Chapter 52 covers cotton and woven fabrics of cotton, including raw cotton, cotton waste, cotton carded or combed, cotton yarn, and woven fabrics of cotton. This chapter is a core chapter in the classification of textile raw materials and products, involving the complete industrial chain from cotton to finished fabric. Woven fabrics of cotton are further subdivided according to weaving method, bleaching status, weight, printing, etc., and are a key category of goods subject to supervision and statistics in international trade. Heading 5208 includes woven fabrics of cotton containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m². This heading is divided into multiple subheadings according to bleaching status, weave structure, and printing, covering different weaves such as plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave, as well as finishing processes such as bleaching, dyeing, and printing. 5208 is one of the most common headings in cotton fabric exports, applicable to lightweight cotton apparel fabrics and home textile fabrics. The first 2 digits 52 represent Chapter 52 (Cotton and woven fabrics of cotton); digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 5208, i.e., woven fabrics of cotton containing 85% or more cotton and weighing not more than 200 g/m²; digits 5-6, 59, represent subheading 5208.59, i.e., other printed woven fabrics of cotton. The 5th digit 5 indicates the printing process, and the 6th digit 9 indicates other specific varieties not elsewhere specified. The overall code 520859 precisely refers to woven fabrics of cotton containing 85% or more cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m², printed, and not elsewhere specified in other subheadings. The goods contain 85% or more cotton, weigh not more than 200 g/m², and have undergone printing, meeting the basic conditions of heading 5208. At the subheading level, 5208.5 represents printed cotton fabrics, and 5208.59 represents other printed cotton fabrics. If the weight exceeds 200 g, they should be classified under 5209; if the cotton content is less than 85%, they should be classified under 5210 or 5211; if they are bleached or dyed rather than printed, they should be classified under other subheadings of 5208.
Chapter
Chapter 52 covers cotton and woven fabrics of cotton, including raw cotton, cotton waste, cotton carded or combed, cotton yarn, and woven fabrics of cotton. This chapter is a core chapter in the classification of textile raw materials and products, involving the complete industrial chain from cotton to finished fabric. Woven fabrics of cotton are further subdivided according to weaving method, bleaching status, weight, printing, etc., and are a key category of goods subject to supervision and statistics in international trade.
Heading
Heading 5208 includes woven fabrics of cotton containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m². This heading is divided into multiple subheadings according to bleaching status, weave structure, and printing, covering different weaves such as plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave, as well as finishing processes such as bleaching, dyeing, and printing. 5208 is one of the most common headings in cotton fabric exports, applicable to lightweight cotton apparel fabrics and home textile fabrics.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 52 represent Chapter 52 (Cotton and woven fabrics of cotton); digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 5208, i.e., woven fabrics of cotton containing 85% or more cotton and weighing not more than 200 g/m²; digits 5-6, 59, represent subheading 5208.59, i.e., other printed woven fabrics of cotton. The 5th digit 5 indicates the printing process, and the 6th digit 9 indicates other specific varieties not elsewhere specified. The overall code 520859 precisely refers to woven fabrics of cotton containing 85% or more cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m², printed, and not elsewhere specified in other subheadings.
