit. The EU has a wide network of preferential trade agreements. To benefit, importers must ensure the goods originate from a partner country and meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant FTA. This typically requires a valid Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin on the invoice, provided by the exporter. Importers and customs brokers should proactively research the specific FTA applicable to their supply chain and ensure all compliance requirements are met to avoid paying the full MFN duty.