HS 520833 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics of 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, imported under HS 520833 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at 10.3% or 24.7% ad valorem, with duty-free entry available from certain preferential trade partners. This classification specifically applies to woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, printed, and featuring a twill weave of three or four threads. Importers and customs brokers should verify the specific US duty rate based on the country of origin and confirm the exact composition and finishing of the fabric to ensure accurate classification. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff information for global trade compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208330000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208330000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208330000 | 10.3% | Free (14 programs) | ["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 5208.33?
Imports of 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill 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 520833 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, printed, of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m², and specifically those exhibiting a 3-thread or 4-thread twill weave, including cross twill. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) nomenclature, this classification is determined by the weave structure and the percentage of cotton content. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristic is the diagonal rib pattern created by the interlacing of warp and weft threads, forming a distinct visual texture.
What falls outside HS 520833?
The following products are excluded from HS 520833: woven fabrics of cotton containing 85% or more cotton by weight, fabrics that are not printed, fabrics exceeding 200 g/m², and those with weave structures other than 3-thread or 4-thread twill, such as plain weave or satin weave. For example, a plain weave cotton fabric, even if printed and under 200 g/m², would be classified under a different subheading within heading 5208. Similarly, unprinted twill fabrics or those made from synthetic fibers would not fall under this specific code.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520833?
A common error is misinterpreting the weave structure or the printing status. Importers may incorrectly assume that any diagonal pattern constitutes a twill weave, overlooking the specific 3-thread or 4-thread requirement. Furthermore, confusion can arise regarding the "printed" criterion; if the fabric is dyed or has a pattern applied after weaving through methods other than printing, it may not meet the criteria. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System emphasizes that headings and section/chapter notes are paramount, and specific subheadings take precedence over general ones.
How should importers classify products under HS 520833?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520833 involves a systematic examination of the fabric's characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm the fiber content (less than 85% cotton), the weight (not exceeding 200 g/m²), and crucially, the weave structure, ensuring it is a 3-thread or 4-thread twill. Verification of whether the fabric is printed is also essential. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and potentially the WCO HS Explanatory Notes, provides definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520833?
A bolt of printed cotton-blend twill 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 value. The calculation is: 10% × $1,500 USD = $150.00. This specific rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5208.33.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520833?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520833, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for goods originating from the EU. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK trade is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 520833, and how do preferential rates apply?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 520833, which covers "Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, mixed mainly or solely with man-made staple fibres, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m² - 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill," is typically 8.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, goods originating from 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 may receive duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin to claim these preferential rates. Always verify the most current rates on the US International Trade Commission (USITC) website or the relevant customs authority's portal for the importing country.
What specific characteristics define a fabric under HS code 520833, particularly the '3-thread or 4-thread twill' aspect?
HS code 520833 specifically applies to woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, mixed mainly or solely with man-made staple fibres, and exceeding 200 g/m² in weight. The defining characteristic for this sub-heading is the weave structure: '3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill.' A twill weave is characterized by its diagonal parallel ribs, formed by the weft thread passing under one or more warp threads and then over two or more warp threads, creating a staggered pattern. A 3-thread twill involves a pattern repeat over three threads, while a 4-thread twill repeats over four threads. Cross twill is a variation where the diagonal lines run in both directions. Visual inspection and potentially fabric analysis are needed to confirm the weave structure meets these criteria.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 520833?
For importing fabrics classified under HS code 520833, standard documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin from the exporter is mandatory. This document must attest that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated by the specific trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide fabric composition details and potentially samples for customs verification to confirm the cotton content (less than 85%) and the weave structure (3-thread or 4-thread twill).
How is the import duty for HS code 520833 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 520833 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, using the MFN rate of 8.00%, if you import 1,000 square meters of fabric valued at $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. In this example: Duty = $5,000 USD × 8.00% = $400 USD. Therefore, the import duty would be $400. It's important to note that some countries may also have specific additional duties or taxes that apply, and the basis of valuation (e.g., CIF value) should be confirmed with the importing country's customs regulations.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 520833, and what is the general process to claim these benefits?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 520833. Prominent examples include the US Free Trade Agreements with countries like South Korea (KORUS FTA), Colombia (CTPA), and Chile (USCLTC). The general process to claim these benefits involves ensuring the fabric originates from a country that is a party to the relevant trade agreement and meets its specific rules of origin. This typically requires obtaining a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter or ensuring the invoice contains a declaration of origin that meets the stipulated requirements. Importers must then declare the preferential claim at the time of customs entry, providing the necessary documentation to the customs authorities. Always consult the specific text of the trade agreement and the customs regulations of the importing country for precise requirements.