Classification Basis
The goods contain 85% or more cotton, weigh not more than 200 g/m², and have undergone printing, meeting the basic conditions of heading 5208. At the subheading level, 5208.5 represents printed cotton fabrics, and 5208.59 represents other printed cotton fabrics. If the weight exceeds 200 g, they should be classified under 5209; if the cotton content is less than 85%, they should be classified under 5210 or 5211; if they are bleached or dyed rather than printed, they should be classified under other subheadings of 5208.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Fill in the Chinese and English names of the commodity, which should accurately reflect the fabric's composition, process, and use, such as "printed cotton fabric" or "pure cotton printed fabric." Composition Content: Indicate the percentage of cotton content, which must be 85% or more. Other components (such as elastane) must also be listed to determine whether the heading requirements are met. Weight: Fill in the weight per square meter (g/m²), which must be not more than 200 g. This is the key indicator distinguishing 5208 from 5209, and a test report is required. Weaving Method: Explain the fabric's weave structure, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, etc., which affects subheading subdivision and must be consistent with the production process. Printing Process: Clearly state that it is a printed fabric and indicate the printing method (such as reactive printing or pigment printing) to distinguish it from dyed or yarn-dyed fabrics. Width: Fill in the fabric width (cm), which affects measurement and classification and must be consistent with the contract and invoice. Brand or Model: If there is a brand or model, it must be declared; if there is no brand, fill in "none." This is used for customs intellectual property protection and statistics. Use: Briefly describe the fabric's use, such as apparel fabric or home textiles, to assist customs in determining classification. Product Name: Pure cotton printed fabric; Composition Content: 100% cotton; Weight: 120 g/m²; Weaving Method: Plain weave; Printing Process: Reactive printing; Width: 150 cm; Brand: None; Use: Apparel fabric. Declared weight exceeds 200 g/m², but actual test result is not more than 200 g, leading to incorrect classification under 5209. Declared cotton content is 85% but actual content is 84%, should be classified under 5210 rather than 5208. Misreporting printed fabric as dyed fabric, leading to incorrect subheading, affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions.
Product Name
Fill in the Chinese and English names of the commodity, which should accurately reflect the fabric's composition, process, and use, such as "printed cotton fabric" or "pure cotton printed fabric."
⚠️ Writing only "cotton fabric" without indicating printing, or incorrectly writing "polyester-cotton fabric," leading to classification disputes.
Composition Content
Indicate the percentage of cotton content, which must be 85% or more. Other components (such as elastane) must also be listed to determine whether the heading requirements are met.
⚠️ Writing only "cotton" without a percentage, or omitting other fiber components, leading to misjudgment of cotton content.
Weight
Fill in the weight per square meter (g/m²), which must be not more than 200 g. This is the key indicator distinguishing 5208 from 5209, and a test report is required.
⚠️ Using the wrong unit for weight (such as ounces), or failing to provide measured weight, leading to classification errors.
Weaving Method
Explain the fabric's weave structure, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, etc., which affects subheading subdivision and must be consistent with the production process.
⚠️ Vaguely writing "woven" without specifying the weave, making it impossible to confirm the specific subheading.
Printing Process
Clearly state that it is a printed fabric and indicate the printing method (such as reactive printing or pigment printing) to distinguish it from dyed or yarn-dyed fabrics.
⚠️ Misreporting printed fabric as dyed, or failing to indicate printing, leading to classification under other subheadings.
Width
Fill in the fabric width (cm), which affects measurement and classification and must be consistent with the contract and invoice.
⚠️ Confusing width units (such as writing inches), or failing to provide width data.
Brand or Model
If there is a brand or model, it must be declared; if there is no brand, fill in "none." This is used for customs intellectual property protection and statistics.
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, leading to infringement risks or statistical errors.
Use
Briefly describe the fabric's use, such as apparel fabric or home textiles, to assist customs in determining classification.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as "used to make textiles," lacking specificity.
Declared weight exceeds 200 g/m², but actual test result is not more than 200 g, leading to incorrect classification under 5209.
Declared cotton content is 85% but actual content is 84%, should be classified under 5210 rather than 5208.
