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HS-4 · Heading

5208Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m2

Chapter 52: Cotton

Plain-language overview

Use HS-4 5208 when importing woven cotton fabrics that contain 85% or more cotton and weigh no more than 200 g/m². For example, if you are bringing in unbleached cotton fabric in a plain weave that weighs 90 g/m², this heading applies.

Choosing among the HS-6 lines under 5208 depends on the fabric's weight and treatment. For instance, if your fabric is unbleached and weighs 95 g/m², you would classify it under 520811. However, if it weighs 150 g/m², it would fall under 520812 instead.

If your fabric is dyed, you would look at the HS-6 lines starting with 520831 for plain weave options. For example, a dyed fabric weighing 80 g/m² fits under 520831, while one weighing 120 g/m² would be classified under 520832.

Additionally, if your fabric features different colors or prints, you will need to consider the respective HS-6 codes such as 520841 for plain weave fabrics of different colored yarns weighing no more than 100 g/m².

Keywords & topics

Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.

HS-4 5208 · woven cotton fabrics · cotton fabric classification · HS-6 codes for cotton · unbleached cotton fabric · dyed cotton fabric · bleached cotton fabric · plain weave cotton · twill cotton fabric · printed cotton fabric · cotton fabric weight · different colored yarns cotton fabric

Examples

Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.

  • Unbleached plain weave cotton fabric, 90 g/m² - HS-6 520811
  • Bleached 3-thread twill cotton fabric, 150 g/m² - HS-6 520822
  • Dyed plain weave cotton fabric, 80 g/m² - HS-6 520831
  • Printed cotton fabric, 120 g/m² - HS-6 520852
  • Cotton fabric of different colored yarns, 95 g/m² - HS-6 520841
  • Unbleached cross twill cotton fabric, 200 g/m² - HS-6 520813
  • Bleached fabric with a weave not elsewhere classified, 100 g/m² - HS-6 520829

Common questions

Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.

What is HS-4 5208?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to classify woven cotton fabrics?

Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.

What are the HS-6 codes for cotton fabrics?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Is my cotton fabric unbleached or bleached?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How do I determine the weight of cotton fabric for HS classification?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What if my cotton fabric has a different weave?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Related topics

Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.

how to classify cotton fabrics under HS-4 5208

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

differences between unbleached and bleached cotton fabrics

Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.

choosing the right HS-6 code for cotton imports

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

understanding cotton fabric weights for customs

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

examples of cotton fabric classifications

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

requirements for importing woven cotton fabrics

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

impact of fabric weight on HS classification

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

guidelines for cotton fabric importers

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What types of cotton fabrics fall under HS-4 5208?
HS-4 5208 covers woven cotton fabrics containing 85% or more cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m², including unbleached, bleached, dyed, and printed options.
How do I choose between HS-6 codes for my cotton fabric?
Select the HS-6 code based on the fabric's weight, treatment (bleached, unbleached, dyed), and weave type. For example, unbleached plain weave fabrics under 100 g/m² fall under 520811.
What is the significance of fabric weight in classification?
Fabric weight is crucial in determining the correct HS-6 code. Fabrics weighing up to 100 g/m² have different classifications than those weighing between 100 g/m² and 200 g/m².
Can I classify a fabric with a unique weave under HS-4 5208?
Yes, as long as the fabric meets the cotton content and weight criteria, you can classify it under HS-4 5208, but you may need to use the 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere classified) codes for unique weaves.
What if my cotton fabric is printed?
Printed cotton fabrics also fall under HS-4 5208. You will need to choose the appropriate HS-6 code based on the weight and weave type, such as 520851 for printed plain weave fabrics under 100 g/m².
Are there any special regulations for importing cotton fabrics?
Yes, ensure compliance with any relevant trade regulations, including labeling, quality standards, and potential tariffs specific to cotton products.

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