HS 520849 Other fabrics
Quick Answer: Fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not containing synthetic or artificial staple fibres, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², imported under HS 520849 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with rates varying significantly, including duty-free options and rates up to 24.7% under the MFN tariff. This classification specifically covers "other fabrics" within the broader category of woven cotton fabrics, excluding those with a lower cotton content or specific constructions. Importers should consult detailed tariff schedules for precise duty application based on specific product characteristics and origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208490000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208490000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208494010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208492000 | Free | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208494090 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 52084960 | 9.7% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5208496010 | — | — | ["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 5208.49?
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 520849 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 of yarns of different colours, not specified or included elsewhere in heading 5208. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses "other" fabrics within this specific cotton classification, meaning they are not plain weave, twill weave, or dobby weave, and are not printed. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system align with this definition, focusing on the composition, weight, and weave characteristics of the fabric.
What falls outside HS 520849?
The following products are excluded from HS 520849: woven cotton fabrics of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², fabrics containing less than 85% cotton by weight, and fabrics that are not of yarns of different colours or are printed. For instance, plain weave cotton fabrics (HS 5208.21), twill weave cotton fabrics (HS 5208.31), or printed cotton fabrics (HS 5208.51) would be classified under different subheadings within heading 5208. Additionally, fabrics made from synthetic or artificial fibers, or blends where cotton is not the predominant fiber by weight, are excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520849?
A common error is misinterpreting the "other" designation within HS 520849, leading to the incorrect classification of fabrics that actually fit more specific subheadings under heading 5208. For example, a fabric that is technically a twill weave but has yarns of different colors might be mistakenly placed here. Adherence to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly 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. Importers must verify the weave structure and color-yarn composition precisely.
How should importers classify products under HS 520849?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520849 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first determine the fiber content, confirming it is 85% or more cotton by weight. Next, they must ascertain the fabric's weight, ensuring it does not exceed 200 g/m². Crucially, they need to confirm that the fabric is constructed from yarns of different colors and that it does not fall under more specific weave descriptions (e.g., plain, twill) or is not printed, as defined by the WCO HS nomenclature and national tariff schedules.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520849?
A bolt of 100% cotton jacquard fabric, woven with yarns of different colors, weighing 150 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming an MFN duty rate of 8.5% ad valorem for HS 5208.49.0000, the duty would be $127.50 ($1,500 × 0.085). This calculation is based on the declared customs value and the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The specific tariff line would be 5208.49.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520849?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520849, 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. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 5208.49, which covers "Other fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, mixed principally or solely with man-made staple fibres, of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m²"?
Import duty rates for HS code 5208.49 vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 8.00% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate can be 3.5% ad valorem. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff may list a rate of 7.0% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment. These rates can change, and preferential rates under trade agreements may offer lower or zero duties.
How is the import duty for HS code 5208.49 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS 5208.49 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of fabric classified under 5208.49 has a customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.08 (Duty Rate) = $800 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, but ad valorem is most common for this category.
What are the key classification criteria to ensure a fabric falls under HS code 5208.49?
To be classified under HS code 5208.49, the fabric must meet several criteria. Firstly, it must be made of cotton. Secondly, it must contain less than 85% cotton by weight and be mixed principally or solely with man-made staple fibers. Thirdly, the fabric's weight must not exceed 200 g/m². It's important to note that this code is for woven fabrics. The specific weave (e.g., plain weave, twill weave) is detailed in preceding subheadings within the 5208 chapter, with 5208.49 capturing those not elsewhere specified within the cotton fabric category that meet the fiber content and weight requirements.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 5208.49?
Standard import documentation for HS code 5208.49 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transport. Crucially, a certificate of origin may be required, especially if preferential duty rates under a trade agreement are being claimed. Importers should also be prepared to provide fabric composition details, weight per square meter, and potentially samples or technical specifications to substantiate the HS classification if requested by customs authorities.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5208.49, and how can importers verify eligibility?
The eligibility for preferential duty rates for HS code 5208.49 depends on the specific trade agreements between the importing and exporting countries. For example, goods originating from countries that are signatories to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may benefit from reduced or zero duties when imported into the U.S. or Canada. Similarly, goods from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union or the United Kingdom might qualify. To verify eligibility, importers must obtain a Certificate of Origin (COO) from the exporter, which certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. This document is essential for claiming preferential treatment at customs.