Misreporting printed fabric as dyed fabric, leading to incorrect subheading, affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) cotton content 85% or more; 2) weight per square meter not more than 200 g; 3) printed; 4) woven fabric. All four conditions must be met simultaneously to classify under 520859. If cotton content is less than 85%, classify under 5210 or 5211; if weight exceeds 200 g, classify under 5209; if not printed (bleached or dyed), classify under other subheadings of 5208. In addition, the fabric's weave structure must also be considered, but 520859 is a residual subheading for "other" printed fabrics, covering varieties not specifically listed. 520852 Printed plain weave cotton fabric, containing 85% or more cotton, weight not more than 200 g: 520852 specifically refers to printed plain weave cotton fabric, while 520859 covers other printed cotton fabrics (such as twill, satin, etc.). If the fabric is plain weave, it should preferentially be classified under 520852. 520859 Other printed cotton fabrics, containing 85% or more cotton, weight not more than 200 g: This code is a residual subheading applicable to printed cotton fabrics that are not plain weave, not twill weave, etc., and not elsewhere specified. It must be confirmed that the goods do not fall under other specific subheadings. 520951 Printed cotton fabrics, containing 85% or more cotton, weight more than 200 g: 520951 belongs to heading 5209, with weight exceeding 200 g/m², while 520859 has a weight of not more than 200 g/m². Weight is the core distinguishing point. 521059 Other printed cotton fabrics, containing less than 85% cotton, weight not more than 200 g: 521059 has a cotton content of less than 85%, usually blended with synthetic fibers, while 520859 requires cotton content of 85% or more. Composition difference is the key. 520859 Other printed cotton fabrics, containing 85% or more cotton, weight not more than 200 g: Compared with 520851 (printed plain weave fabric, weight not more than 100 g), 520859 has no lower weight limit, but note that if the weight is not more than 100 g and it is plain weave, it should be classified under 520851. Confirm cotton content is 85% or more and provide a test report. Measured weight is not more than 200 g/m², with accurate units. Verify the printing process; it is not dyed or yarn-dyed. Confirm the fabric is woven, not knitted or crocheted. Check whether it falls under a more specific subheading (such as plain weave, twill weave, etc.).
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) cotton content 85% or more; 2) weight per square meter not more than 200 g; 3) printed; 4) woven fabric. All four conditions must be met simultaneously to classify under 520859. If cotton content is less than 85%, classify under 5210 or 5211; if weight exceeds 200 g, classify under 5209; if not printed (bleached or dyed), classify under other subheadings of 5208. In addition, the fabric's weave structure must also be considered, but 520859 is a residual subheading for "other" printed fabrics, covering varieties not specifically listed.
Confused Codes:
520852 - Printed plain weave cotton fabric, containing 85% or more cotton, weight not more than 200 g
520852 specifically refers to printed plain weave cotton fabric, while 520859 covers other printed cotton fabrics (such as twill, satin, etc.). If the fabric is plain weave, it should preferentially be classified under 520852.
520859 - Other printed cotton fabrics, containing 85% or more cotton, weight not more than 200 g
This code is a residual subheading applicable to printed cotton fabrics that are not plain weave, not twill weave, etc., and not elsewhere specified. It must be confirmed that the goods do not fall under other specific subheadings.
520951 - Printed cotton fabrics, containing 85% or more cotton, weight more than 200 g
520951 belongs to heading 5209, with weight exceeding 200 g/m², while 520859 has a weight of not more than 200 g/m². Weight is the core distinguishing point.
521059 - Other printed cotton fabrics, containing less than 85% cotton, weight not more than 200 g
521059 has a cotton content of less than 85%, usually blended with synthetic fibers, while 520859 requires cotton content of 85% or more. Composition difference is the key.
520859 - Other printed cotton fabrics, containing 85% or more cotton, weight not more than 200 g
Compared with 520851 (printed plain weave fabric, weight not more than 100 g), 520859 has no lower weight limit, but note that if the weight is not more than 100 g and it is plain weave, it should be classified under 520851.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm cotton content is 85% or more and provide a test report.
✓ Measured weight is not more than 200 g/m², with accurate units.
✓ Verify the printing process; it is not dyed or yarn-dyed.
✓ Confirm the fabric is woven, not knitted or crocheted.
✓ Check whether it falls under a more specific subheading (such as plain weave, twill weave, etc.).
