HS 521021 Bleached
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics of a width not exceeding 30 cm, bleached, imported under HS 521021, enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 8.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates varying from 8.1% to 24.9% ad valorem, with numerous preferential rates available. This classification specifically applies to cotton fabrics that are plain woven, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, and have undergone a bleaching process. Importers and customs brokers should carefully review specific preferential trade agreements for the US market to determine eligibility for reduced or zero duty rates. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5210210010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5210210090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 5210210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5210210010 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5210210000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5210210090 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 521021 | — | — | — |
| 52102140 | 8.1% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5210214020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5210214040 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5210214090 | — | — | ["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 5210.21?
Imports of Bleached 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 521021 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m², which have been bleached. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to plain weave fabrics, twills, and other weaves where the cotton content is significant but not dominant, and the fabric has undergone a bleaching process to achieve a uniform white appearance. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the bleaching treatment as a key differentiator.
What falls outside HS 521021?
The following products are excluded from HS 521021: fabrics that are not bleached, such as grey (unbleached) or dyed fabrics; fabrics with a cotton content of 85% or more by weight, which fall under heading 5208; fabrics exceeding 200 g/m² in weight; and fabrics that are printed or have undergone other finishing processes beyond simple bleaching, such as mercerization or sanforization, unless these are integral to the bleaching process itself. For instance, a bleached fabric that is subsequently dyed would be classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 521021?
A common error is misinterpreting the "bleached" criterion. Importers may mistakenly classify fabrics that have undergone other finishing treatments as simply bleached, or they might overlook the weight limitation of 200 g/m². Furthermore, confusion arises regarding the cotton content percentage; fabrics with 85% or more cotton by weight, even if bleached, are classified under heading 5208, not 5210. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 3 is crucial for accurate classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 521021?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 521021 involves a multi-step verification process. First, confirm the fabric's fiber content, ensuring cotton is less than 85% by weight. Second, verify the fabric's weight does not exceed 200 g/m². Third, ascertain that the fabric has undergone a bleaching process. Finally, consult the relevant tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm the specific subheading and any associated notes or legal texts. Customs brokers play a vital role in this verification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 521021?
A bolt of bleached cotton-blend sheeting 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 Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($1,500 USD × 5.0% = $75.00). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5210.21.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 521021?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 521021, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may provide duty-free treatment for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, 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 5210.21, specifically for 'bleached' cotton fabric?
The import duty rates for HS code 5210.21, which covers 'Bleached' cotton fabric of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m², vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 8.5% ad valorem. However, preferential rates apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, 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 others may be eligible for Free entry. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff, to determine the applicable duty rate based on the origin of the goods.
How is the duty for HS code 5210.21 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 5210.21 is typically 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 8.5% ad valorem and the declared customs value of a shipment of bleached cotton fabric is $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.085 (duty rate) = $850. Always verify the specific duty rate applicable to the shipment's origin and the importing country's valuation rules.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 5210.21?
HS code 5210.21 specifically covers 'Bleached' cotton fabric, woven, of a composition of cotton exceeding 85% by weight, and of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m². The primary classification criteria are: 1. Material composition: Must be predominantly cotton (over 85% by weight). 2. Weave type: Must be a woven fabric. 3. Processing: Must be 'bleached'. 4. Weight: Must not exceed 200 g/m². Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in classification under a different HS code. Refer to Chapter 52 Notes and Section XI General Rules for Interpretation (GRIs) of the Harmonized System for detailed guidance.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 5210.21?
When importing goods classified under HS code 5210.21, standard import documentation is usually 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 being claimed. For textiles, specific country regulations might require additional documentation such as a textile declaration or compliance with labeling requirements. Customs brokers should ensure all documentation accurately reflects the goods and meets the importing country's specific requirements.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5210.21, and how can importers leverage them?
Numerous trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in Free entry, for HS code 5210.21. Examples include agreements like the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and various others listed in the US HTS or equivalent tariffs. To leverage these agreements, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) from the exporter, which certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific trade agreement. The COO must be presented to customs at the time of import. Importers and customs brokers must carefully review the rules of origin for each agreement, as simply being from a partner country may not be sufficient if the fabric's raw cotton or manufacturing process does not meet the agreement's specific requirements.