HS 520851 Printed
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics of a width not exceeding 30 cm, printed, imported under HS 520851, enter the UK and EU at 8.00% ad valorem, and the US at 8.1% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification specifically applies to woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, which have undergone a printing process. Importers should be aware that the US also offers duty-free entry for certain trading partners. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the need for precise classification to ensure compliance and accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208510000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5208510011 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5208510019 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5208510091 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5208510099 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5208510000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5208510011 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5208510019 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5208510091 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5208510099 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52085140 | 8.1% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5208516040 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208516060 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208518020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5208518090 | — | — | ["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 5208.51?
Imports of Printed 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 520851 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 not containing synthetic or artificial staple fibres. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, "printed" refers to the application of designs, patterns, or colours to the fabric surface through various printing techniques. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the printed nature of the fabric as the primary distinguishing characteristic.
What falls outside HS 520851?
The following products are excluded from HS 520851: fabrics that are not printed, fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight (which fall under other subheadings of 5208), fabrics weighing over 200 g/m², and those containing synthetic or artificial staple fibres. For instance, plain dyed cotton fabrics of similar weight and composition, or printed fabrics made from a blend of cotton and polyester staple fibres, would be classified elsewhere, typically under different subheadings within Chapter 52 or Chapter 55.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520851?
A common error is misinterpreting the "less than 85% cotton by weight" criterion. Importers may incorrectly classify fabrics with a higher cotton content under this subheading. Additionally, confusion can arise regarding the definition of "printed"; for example, fabrics that are merely coloured or dyed without a distinct pattern may not qualify as printed. 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 520851?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520851 involves a multi-step process. First, determine the fibre content by weight to ensure it contains less than 85% cotton. Second, verify the fabric's weight does not exceed 200 g/m². Third, confirm the fabric is indeed printed with a design or pattern. Finally, consult official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC for definitive confirmation and to ensure no specific exclusions apply. Providing detailed product specifications to a customs broker is essential.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520851?
A bolt of printed cotton fabric 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 Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 5.0% × $1,500 USD = $75.00. This is calculated using the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5208.51.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520851?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520851, 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 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a CPTPP Certificate of Origin is typically required, depending on the origin country and the specific agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 5208.51 (Cotton fabrics, printed, weighing not more than 200 g/m², of yarns of different colours)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 5208.51 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available for countries with trade agreements with the importing nation. For example, under certain agreements, goods 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 enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country to confirm applicable rates and eligibility for preferential treatment. The USITC, EU TARIC, and UK Trade Tariff are authoritative sources for this information.
How is the import duty for HS 5208.51 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS 5208.51 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 8.00% and the declared value of a shipment of printed cotton fabric is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be $10,000 USD * 8.00% = $800 USD. If the tariff also includes a specific duty component (e.g., per square meter), the calculation would be the sum of the ad valorem duty and the specific duty. Always verify the exact duty calculation method in the importing country's tariff schedule.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 5208.51?
HS code 5208.51 specifically covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, or of cotton and other textile materials, weighing not more than 200 g/m², and which are printed. The key criteria are: 1) The primary fiber content must be cotton (or cotton mixed with other fibers, but still predominantly cotton). 2) The fabric must weigh no more than 200 g/m². 3) The fabric must be printed. The printing can be achieved through various methods, and the pattern does not need to be complex. If the fabric is dyed in the yarn stage and then woven into a pattern, it would fall under a different subheading (e.g., 5208.40 series for 'dyed').
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 5208.51?
When importing goods classified under HS 5208.51, standard import documentation is required, which generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. For printed fabrics, the importer might need to provide evidence of the printing process or the nature of the print if there is any ambiguity in classification. It is advisable to consult with the customs authority of the importing country or a licensed customs broker for a definitive list of required documents.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5208.51, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Many trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often including duty-free access, for goods classified under HS 5208.51. Examples include agreements between the US and 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). To verify eligibility, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter, which certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement. This certificate must be presented to customs at the time of import. Importers should consult the official websites of the USITC, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff, depending on their import destination, for the specific terms and conditions of each trade agreement.