HS 520912 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 5209.12 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at 6.5% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification specifically applies to woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, with a weight exceeding 200 g/m², and featuring a twill weave of three or four threads. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates available in the US for goods originating from certain Free Trade Agreement partner countries. CustomTariffs aggregates these varying duty structures, highlighting the importance of verifying origin and applicable trade agreements for optimal compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5209120000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5209120000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5209120040 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 52091200 | 6.5% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5209120020 | — | — | ["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 5209.12?
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 520912 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², specifically those woven in a 3-thread or 4-thread twill weave, including cross twill. As per the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, twill weaves are characterized by diagonal parallel ribs, formed by the interlacing of warp and weft yarns, where the weft yarn passes under two or more warp yarns and over one, or vice versa, creating a distinct diagonal pattern. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this definition for classification purposes.
What falls outside HS 520912?
The following products are excluded from HS 520912: cotton fabrics not meeting the 85% cotton content threshold, fabrics weighing 200 g/m² or less, and woven fabrics of cotton that are not of a 3-thread or 4-thread twill construction. For instance, plain weave cotton fabrics (like poplin or percale), satin weaves, or dobby weaves, even if they meet the weight and cotton content criteria, would be classified under different subheadings within heading 5209 or other relevant chapters. Fabrics made from cotton blends with significant percentages of other fibers are also excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520912?
A common error is misinterpreting the weave structure, leading to the classification of non-twill fabrics under HS 520912. For example, plain weave fabrics or fabrics with more complex weaves like jacquards might be mistakenly classified if the diagonal rib characteristic of a twill is not accurately identified. Another mistake involves overlooking the weight requirement of exceeding 200 g/m² or the minimum cotton content of 85% by weight, which are crucial for accurate classification according to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System.
How should importers classify products under HS 520912?
The correct procedure for classifying woven cotton fabrics under HS 520912 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first determine the fiber content to ensure it is 85% or more cotton by weight. Secondly, the weight per square meter must be calculated and confirmed to exceed 200 g/m². Finally, the weave structure must be meticulously examined to confirm it is a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, by observing the interlacing pattern of the warp and weft yarns.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520912?
A bolt of 100% cotton twill fabric weighing 250 kg, declared at a customs value of $1,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 3.5% × $1,000 USD = $35.00. This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5209.12.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520912?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520912, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which offers a rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement also provides for preferential rates, potentially Free, for goods originating from the EU. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a valid proof of origin, such as a USMCA certificate of origin or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK trade, 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 520912, specifically for '3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 520912 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with trade agreements with the importing nation. For example, under certain trade agreements, duty rates may be Free (e.g., for AU, BH, CL, CO, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff, to determine the applicable rate based on the country of origin and any relevant trade agreements.
How is the import duty for HS 520912 calculated, and can you provide a numerical example?
The duty for HS 520912 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 8.00% and the declared customs value of a shipment of fabric classified under 520912 is $10,000, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 8.00% (Duty Rate) = $800. Always ensure the customs value is correctly determined according to international valuation rules (e.g., WTO Agreement on the Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994).
What are the key classification criteria for fabrics to be classified under HS code 520912 (3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill)?
The primary classification criterion for HS 520912 is the weave structure and the number of threads. This code specifically covers cotton fabrics of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², woven in a 3-thread or 4-thread twill weave. A twill weave is characterized by its diagonal lines on the fabric surface, created by the progression of warp and weft threads. Cross twill, also known as 'broken twill' or 'pointed twill,' is a variation where the diagonal line reverses direction at intervals. Importers must ensure the fabric's construction meets these specifications, often verified through technical data sheets or fabric samples.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 520912?
Standard import documentation for HS 520912 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are claimed. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the cotton fabric, additional documentation may be required, such as laboratory test reports confirming fiber content or weight, or specific import licenses. Customs brokers should verify the exact requirements with the relevant customs authority.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 520912, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS 520912. 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), Singapore (SG), and others. 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 specific trade agreement. This certificate must be presented to customs at the time of import. Consulting the official tariff database of the importing country (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC) will detail the specific agreements and their preferential rates.