Chapter 52 covers cotton and cotton textiles, including raw cotton, cotton waste, cotton carded or combed, cotton yarn, and cotton woven fabrics. This chapter is one of the core chapters on textiles, involving the complete industrial chain from raw materials to finished products. Cotton fabrics are further subdivided according to cotton content, blended composition, weaving method, weight, and dyeing and finishing processes, making this a high-frequency chapter for customs declaration and classification in international trade. Heading 5210 covers cotton woven fabrics containing less than 85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres. Fabrics under this heading are typically lighter in weight and are suitable for applications such as apparel and home textiles. They are further divided into subheadings according to dyeing and finishing processes (bleaching, dyeing, yarn-dyed, etc.) and weight, making this an important classification node for cotton blended fabrics. The first 2 digits, 52, represent Chapter 52 (Cotton and cotton textiles). Digits 3-4, 10, represent heading 5210, namely cotton woven fabrics containing less than 85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres. Digits 5-6, 31, represent subheading 521031, specifically dyed plain weave fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m². The 5th digit, 3, indicates dyed (as opposed to bleached, yarn-dyed, etc.), and the 6th digit, 1, indicates plain weave and weight ≤200 g/m². This code precisely identifies the product attributes: blended, dyed, plain weave, light weight. This product contains less than 85% cotton and is mixed with man-made fibres, meeting the scope of heading 5210. At the same time, it is a dyed plain weave fabric weighing ≤200 g/m², so it is classified under subheading 521031. If the cotton content were ≥85%, it should be classified under heading 5208; if it were bleached or yarn-dyed, it would be classified under other subheadings under 5210; if the weight were >200 g/m², it would be classified under other subheadings under 5210.
Chapter
Chapter 52 covers cotton and cotton textiles, including raw cotton, cotton waste, cotton carded or combed, cotton yarn, and cotton woven fabrics. This chapter is one of the core chapters on textiles, involving the complete industrial chain from raw materials to finished products. Cotton fabrics are further subdivided according to cotton content, blended composition, weaving method, weight, and dyeing and finishing processes, making this a high-frequency chapter for customs declaration and classification in international trade.
Heading
Heading 5210 covers cotton woven fabrics containing less than 85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres. Fabrics under this heading are typically lighter in weight and are suitable for applications such as apparel and home textiles. They are further divided into subheadings according to dyeing and finishing processes (bleaching, dyeing, yarn-dyed, etc.) and weight, making this an important classification node for cotton blended fabrics.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits, 52, represent Chapter 52 (Cotton and cotton textiles). Digits 3-4, 10, represent heading 5210, namely cotton woven fabrics containing less than 85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres. Digits 5-6, 31, represent subheading 521031, specifically dyed plain weave fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m². The 5th digit, 3, indicates dyed (as opposed to bleached, yarn-dyed, etc.), and the 6th digit, 1, indicates plain weave and weight ≤200 g/m². This code precisely identifies the product attributes: blended, dyed, plain weave, light weight.
Classification Basis
This product contains less than 85% cotton and is mixed with man-made fibres, meeting the scope of heading 5210. At the same time, it is a dyed plain weave fabric weighing ≤200 g/m², so it is classified under subheading 521031. If the cotton content were ≥85%, it should be classified under heading 5208; if it were bleached or yarn-dyed, it would be classified under other subheadings under 5210; if the weight were >200 g/m², it would be classified under other subheadings under 5210.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: It should be described in detail as "dyed cotton plain weave fabric," and the cotton content, blend composition, and weight should be stated, avoiding the general term "cotton cloth." Composition content: The specific percentages of cotton and man-made fibres must be clearly stated, such as "60% cotton, 40% polyester," and it must be ensured that the cotton content is <85%. Weight: Declare the weight per square meter in g/m², and it must be ≤200 g, such as "150 g/m²." Weaving method: Clearly state plain weave, and an additional explanation of the warp and weft interlacement may be provided. Dyeing and finishing process: State "dyed," distinguishing it from bleached, yarn-dyed, printed, etc. Width: Declare the fabric width in centimeters, such as "150 cm," which affects classification and tariffs. Brand and model: If there is a brand or model, declare it truthfully; if there is no brand, fill in "none." Use: Briefly describe the main use, such as "for apparel manufacturing," to assist customs in making a determination. Product name: dyed cotton plain weave fabric; composition content: 60% cotton, 40% polyester; weight: 150 g/m²; weaving method: plain weave; dyeing and finishing process: dyed; width: 150 cm; brand: none; model: none; use: for apparel manufacturing. Incorrectly classifying fabric with cotton content ≥85% under this code, when it should actually be classified under 5208. Ignoring the weight limit and incorrectly classifying dyed plain weave blended fabric >200 g/m² under this code. Declaring yarn-dyed fabric as dyed fabric, resulting in an incorrect subheading.
