HS 521011 Unbleached
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m², of yarns of different colours, unbleached, imported under HS 521011 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 8.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from 8.4% to 21.9% ad valorem, with certain preferential trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This classification specifically covers woven cotton fabrics that have not undergone bleaching or dyeing, made from yarns of varying colors. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparities between major trading blocs. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in compliance planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5210110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5210110010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5210110090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5210110000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5210110010 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5210110090 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52101140 | 8.4% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 521011 | — | — | — |
| 5210114020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5210114040 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5210114090 | — | — | ["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 5210.11?
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 521011 cover?
This subheading covers cotton fabrics of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m², woven from yarns of cotton, which are unbleached and have a warp and weft made from yarns of different colours. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification is specific to plain weave fabrics where the warp threads are of one colour and the weft threads are of another. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the unbleached state and the distinct colouration of warp and weft yarns.
What falls outside HS 521011?
The following products are excluded from HS 521011: fabrics that are bleached, dyed, printed, or otherwise finished; fabrics with a weight exceeding 200 g/m²; fabrics where both warp and weft yarns are of the same colour, or where the colour difference is not the defining characteristic; and fabrics made from synthetic or artificial fibres. For instance, a checked cotton fabric where the pattern is achieved through printing rather than different coloured yarns would be classified elsewhere, typically under heading 5211 or 5212 depending on its weight and further processing.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 521011?
A common error is misinterpreting the "different colours" requirement for warp and weft yarns. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly classify fabrics that are predominantly of one colour but have subtle variations or are patterned through printing as falling under this subheading. Furthermore, confusing the weight threshold of 200 g/m² with other cotton fabric headings is also a frequent mistake.
How should importers classify products under HS 521011?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 521011 involves a multi-step verification process. First, confirm the material composition is 100% cotton. Second, verify the fabric construction is a plain weave. Third, ascertain the fabric's weight does not exceed 200 g/m². Crucially, examine the warp and weft yarns to ensure they are of distinctly different colours. Customs brokers and importers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and potentially the WCO Explanatory Notes for definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 521011?
A shipment of 1,000 meters of unbleached cotton fabric, weighing 150 kg, with a declared customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $750.00. This is calculated using the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) 2023, which assigns a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15.0% ad valorem for HS 5210.11.00. The calculation is: 15.0% × $5,000 USD = $750.00. This example assumes no preferential trade agreements apply and the standard MFN rate is utilized.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 521011?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 521011, 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, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the originating country and the specific agreement's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 521011, specifically for 'unbleached' cotton fabric?
For HS code 521011, which covers 'Cotton fabrics of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m²', 'unbleached', the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is 8.5% ad valorem. However, preferential rates apply under various trade agreements. For instance, under the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the rate is Free. It is crucial to consult the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most current and specific rates applicable to your country of origin.
How is the import duty for HS 521011 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 521011 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if you import 1,000 square meters of unbleached cotton fabric valued at $2,000 USD, and the MFN duty rate is 8.5%, the duty would be calculated as follows: $2,000 (value) * 8.5% (duty rate) = $170.00 USD. Always ensure your customs value is accurately declared according to the WTO valuation principles.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 521011?
The primary classification criteria for HS code 521011 are: 1. Material: The fabric must be predominantly of cotton (i.e., containing 85% or more by weight of cotton). 2. Weight: The fabric's weight must not exceed 200 g/m². 3. Condition: The fabric must be 'unbleached', meaning it has not undergone any bleaching, dyeing, or printing processes after weaving. The weave type is also a factor, with this specific subheading generally covering plain weaves.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 521011?
When importing goods classified under HS code 521011, standard import documentation is required, including 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 applicable trade agreements. For cotton products, documentation confirming the fiber content and weight of the fabric might be requested by customs authorities to verify correct classification.
Which trade agreements commonly offer reduced or duty-free entry for HS code 521011 into the US?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 521011 into the United States. For example, goods originating 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 under specific agreements, may be eligible for duty-free entry. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin stipulated in each respective Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and possess the correct documentation, such as a valid Certificate of Origin, to claim these benefits.