HS 521225 Printed
Quick Answer: Woven fabrics of cotton, other than unbleached or bleached, printed, imported under HS 521225 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US with rates varying significantly from Free to 68.5% depending on specific characteristics and origin. This classification specifically covers cotton fabrics that have undergone a printing process, distinguishing them from plain dyed or unfinished cotton textiles. Importers should carefully review the specific subheadings within each jurisdiction's tariff schedule, as the final duty rate in the US, in particular, can be highly variable. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate declaration and cost management.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5212250000 | — | — | — |
| 5212251000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212251011 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212251091 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212251099 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5212250000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212251000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212251099 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212259011 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 5212251011 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5212251020 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 52122510 | Free | — | — |
| 5212251010 | — | — | ["m²","kg"] |
| 521225 | — | — | — |
| 52122560 | Free | — | — |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 521225 cover?
This subheading covers woven fabrics of cotton, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m², which are printed. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes cotton fabrics that have undergone a printing process, imparting a design or pattern. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the printing must be a distinct feature, differentiating them from plain-dyed or undyed cotton textiles.
What falls outside HS 521225?
The following products are excluded from HS 521225: cotton fabrics that are not printed, such as plain weave, twill, or satin weaves that are uncolored or uniformly dyed. Also excluded are cotton fabrics weighing 200 g/m² or less, which are classified under other subheadings within heading 5212. Furthermore, fabrics made from cotton blends where cotton is not the predominant fiber, or those with additional finishing processes beyond simple printing that alter their fundamental character, will be classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 521225?
A common error is misinterpreting the "printed" criterion. Importers may incorrectly classify fabrics that have undergone other decorative treatments, such as embroidery or flocking, under this subheading. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 6 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Fabrics with complex finishing processes beyond simple printing require careful examination to ensure they meet the specific criteria of this subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 521225?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 521225 involves a multi-step process. First, confirm the material composition is predominantly cotton. Second, verify the fabric's weight exceeds 200 g/m². Third, ascertain that the fabric has been subjected to a printing process to impart a design. Importers and customs brokers should consult official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and potentially the WCO's Explanatory Notes for definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 521225?
A bolt of printed cotton fabric weighing 250 kg and declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD would attract a US duty of $375.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($2,500 USD × 0.15 = $375.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 521225.9000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 521225?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 521225, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The UK's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duties for goods from certain developing countries. Documentation required typically includes 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 typical import duty rates for HS code 521225 (Other woven fabrics of cotton, printed)?
Import duty rates for HS code 521225 vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 8.0% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. The EU's TARIC system and the UK's Trade Tariff also list specific rates, which can differ. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date duty rates.
How is the 'printed' designation determined for HS code 521225?
The 'printed' designation under HS code 521225 refers to woven fabrics of cotton where the printing is a permanent feature, intended to be part of the fabric's design. This typically involves methods like screen printing, roller printing, or digital printing. The printing must be substantial and not merely incidental or a temporary application. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide guidance on distinguishing printed fabrics from those that are dyed or otherwise colored.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 521225?
When importing goods under HS code 521225, standard import documentation is usually required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide a detailed description of the printing process and design to substantiate the classification.
How do trade agreements, such as the USMCA or EU trade deals, impact the duty calculation for HS code 521225?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for goods classified under HS code 521225 if the fabric meets the rules of origin specified in the agreement. For instance, under the USMCA, cotton fabrics may need to undergo specific manufacturing processes within the USMCA region to qualify for preferential treatment. Importers must obtain a valid certificate of origin and ensure the goods comply with all origin criteria to benefit from reduced duty rates.
Can you provide a concrete example of how import duty is calculated for HS code 521225?
Let's assume a shipment of 1,000 square meters of printed cotton fabric (HS 521225) with a declared value of $5,000 USD is imported into the United States. If the applicable MFN duty rate is 8.0% ad valorem, the duty calculation would be: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. In this case, Duty = $5,000 USD × 0.08 = $400 USD. If the tariff also included a specific duty component (e.g., per square meter), that would be calculated separately and the higher of the two duties (or a combination, depending on the tariff structure) would apply.