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 520859? You can check through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement (such as RCEP), and annual adjustments. It is recommended to rely on the latest tariff schedule or consult a professional customs broker. Under which code should printed fabric containing 85% cotton but weighing 210 g/m² be classified? If the weight exceeds 200 g/m², it should be classified under heading 5209. The specific subheading must be further determined based on printing and structure, such as 520951 (printed plain weave fabric, weight more than 200 g). What is the difference in classification between printed cotton fabric and dyed cotton fabric? Printing and dyeing are different finishing processes, and they are classified under different subheadings. Printed fabrics are classified under 5208.5, while dyed fabrics are classified under 5208.3 or 5208.4. Process documentation must be provided during declaration to avoid confusion. What is the main difference between 520859 and 520852? 520852 specifically refers to printed plain weave cotton fabric, while 520859 covers other printed cotton fabrics (such as twill, satin, etc.). If the fabric is plain weave, it should preferentially be classified under 520852, unless weight or other conditions do not meet the requirements. Is a weight tolerance allowed during declaration? Customs relies on actual testing, and a reasonable tolerance is usually allowed. However, if the difference between declared and measured weight leads to a change in classification (such as at the 200 g threshold), it may be deemed inaccurate declaration. It is recommended to provide a third-party test report. Can printed fabric containing 85% cotton blended with 5% elastane be classified under 520859? Yes, as long as the cotton content is 85% or more, other fibers total 15% or less, and the weight is not more than 200 g, it is still classified under 5208. However, note that elastane may affect fabric elasticity; classification is still based primarily on cotton. What certifications are required for 520859 cotton fabric exported to the EU? The EU has REACH regulations, labeling requirements, etc., for textiles, and compliance with hazardous substance restrictions must be ensured. In addition, certifications such as OEKO-TEX may be required. Specific requirements are subject to the regulations of EU member states. If printed cotton fabric is used to make handkerchiefs, does the classification change? If made into finished handkerchiefs, they should be classified under 6213 (handkerchiefs); if they are piece goods, they remain classified under 520859. Classification depends on the degree of processing; finished products and semi-finished products have different codes.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 520859?
A: You can check through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement (such as RCEP), and annual adjustments. It is recommended to rely on the latest tariff schedule or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: Under which code should printed fabric containing 85% cotton but weighing 210 g/m² be classified?
A: If the weight exceeds 200 g/m², it should be classified under heading 5209. The specific subheading must be further determined based on printing and structure, such as 520951 (printed plain weave fabric, weight more than 200 g).
Q: What is the difference in classification between printed cotton fabric and dyed cotton fabric?
A: Printing and dyeing are different finishing processes, and they are classified under different subheadings. Printed fabrics are classified under 5208.5, while dyed fabrics are classified under 5208.3 or 5208.4. Process documentation must be provided during declaration to avoid confusion.
Q: What is the main difference between 520859 and 520852?
A: 520852 specifically refers to printed plain weave cotton fabric, while 520859 covers other printed cotton fabrics (such as twill, satin, etc.). If the fabric is plain weave, it should preferentially be classified under 520852, unless weight or other conditions do not meet the requirements.
Q: Is a weight tolerance allowed during declaration?
A: Customs relies on actual testing, and a reasonable tolerance is usually allowed. However, if the difference between declared and measured weight leads to a change in classification (such as at the 200 g threshold), it may be deemed inaccurate declaration. It is recommended to provide a third-party test report.
Q: Can printed fabric containing 85% cotton blended with 5% elastane be classified under 520859?
A: Yes, as long as the cotton content is 85% or more, other fibers total 15% or less, and the weight is not more than 200 g, it is still classified under 5208. However, note that elastane may affect fabric elasticity; classification is still based primarily on cotton.
Q: What certifications are required for 520859 cotton fabric exported to the EU?
A: The EU has REACH regulations, labeling requirements, etc., for textiles, and compliance with hazardous substance restrictions must be ensured. In addition, certifications such as OEKO-TEX may be required. Specific requirements are subject to the regulations of EU member states.
Q: If printed cotton fabric is used to make handkerchiefs, does the classification change?
A: If made into finished handkerchiefs, they should be classified under 6213 (handkerchiefs); if they are piece goods, they remain classified under 520859. Classification depends on the degree of processing; finished products and semi-finished products have different codes.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.