HS 520911 Unbleached
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics of the type specified under HS code 520911 enter the UK at 8.00% ad valorem, the EU at 8.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from 6.5% to 14.9% ad valorem, with certain trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This classification specifically covers unbleached woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, with a weight exceeding 200 grams per square meter. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on the country of origin and any applicable preferential trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5209110000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5209110000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5209110035 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5209110050 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5209110090 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 52091100 | 6.5% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5209110020 | — | — | ["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 5209.11?
Imports of Unbleached 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 520911 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², and unbleached. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to plain weave cotton fabrics that have not undergone any bleaching, dyeing, or printing processes. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristic is the unbleached state of the fabric, regardless of its specific weave structure, as long as it meets the cotton content and weight criteria of heading 5209.
What falls outside HS 520911?
The following products are excluded from HS 520911: cotton fabrics that have been bleached, dyed, or printed, even if they meet the 85% cotton content and weight criteria of heading 5209. Also excluded are cotton fabrics weighing 200 g/m² or less, which would fall under heading 5208. Furthermore, fabrics with less than 85% cotton content, or those containing significant proportions of other fibers, are classified elsewhere, such as under heading 5210 or 5211, depending on their cotton content and weight.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520911?
A common error is misinterpreting the "unbleached" status. Importers may mistakenly classify fabrics that have undergone minimal processing, such as desizing or scouring, as unbleached when they are considered to have been treated. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), composite goods are classified according to the component that gives them their essential character. For fabrics, the state of processing (bleached, dyed, etc.) is a critical factor in determining the correct classification, and failure to accurately assess this can lead to misclassification under 520911.
How should importers classify products under HS 520911?
The correct procedure for classifying woven cotton fabrics under HS 520911 involves a multi-step verification process. First, determine the fiber content to ensure it contains 85% or more cotton by weight. Second, calculate the fabric's weight per square meter to confirm it exceeds 200 g/m². Third, and crucially, verify that the fabric has not been bleached, dyed, or printed. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and potentially seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities, is recommended for certainty.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520911?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of unbleached cotton sheeting, weighing 250 g/m², declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.03 = $150.00). Note that some specific cotton fabrics may have specific rates, but for general unbleached sheeting, the ad valorem rate is common.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520911?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520911, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry 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 duty-free rates. To claim these preferences, importers typically need to provide a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and the importing country's requirements.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 520911, specifically for unbleached cotton woven fabric?
For HS code 520911 (plain weave cotton fabric, unbleached, weighing more than 200 g/m²), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates apply under various trade agreements. For example, imports 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 the United States (US) may be duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your origin country.
What specific criteria define HS code 520911 for unbleached cotton fabric?
HS code 520911 covers woven fabrics of cotton containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of a plain weave, and weighing more than 200 g/m². The 'unbleached' designation means the fabric has not undergone bleaching, dyeing, or printing processes. Key classification elements include the fiber content (at least 85% cotton), the weave type (plain weave), the weight (over 200 g/m²), and the fact that it is in its natural, unbleached state. Referencing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (WCO) provides further clarification on these criteria.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 520911?
When importing unbleached cotton fabric classified under HS code 520911, standard import documentation is required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transport; and a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are claimed. Depending on the importing country's regulations, additional certifications related to textile composition or quality may be requested. Always verify the specific documentation requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
How is the import duty for HS 520911 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 520911 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem, and you import 1,000 square meters of fabric with a declared customs value of $2,500 USD, the duty calculation would be: $2,500 USD (value) × 8.00% (duty rate) = $200 USD (duty amount). Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or quantity, so it's essential to check the tariff for any such provisions.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 520911, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 520911. Examples include agreements between the US and countries like South Korea (KORUS FTA), Chile (USCFTA), and Colombia (CTPA), as well as agreements involving the EU (e.g., with South Korea) and the UK. To benefit from these reduced or zero duty rates, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement and possess a valid Certificate of Origin or equivalent proof of origin documentation. Consulting the specific trade agreement text and the customs authority of the importing country is vital for compliance and to claim preferential treatment.