Product name
It should be described in detail as "dyed cotton plain weave fabric," and the cotton content, blend composition, and weight should be stated, avoiding the general term "cotton cloth."
⚠️ Writing only "cotton cloth" or "blended fabric," without specifying key information such as dyed and plain weave.
Composition content
The specific percentages of cotton and man-made fibres must be clearly stated, such as "60% cotton, 40% polyester," and it must be ensured that the cotton content is <85%.
⚠️ Writing only "cotton-polyester blend" without listing proportions, or incorrectly declaring cotton content ≥85%.
Weight
Declare the weight per square meter in g/m², and it must be ≤200 g, such as "150 g/m²."
⚠️ Failing to declare weight or using the wrong unit, such as writing "150 grams."
Weaving method
Clearly state plain weave, and an additional explanation of the warp and weft interlacement may be provided.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring twill or satin weave, resulting in classification errors.
Dyeing and finishing process
State "dyed," distinguishing it from bleached, yarn-dyed, printed, etc.
⚠️ Declaring yarn-dyed fabric as dyed fabric, or omitting the dyeing and finishing status.
Width
Declare the fabric width in centimeters, such as "150 cm," which affects classification and tariffs.
⚠️ Failing to declare width or using the wrong unit.
Brand and model
If there is a brand or model, declare it truthfully; if there is no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Omitting the brand or model, leading to customs queries.
Use
Briefly describe the main use, such as "for apparel manufacturing," to assist customs in making a determination.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "for textiles."
Incorrectly classifying fabric with cotton content ≥85% under this code, when it should actually be classified under 5208.
Ignoring the weight limit and incorrectly classifying dyed plain weave blended fabric >200 g/m² under this code.
Declaring yarn-dyed fabric as dyed fabric, resulting in an incorrect subheading.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) cotton content <85%; 2) mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres; 3) plain weave; 4) dyed; 5) weight ≤200 g/m². All of these conditions must be met simultaneously to classify under 521031. If the cotton content is ≥85%, classify under 5208; if it is bleached or yarn-dyed, classify under other subheadings under 5210; if the weight is >200 g/m², classify under other subheadings under 5210. 520831 Dyed plain weave cotton fabric, containing ≥85% cotton, weight ≤200 g/m²: Different cotton content: 520831 requires cotton content ≥85%, while 521031 requires cotton content <85% and blending with man-made fibres. 521032 Dyed twill weave cotton fabric, containing <85% cotton, blended with man-made fibres, weight ≤200 g/m²: Different weaving method: 521032 is twill weave, while 521031 is plain weave. 521039 Other dyed cotton woven fabrics, containing <85% cotton, blended with man-made fibres, weight ≤200 g/m²: Different weaving method: 521039 covers fabrics other than plain weave and twill weave, such as satin weave. 521041 Yarn-dyed plain weave cotton fabric, containing <85% cotton, blended with man-made fibres, weight ≤200 g/m²: Different dyeing and finishing process: 521041 is yarn-dyed, while 521031 is dyed. Is the cotton content <85%? Is it mixed mainly with man-made fibres? Is it plain weave? Is it dyed (not bleached or yarn-dyed)? Is the weight ≤200 g/m²?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) cotton content <85%; 2) mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres; 3) plain weave; 4) dyed; 5) weight ≤200 g/m². All of these conditions must be met simultaneously to classify under 521031. If the cotton content is ≥85%, classify under 5208; if it is bleached or yarn-dyed, classify under other subheadings under 5210; if the weight is >200 g/m², classify under other subheadings under 5210.
Different dyeing and finishing process: 521041 is yarn-dyed, while 521031 is dyed.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the cotton content <85%?
✓ Is it mixed mainly with man-made fibres?
✓ Is it plain weave?
✓ Is it dyed (not bleached or yarn-dyed)?
