HS 521139 Other fabrics
Quick Answer: Cotton fabrics, weighing more than 200 g/m², containing 85% or more cotton by weight, and not containing significant amounts of other fibers, enter the UK and EU at 8.00% ad valorem. In the US, duties for this category vary significantly, with the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate being 8.1% ad valorem, though some preferential trade agreements offer duty-free entry. This classification, HS 521139, specifically covers "other fabrics" within this weight and composition range that do not fall into more specific subheadings. Importers should consult specific trade agreements for potential duty reductions. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff information to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5211390000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5211390010 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5211390090 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5211390000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5211390010 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5211390090 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52113900 | 8.1% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5211390020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5211390040 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5211390060 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5211390090 | — | — | ["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 5211.39?
Imports of Other fabrics 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 521139 cover?
This subheading covers other woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, mixed principally or solely with man-made staple fibres, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m². According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to cotton-dominant blends where the cotton content is significant but not overwhelming, and the fabric is relatively heavy. For instance, a blend of 70% cotton and 30% polyester with a weight of 250 g/m² would typically fall here, provided it meets the "other" criteria after other more specific subheadings under 5211 are considered.
What falls outside HS 521139?
The following products are excluded from HS 521139: fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight (which would be classified under other subheadings of heading 5211 or heading 5209), fabrics weighing 200 g/m² or less, and fabrics where cotton is not the principal component or is not mixed principally or solely with man-made staple fibres. For example, a 50% cotton/50% wool blend fabric weighing 220 g/m² would be classified elsewhere, likely under Chapter 55 if man-made fibres are dominant, or under Chapter 51 if wool is dominant.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 521139?
A common error is misinterpreting the "less than 85% cotton by weight" criterion or the weight threshold of 200 g/m². Importers may incorrectly classify heavier fabrics as lighter ones or fail to accurately calculate the cotton percentage. Furthermore, overlooking the requirement for the fabric to be mixed principally or solely with man-made staple fibres can lead to misclassification. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) and Rule 3(b) are crucial for determining the essential character of the fabric when multiple components are present.
How should importers classify products under HS 521139?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 521139 involves a multi-step process. First, confirm the fabric is woven and composed of cotton. Second, determine the exact percentage of cotton by weight; it must be less than 85%. Third, verify that the remaining weight is comprised principally or solely of man-made staple fibres. Fourth, weigh the fabric to ensure it exceeds 200 g/m². Finally, consult the relevant national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC) to confirm that no more specific subheading applies.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 521139?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of a cotton-polyester blend fabric (70% cotton, 30% polyester, weighing 250 g/m²) declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem, the duty would be $275.00 ($5,000 USD × 0.055). This calculation is based on the declared customs value and the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 521139?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 521139, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for Free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for goods from member countries like Vietnam. Documentation typically required includes a USMCA certification of origin or a CPTPP certificate of origin, depending on the specific agreement and originating country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 521139?
The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 521139, which covers "Other fabrics, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours", is 8.00% ad valorem. This rate is applied to the declared customs value of the imported goods. For example, if the customs value of a shipment is $10,000, the MFN duty would be $800 ($10,000 × 0.08).
Are there preferential duty rates available for HS code 521139 under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS code 521139 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and other preferential trade programs. For instance, imports from 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 may be eligible for duty-free entry (Free). Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin requirements for the specific trade agreement and provide the necessary proof of origin documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What specific criteria determine if a fabric falls under HS code 521139?
HS code 521139 is for "Other fabrics, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours". The key classification criteria are: 1) The fabric must contain 85% or more by weight of cotton. 2) The fabric must be woven from yarns of different colors. This means the fabric's pattern is created by using yarns of distinct hues, rather than by printing or dyeing the fabric after weaving. If the fabric is made of cotton but uses yarns of the same color, or if it contains less than 85% cotton, it would be classified under a different HS code.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 521139?
Standard import documentation for HS code 521139 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) or other acceptable proof of origin, as stipulated by the specific trade agreement, is mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide fabric composition details and potentially samples if requested by customs authorities to verify the classification and origin.
How is the duty calculated for HS 521139 if the fabric is subject to a specific rate and a quantity-based component?
While the MFN rate for HS 521139 is primarily ad valorem (a percentage of the value), some specific trade agreements or specific country tariffs might introduce additional components or different calculation methods. However, for the standard MFN rate of 8.00% ad valorem, the calculation is straightforward: Duty = Customs Value × Duty Rate. For example, if a shipment of fabric valued at $5,000 is imported and the MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the duty would be $400 ($5,000 × 0.08). It is essential to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact duty calculation basis, which could include value, weight, or other metrics depending on the specific tariff line and trade context.