HS 521212 Bleached
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, of a weight exceeding 200g/m², bleached, imported under HS 521212 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at 16.5% under the MFN rate. This classification specifically applies to bleached woven cotton fabrics that are not primarily composed of cotton and exceed a certain weight threshold. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate difference in the US compared to the EU and UK. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5212129010 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212120000 | — | — | — |
| 5212121000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212121010 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212121090 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5212120000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212121000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212121010 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212129000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212129090 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52121210 | 16.5% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5212121020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5212121010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 52121260 | 7.8% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5212126010 | — | — | ["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 5212.12?
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 521212 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed primarily or solely with man-made staple fibres, which are bleached. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to fabrics that have undergone a bleaching process to remove natural colouration. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key criteria are the cotton content (less than 85%), the primary admixture (man-made staple fibres), and the bleaching treatment.
What falls outside HS 521212?
The following products are excluded from HS 521212: woven fabrics of cotton containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, regardless of bleaching status; fabrics that are not bleached; fabrics that are dyed, printed, or otherwise coloured; and fabrics composed of different fibre mixtures not primarily with man-made staple fibres. For instance, a bleached 100% cotton sheeting would fall under a different subheading within Chapter 52, and a bleached polyester-cotton blend with less than 85% cotton but dyed would be classified elsewhere, likely in Chapter 55.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 521212?
A common error is misinterpreting the "less than 85% by weight of cotton" criterion, leading to the classification of fabrics that should be under headings for higher cotton content. Another frequent mistake involves overlooking the "bleached" requirement, classifying unbleached or dyed fabrics under this code. Furthermore, confusion can arise regarding the primary admixture; if the fabric is primarily mixed with fibres other than man-made staple fibres, it would not fall under this specific subheading, potentially violating General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures.
How should importers classify products under HS 521212?
The correct procedure for classifying woven cotton-blend fabrics under HS 521212 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first determine the exact fibre composition by weight, ensuring cotton is less than 85%. Second, they must confirm that the primary admixture is man-made staple fibres. Third, they need to verify that the fabric has undergone a bleaching process. Consulting the product's technical specifications, mill certificates, and the relevant national tariff schedules, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 521212?
A bolt of bleached cotton-rayon blend fabric weighing 100 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $75.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for a similar fabric, which might be 15% ad valorem. Therefore, the duty is $500 USD (declared value) × 0.15 (15% MFN rate) = $75.00 USD. This calculation assumes the fabric meets all criteria for classification under the relevant HTS subheading.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 521212?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 521212, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) can also provide preferential rates, often Free, for 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 originating country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 521212, specifically for 'Bleached' fabrics?
For HS code 521212, which covers 'Other woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing more than 200 g/m²', the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available for countries with trade agreements. For example, under certain agreements, the rate might be Free (AU, BH, CL, CO, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to the country of origin. USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database are authoritative sources for this information.
How is the duty calculated for HS 521212, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 521212 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 you import 1,000 square meters of bleached cotton fabric valued at $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: $5,000 (value) × 8.00% (duty rate) = $400 USD. Always ensure your customs value is accurate and supported by commercial documentation like the invoice and bill of lading.
What specific classification criteria distinguish HS 521212 ('Bleached') from other cotton woven fabrics?
HS code 521212 falls under 'Other woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing more than 200 g/m²'. The 'Bleached' designation within this code refers to cotton fabrics that have undergone a bleaching process to remove natural colorants, resulting in a white or off-white appearance. Key classification criteria include: 1) Fiber content (85% or more cotton), 2) Weave type (not specifically defined by weave, hence 'other'), 3) Weight (exceeding 200 g/m²), and 4) Processing status (bleached). Importers must ensure their goods meet all these criteria. The WCO's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on fabric classifications.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 521212?
To import goods classified under HS code 521212, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, for preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin is usually mandatory, demonstrating that the goods originate from a country with which the importing country has a trade agreement. Specific textile declarations or certifications might also be required depending on the importing country's regulations and the nature of the fabric. Always verify the exact requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
Which common trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 521212?
Several trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for HS code 521212. For instance, the United States has agreements like the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and agreements with countries such as 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, which may offer preferential or free entry for qualifying goods. The European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and its various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) also impact rates for member states. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of their importing country and the relevant trade agreement text to confirm eligibility and required proof of origin.