✓ Is the weight ≤200 g/m²?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for 521031? You can check the latest import tariff, value-added tax, and consumption tax (if applicable) by entering HS code 521031 on the General Administration of Customs official website, China International Trade Single Window, or a professional tariff query tool. Note that tariff rates may change due to trade agreements and different countries of origin, so it is advisable to rely on official real-time data. Under which code should dyed plain weave blended fabric with exactly 85% cotton content be classified? A cotton content of 85% is the threshold. According to HS rules, dyed plain weave cotton fabric containing ≥85% cotton should be classified under 5208, not 5210. 5210 requires cotton content <85%. Therefore, fabric with 85% cotton content, if blended with man-made fibres, should be classified under the corresponding subheading under 5208. How are dyed and yarn-dyed distinguished? Dyed means dyeing the fabric after weaving; yarn-dyed means dyeing the yarn first and then weaving. The two belong to different subheadings for classification purposes. When declaring, a process description must be provided, and customs may inspect whether the warp and weft yarns of the fabric are the same color to make a determination. If the weight is exactly 200 g/m², can it be classified under 521031? Yes. Subheading 521031 requires weight ≤200 g/m², so 200 g/m² meets the condition. However, note that if the weight is >200 g/m², it cannot be classified under this code and should be classified under other subheadings under 5210 (such as 521039, etc.). How can plain weave and twill weave be proven during customs declaration? This can be shown by providing a fabric structure diagram, test report, or sample to demonstrate the warp and weft interlacement pattern. Plain weave is a one-up, one-down interlacement of warp and weft yarns, while twill weave is formed by interlacing two or more consecutive warp and weft yarns to create diagonal lines. Customs may require laboratory testing. Does the type of blended man-made fibre affect classification? Heading 5210 only requires "mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres" and does not limit the specific type of man-made fibre (such as polyester, nylon, etc.). Therefore, as long as man-made fibre is the main blending component, the specific type does not affect classification under 521031, but the name and proportion of the man-made fibre must be listed when declaring. If the fabric is printed, can it still be classified under 521031? No. 521031 specifically refers to dyed plain weave fabric. If it is printed, it should be classified under the printed subheadings under 5210 (such as 521051, etc.). The dyeing and finishing process is the key basis for subheading division, and it must be accurately described when declaring. What should be noted when cross-border e-commerce retail exports involve goods under this code? It is necessary to ensure that the declared information is consistent with the actual goods, especially composition, weight, and weaving method. Cross-border e-commerce often uses simplified declaration, but customs may still inspect. It is advisable to retain test reports and process sheets to respond to classification disputes. At the same time, pay attention to export tax rebate policies, as this code may be eligible for tax rebates.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 521031?
A: You can check the latest import tariff, value-added tax, and consumption tax (if applicable) by entering HS code 521031 on the General Administration of Customs official website, China International Trade Single Window, or a professional tariff query tool. Note that tariff rates may change due to trade agreements and different countries of origin, so it is advisable to rely on official real-time data.
Q: Under which code should dyed plain weave blended fabric with exactly 85% cotton content be classified?
A: A cotton content of 85% is the threshold. According to HS rules, dyed plain weave cotton fabric containing ≥85% cotton should be classified under 5208, not 5210. 5210 requires cotton content <85%. Therefore, fabric with 85% cotton content, if blended with man-made fibres, should be classified under the corresponding subheading under 5208.
Q: How are dyed and yarn-dyed distinguished?
A: Dyed means dyeing the fabric after weaving; yarn-dyed means dyeing the yarn first and then weaving. The two belong to different subheadings for classification purposes. When declaring, a process description must be provided, and customs may inspect whether the warp and weft yarns of the fabric are the same color to make a determination.
Q: If the weight is exactly 200 g/m², can it be classified under 521031?
A: Yes. Subheading 521031 requires weight ≤200 g/m², so 200 g/m² meets the condition. However, note that if the weight is >200 g/m², it cannot be classified under this code and should be classified under other subheadings under 5210 (such as 521039, etc.).
Q: How can plain weave and twill weave be proven during customs declaration?
A: This can be shown by providing a fabric structure diagram, test report, or sample to demonstrate the warp and weft interlacement pattern. Plain weave is a one-up, one-down interlacement of warp and weft yarns, while twill weave is formed by interlacing two or more consecutive warp and weft yarns to create diagonal lines. Customs may require laboratory testing.
Q: Does the type of blended man-made fibre affect classification?
A: Heading 5210 only requires "mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres" and does not limit the specific type of man-made fibre (such as polyester, nylon, etc.). Therefore, as long as man-made fibre is the main blending component, the specific type does not affect classification under 521031, but the name and proportion of the man-made fibre must be listed when declaring.
Q: If the fabric is printed, can it still be classified under 521031?
A: No. 521031 specifically refers to dyed plain weave fabric. If it is printed, it should be classified under the printed subheadings under 5210 (such as 521051, etc.). The dyeing and finishing process is the key basis for subheading division, and it must be accurately described when declaring.
Q: What should be noted when cross-border e-commerce retail exports involve goods under this code?
A: It is necessary to ensure that the declared information is consistent with the actual goods, especially composition, weight, and weaving method. Cross-border e-commerce often uses simplified declaration, but customs may still inspect. It is advisable to retain test reports and process sheets to respond to classification disputes. At the same time, pay attention to export tax rebate policies, as this code may be eligible for tax rebates.
⚠️ 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.