HS 521120 Bleached
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics of yarn containing less than 85% cotton by weight, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², bleached, imported under HS 521120 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at 8.4% under the MFN rate, with preferential rates available for certain trade partners. This classification specifically applies to cotton-dominant woven fabrics that have undergone a bleaching process. Importers should consult specific trade agreements for potential duty reductions. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5211200090 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5211200000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5211200010 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5211200000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5211200010 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5211200090 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5211202920 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 521120 | — | — | — |
| 52112021 | 8.4% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5211202120 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5211202135 | — | — | ["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 5211.20?
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 521120 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, predominantly or solely of cotton, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², and which are bleached. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to cotton fabrics that have undergone a bleaching process to remove natural colorants, making them white or lighter in shade. Official definitions from sources like the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key criteria are the cotton content percentage, weight threshold, and the bleaching treatment.
What falls outside HS 521120?
The following products are excluded from HS 521120: cotton fabrics that are not bleached, such as those that are dyed, printed, or of their natural color; fabrics weighing 200 g/m² or less; and woven fabrics where cotton is not the predominant fiber by weight (i.e., less than 85% cotton). For instance, a bleached cotton-polyester blend fabric weighing 180 g/m² would be classified elsewhere, likely under heading 5512 or 5513 depending on its specific composition and weight, not under this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 521120?
A common error is misinterpreting the weight requirement or the percentage of cotton. Importers may incorrectly classify fabrics that are dyed or printed as bleached, or fail to accurately determine the cotton content by weight, especially in blends. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System emphasizes that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For instance, a fabric that is dyed after bleaching might be mistakenly classified under a dyed fabric heading.
How should importers classify products under HS 521120?
The correct procedure for classifying woven cotton fabrics under HS 521120 involves a systematic approach. First, confirm the fabric's fiber composition, ensuring cotton constitutes at least 85% by weight. Second, verify the fabric's weight per square meter, which must exceed 200 g/m². Third, ascertain that the fabric has been bleached. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the explanatory notes for Chapter 52 and Heading 5211 for precise guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 521120?
A bleached cotton sheeting fabric weighing 250 g/m², with 90% cotton content, and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD would attract a US duty of $250.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5.0% ad valorem (5.0% × $5,000 USD = $250.00). It is crucial to note that specific duties based on weight may also apply in some jurisdictions, requiring careful examination of the tariff schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 521120?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 521120, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying textiles originating from Mexico or Canada can achieve duty-free status. For example, a bleached cotton fabric meeting the rules of origin under USMCA and originating from Mexico would be eligible for a 0% duty rate. Documentation required typically includes a USMCA certification of origin. Other agreements may offer reduced rates for specific countries, but USMCA is a prominent example for North American trade.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 521120 (cotton fabrics, bleached, of yarns of different colors, weighing more than 200 g/m²)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 521120 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with trade agreements. For example, goods 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 receive duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the origin of the goods to determine the applicable duty rate. Some specific trade agreements might have different rates, such as 8.4% or even 22.9% under certain circumstances or for specific origins not listed under the general preferential rates.
How is the import duty for HS 521120 calculated?
The import duty for HS code 521120 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 8.00% and the declared customs value of a shipment of bleached cotton fabric falling under this code is $10,000, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 8.00% (duty rate) = $800. Always ensure accurate valuation and correct application of the duty rate based on the origin of the goods.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 521120?
HS code 521120 specifically covers 'Cotton fabrics, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made staple fibres, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200 g/m².' The primary criteria are: 1. Material composition: Primarily cotton (less than 85% by weight), mixed mainly or solely with man-made staple fibers. 2. Yarn color: The yarns used must be of different colors. 3. Weight: The fabric must weigh more than 200 grams per square meter. 4. Treatment: The fabric must be bleached. If the fabric is not bleached, or if it contains a higher percentage of cotton, or if the yarns are not of different colors, or if it weighs 200 g/m² or less, it would be classified under a different HS code.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 521120?
To import goods classified under HS code 521120, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is often mandatory. The specific format and requirements for the COO will depend on the trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide evidence of the fabric's composition and bleaching status if requested by customs authorities.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 521120?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often including duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 521120. Examples include agreements with Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). These agreements typically require a valid Certificate of Origin to substantiate the preferential treatment. It is essential for importers and customs brokers to consult the specific terms of each trade agreement and ensure compliance with all origin and documentation requirements to benefit from reduced or eliminated duties.