What is HS-4 5209 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
5209 — Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing more than 200g/m2
Chapter 52: Cotton
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 5209 when importing woven cotton fabrics that contain 85% or more cotton by weight and weigh over 200g/m2. For example, if you're importing unbleached plain weave cotton fabric for apparel, this heading applies.
Choosing the correct HS-6 line under this heading depends on the fabric's treatment and weave type. If your fabric is unbleached and plain woven, select HS-6 520911. For unbleached fabrics with a 3-thread or 4-thread twill weave, use HS-6 520912.
If your cotton fabric is bleached, you’ll need to look at the lines starting with HS-6 520921 for plain weave or HS-6 520922 for 3-thread or 4-thread twill. The distinction between bleached and unbleached is crucial for accurate classification.
For dyed fabrics, consider HS-6 520931 for plain weave or HS-6 520932 for twill. If your fabric features different colored yarns, you would use HS-6 520941 for plain weave or HS-6 520942 specifically for denim.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
HS-4 5209 · woven cotton fabrics · import cotton fabric · HS-6 subheadings · bleached cotton fabric · unbleached cotton fabric · dyed cotton fabric · plain weave cotton · twill cotton fabric · printed cotton fabric · fabrics over 200g/m2 · cotton fabric classification · cotton fabric import codes · HS codes for cotton · cotton fabric weight
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 for shirts (HS-6 520911)
- Bleached 3-thread twill cotton fabric for trousers (HS-6 520922)
- Dyed cotton fabric for dresses (HS-6 520931)
- Printed denim fabric for jackets (HS-6 520942)
- Cotton fabric of different colored yarns for quilts (HS-6 520941)
- Unbleached cross twill cotton fabric for upholstery (HS-6 520912)
- Bleached printed cotton fabric for home textiles (HS-6 520959)
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How do I classify cotton fabrics for import?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the different HS-6 codes under HS-4 5209?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Is my cotton fabric bleached or unbleached?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to 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 is the difference between plain weave and twill in cotton fabrics?
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 woven cotton fabrics for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
choosing the right HS-6 code for cotton fabric
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
understanding unbleached vs bleached cotton fabrics
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
importing dyed cotton fabrics with HS codes
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
weight requirements for cotton fabric classification
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
examples of cotton fabrics under HS-4 5209
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
how to identify plain weave and twill cotton fabrics
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
differences between printed and unprinted cotton fabrics
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of cotton fabrics are covered under HS-4 5209?
- HS-4 5209 covers woven cotton fabrics containing 85% or more cotton, weighing more than 200g/m2, including unbleached, bleached, dyed, and printed varieties.
- How do I know if my cotton fabric is bleached or unbleached?
- Bleached cotton fabrics appear whiter and have a smoother texture, while unbleached fabrics retain a natural color and may have a rougher texture.
- What is the significance of the weight requirement in HS-4 5209?
- The weight requirement of over 200g/m2 helps differentiate heavier, more durable fabrics suitable for various applications from lighter cotton fabrics.
- Can I use the same HS code for different fabric weaves?
- No, different weaves like plain, twill, or other types require specific HS-6 codes under HS-4 5209 to ensure accurate classification.
- What if my cotton fabric does not fit neatly into one of the HS-6 categories?
- If your fabric has unique characteristics, you may need to refer to the 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere classified) options in the HS-6 codes for proper classification.
- How can I find the right HS-6 code for my imported cotton fabric?
- Review the specific characteristics of your fabric, such as weight, weave type, and treatment (bleached, dyed), to select the appropriate HS-6 code.
Continue classification
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HS-6 subheadings (16)
- 520911Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520912Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520919Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, unbleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.1, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520921Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520922Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520929Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, bleached, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.2, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520931Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520932Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520939Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.3, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520941Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520942Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2, denim
- 520943Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520949Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.4, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520951Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain weave, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520952Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, 3-thread or 4-thread twill, including cross twill, weighing more than 200g/m2
- 520959Fabrics, woven; containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.5, weighing more than 200g/m2