HS 520951 Printed
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², printed, enter the UK and EU at 8.00% ad valorem. In the US, duty rates for this classification vary significantly, with many preferential trade agreements offering duty-free entry, while the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate can be as high as 20.9%. This code specifically covers cotton fabrics, weighing more than 200 grams per square meter, that have undergone a printing process. Importers should verify specific preferential agreements for US entry to optimize duty costs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5209510019 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5209510091 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5209510099 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5209510000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5209510011 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5209510000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5209510091 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5209510099 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5209510011 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5209510019 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520951 | — | — | — |
| 5209516015 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5209516032 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5209516035 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5209516050 | — | — | ["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 5209.51?
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 520951 cover?
This subheading covers cotton fabrics of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², woven, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, and which are printed. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, "printed" refers to fabrics that have undergone a process of applying color or design to their surface, typically through methods like screen printing, roller printing, or digital printing, to impart a decorative pattern. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the printing process as the defining characteristic for classification within this specific subheading.
What falls outside HS 520951?
The following products are excluded from HS 520951: cotton fabrics that are not printed, such as plain dyed, bleached, or unfinished fabrics, even if they meet the weight and cotton content criteria of heading 5209. Also excluded are fabrics that are embroidered, coated, or laminated, as these processes impart different characteristics and are classified under separate subheadings. For instance, a fabric that is dyed and then printed would fall under 520951, but a fabric that is dyed and then embroidered would be classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520951?
A common error is misinterpreting the printing process. Some importers may mistakenly classify fabrics that have been yarn-dyed to create a pattern (e.g., a gingham or plaid) under this subheading, when such fabrics are typically classified based on their dyeing status before weaving or as part of a different weave structure. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Therefore, the physical application of color or design post-weaving is crucial for 520951.
How should importers classify products under HS 520951?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520951 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the fabric is woven and contains 85% or more by weight of cotton. Next, they must verify that the fabric's weight exceeds 200 g/m². Finally, and most critically, they must ascertain that the fabric has undergone a printing process to impart a design or pattern, distinguishing it from dyed or other finished fabrics, and consult the relevant national tariff schedule for precise wording.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520951?
A bolt of printed cotton sheeting weighing 150 kg and declared at a customs value of $750 USD would attract a US duty of $112.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($750 USD × 0.15 = $112.50). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5209.51.00.00, which specifies an ad valorem duty.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520951?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520951, 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 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) also offers duty-free access for eligible textiles from certain African countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific AGOA eligibility letter from the exporter.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 520951, which covers "Printed" cotton fabrics?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 520951 is generally 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), some countries may receive duty-free entry. Specific rates can vary significantly based on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. Always consult the latest tariff schedule for the importing country, such as the USITC Tariff Schedule or the EU TARIC database, for precise rates applicable to your shipment.
How is the import duty for HS 520951 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 520951 is typically 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 value of a shipment of printed cotton fabric is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be $10,000 USD * 0.08 = $800 USD. Some duties may also have specific components (e.g., per unit), so it's crucial to verify the exact duty calculation basis in the relevant tariff schedule.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 520951, specifically for "Printed" cotton fabrics?
HS code 520951 applies to woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², and which are printed. The key criteria are: 1) The fabric must be made of cotton, constituting 85% or more of the weight. 2) The fabric's weight must exceed 200 grams per square meter. 3) The fabric must have undergone a printing process. The printing can be achieved through various methods, but the defining characteristic is the application of color or design onto the fabric surface after weaving.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 520951, and what documentation is typically required?
Trade agreements such as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like South Korea, Chile, and Australia, and the EU's Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) often provide preferential duty rates, potentially including duty-free entry for goods classified under HS 520951. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically need to provide a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin issued by the exporter, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific trade agreement. Consult the relevant trade agreement text and the importing country's customs regulations for precise documentation requirements.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a Certificate of Origin for importing printed cotton fabrics under HS 520951?
While a Certificate of Origin is crucial for claiming preferential duty rates, other documentation may be required depending on the importing country and the nature of the goods. This can include commercial invoices detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; packing lists; bills of lading or air waybills for transport; and potentially certificates of compliance with safety or quality standards, especially if the fabric is intended for consumer goods like apparel. Importers should always verify the complete documentation checklist with their customs broker or the importing country's customs authority.