HS 521215 Printed
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of cotton, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², printed, imported under HS 521215, enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with a wide range of rates, including Free for certain preferential trade agreements and up to 68.5% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification specifically applies to cotton fabrics that have undergone a printing process, distinguishing them from unprinted or otherwise finished cotton textiles. Importers should carefully verify the specific MFN or preferential duty rate applicable to their origin country in the US tariff schedule. Exporters and customs brokers must ensure accurate documentation to support any claimed preferential treatment. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5212150000 | — | — | — |
| 5212151000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212151099 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212159000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212159011 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5212151019 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212151091 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212151099 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212159011 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212159091 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52121510 | Free | — | — |
| 5212151010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 5212151020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 521215 | — | — | — |
| 52121560 | 7.8% | Free (14 programs) | — |
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 5212.15?
Imports of Printed 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 521215 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², printed, and not containing synthetic or artificial fibres. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, "printed" refers to fabrics that have undergone a printing process to impart a design or pattern. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification is for cotton fabrics exceeding 200 g/m² that have been printed, excluding those with added synthetic or artificial fibres.
What falls outside HS 521215?
The following products are excluded from HS 521215: woven cotton fabrics weighing 200 g/m² or less, unprinted cotton fabrics exceeding 200 g/m², cotton fabrics containing synthetic or artificial fibres, and fabrics made from other textile materials. For example, printed cotton fabrics weighing 180 g/m² would typically be classified under HS 521214, while printed blends of cotton and polyester exceeding 200 g/m² would fall under HS 5513.49.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 521215?
A common error is misinterpreting the weight threshold of 200 g/m² or failing to correctly identify the presence of synthetic or artificial fibres. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly classify printed cotton fabrics below this weight threshold under 521215, or overlook small percentages of synthetic fibres, leading to misclassification under HS Chapter 55.
How should importers classify products under HS 521215?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 521215 involves a multi-step process. First, determine the fibre content, confirming it is 100% cotton. Second, verify the fabric construction is woven. Third, accurately measure the weight per square meter, ensuring it exceeds 200 g/m². Finally, confirm that the fabric has undergone a printing process. Consulting the WCO HS Nomenclature and relevant national tariff schedules, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 521215?
A printed cotton sheeting fabric weighing 250 g/m², measuring 10 square meters, and declared at a customs value of $100 USD would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 1.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 1.5% of $100 USD = $1.50. However, if the fabric were subject to a specific duty, for example, $0.15 per square meter, the duty would be $1.50 (0.15/m² × 10 m²). For this example, let's assume a specific duty of $0.15 per square meter.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 521215?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 521215, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from certain developing countries, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free rates. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 521215, covering "Printed" woven fabrics of cotton, not less than 70% cotton by weight, weighing more than 200 g/m², for the United States?
For imports into the United States, the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 521215 is 8.00% ad valorem. Preferential rates may apply under Free Trade Agreements. 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 the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA) may receive duty-free treatment (Free). It is crucial to verify the specific origin and eligibility under the relevant trade agreement.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 521215 if imported into the U.S. with a value of $10,000?
The duty is calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if 1,000 square meters of printed cotton fabric (HS 521215) are imported with a declared value of $10,000, and the MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the duty amount would be calculated as: 8.00% of $10,000 = $800.00. The importer or customs broker must ensure the declared value is accurate and supported by commercial documentation.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 521215?
HS code 521215 specifically covers woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% cotton by weight, but mixed, mainly or solely with man-made staple fibres, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², and which are PRINTED. The critical elements for classification are: 1) The fabric must be of cotton, but not exceeding 85% by weight. 2) It must be mixed, mainly or solely, with man-made staple fibers. 3) The fabric's weight must exceed 200 grams per square meter. 4) The fabric must be PRINTED. The printing process is a key differentiator from other subheadings within 5212.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 521215 into the United States?
For HS code 521215, standard import documentation for the U.S. includes a Commercial Invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a Packing List specifying the contents of each package; and a Bill of Lading or Air Waybill as the transport document. Crucially, importers must be prepared to provide proof of origin if claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement. This often involves a Certificate of Origin or a declaration on the commercial invoice, depending on the specific agreement requirements. The fabric composition and printing process should be clearly described to support the HS classification.
Are there specific trade agreements that offer reduced or duty-free entry for HS code 521215 into the U.S. market?
Yes, several trade agreements can provide preferential treatment for goods classified under HS code 521215. As indicated by the 'Free (AU,BH,CL,CO,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' rates, goods originating from countries like Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, Oman, Peru, and Singapore may enter the U.S. duty-free if they meet the rules of origin under their respective Free Trade Agreements (e.g., US-Chile FTA, US-Korea FTA). Additionally, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) provides preferential treatment for goods originating from Mexico and Canada. Importers must ensure they have the correct documentation to substantiate the origin claim for each shipment.