HS 520831 Dyed
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics of a width not exceeding 30 cm, dyed, enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with rates varying significantly, including 3% and 38.5% ad valorem, with duty-free entry available under specific Free Trade Agreements. This classification specifically applies to woven cotton fabrics that have undergone a dyeing process. Importers should carefully consult the specific US tariff schedule and consider any applicable preferential trade agreements to determine the precise duty rate. According to CustomTariffs, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate customs declarations and cost management.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208310000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208310000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208316040 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208316060 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208316090 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208318020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208318090 | — | — | ["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 5208.31?
Imports of Dyed 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, GSP, and 14 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 520831 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m², which are dyed. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC, this classification applies to cotton fabrics that have undergone a dyeing process after weaving, resulting in a uniform color. The key is that the dyeing occurs after the fabric construction, distinguishing it from yarns or fibers dyed prior to weaving.
What falls outside HS 520831?
The following products are excluded from HS 520831: cotton fabrics that are not dyed, such as those in their natural state or bleached; fabrics that are printed or patterned, which fall under different subheadings; cotton fabrics weighing more than 200 g/m², which are classified under HS 5209; and fabrics containing less than 85% cotton by weight, which would be classified based on their predominant fiber content. For instance, a dyed cotton-polyester blend fabric would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520831?
A common error is misinterpreting the dyeing process. Importers may mistakenly classify fabrics that are yarn-dyed (where the yarn is dyed before weaving) under this subheading. However, HS 520831 specifically refers to fabrics dyed *after* weaving. Another mistake involves confusing "dyed" with "printed" or "patterned" fabrics, which are distinct categories under the HS nomenclature. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and 3 is crucial for accurate classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 520831?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520831 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm the fiber content, ensuring the fabric contains 85% or more cotton by weight. Secondly, they must verify the fabric's weight, confirming it does not exceed 200 g/m². Crucially, they must ascertain that the fabric has been dyed after weaving, not printed or patterned, and consult official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC for specific textual notes and exclusions.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520831?
A shipment of 1,000 square meters of dyed cotton poplin fabric, weighing 150 g/m² (total weight 150 kg), declared at a customs value of $2,000 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 8.5% ad valorem as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for a similar item, the duty would be $170.00 (8.5% × $2,000). This calculation is based on the declared customs value, not the weight, for ad valorem duties.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520831?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520831, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or free entry for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a valid certificate of origin is typically required, while GSP often necessitates a GSP Form A or a self-certified origin statement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 5208.31, covering plain woven fabrics of cotton, dyed, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, with a weight not exceeding 200 g/m²?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 5208.31 is 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with agreements like the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement may have a duty rate of Free (0%). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the country of origin to determine the applicable duty rate. Sources like the US International Trade Commission (USITC) for the US, or the EU's TARIC database, provide detailed tariff information.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 5208.31 if the MFN rate applies?
The duty for HS code 5208.31 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 dyed cotton fabric (HS 5208.31) has a customs value of $10,000 and the MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 * 0.08 = $800. Always ensure the customs value is correctly declared according to the valuation rules of the importing country.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 5208.31?
To be classified under HS code 5208.31, the fabric must meet several criteria: 1. It must be made of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton. 2. It must be 'plain woven' (a simple weave where each warp yarn passes alternately over and under one weft yarn). 3. The fabric must be dyed. 4. Its weight must not exceed 200 g/m². Misclassification can occur if the fabric composition, weave, dyeing status, or weight does not meet these specific requirements. Referencing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (WCO) can provide further clarification on these criteria.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5208.31?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often leading to a Free (0%) duty. Examples include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) under various bilateral or multilateral pacts. Importers should always verify the specific terms and rules of origin for each agreement to claim preferential treatment. The importing country's customs authority will have definitive information on eligible agreements and their benefits.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 5208.31, especially when claiming preferential duty rates?
Standard import documentation for HS code 5208.31 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. When claiming preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is usually mandatory. This document certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated by the relevant trade agreement. The specific format and requirements for the COO can vary by agreement and country, so it is essential to consult the importing country's customs regulations and the specific trade agreement's provisions. Customs brokers play a vital role in ensuring all necessary documentation is accurate and complete.