HS Code: 521051
Printed cotton plain weave fabric, containing less than 85% cotton, blended with man-made fibers, weight per square meter ≤200g.
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 52 covers cotton and woven fabrics of cotton mixed with other textile fibers, including pure cotton fabrics and cotton blended fabrics. This chapter is subdivided by weave structure, processing method, whether bleached, dyed, printed, etc. Heading 5210 specifically refers to printed cotton plain weave fabrics containing less than 85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibers, weighing not more than 200 g/m². This chapter is one of the most important chapters in textile trade, involving a large number of import and export declarations and classification disputes.
Heading
Heading 5210 covers woven fabrics of cotton containing less than 85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibers, weighing not more than 200 g/m². This heading is further subdivided by weave structure (plain weave, twill, etc.) and processing method (bleached, dyed, printed, yarn-dyed). Goods under 5210 are typically used in apparel, home textiles, and other fields. Classification requires close attention to cotton content, type of blended fiber, weight per square meter, and processing technique.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits, 52, represent Chapter 52, cotton and cotton textile articles, covering raw cotton, yarn, woven fabrics, etc. The 3rd-4th digits, 10, represent heading 5210, namely woven fabrics of cotton containing <85% cotton mixed with man-made fibers, weighing ≤200 g/m². The 5th-6th digits, 51, represent subheading 5210.51, specifically printed cotton plain weave fabrics, containing <85% cotton mixed with man-made fibers, weighing ≤200 g/m². This subheading is not further subdivided, but attention must be paid to the distinction from subheadings such as 5210.52 (dyed plain weave). Classification requires simultaneously satisfying four conditions: cotton content, blending partner, weight, weave structure, and printing.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 521051 because it simultaneously satisfies: cotton content <85%, mixed mainly with man-made fibers, weight per square meter ≤200g, plain weave structure, and printed processing. If cotton content ≥85%, it should be classified under 5208; if weight per square meter >200g, it should be classified under 5211; if dyed rather than printed, it should be classified under 5210.52; if blended with wool, it should be classified under 5210.3x. Therefore, cotton content, blended fiber, weight, and processing method must be strictly verified for accurate classification.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
Should be described in detail as printed cotton plain weave fabric, containing <85% cotton, blended with man-made fibers, weighing ≤200 g/m².
⚠️ Only writing "cotton fabric" or "printed fabric" without specifying blend composition and weight.
Composition Content
Must specify the exact percentage of cotton and the type and percentage of man-made fibers, such as 60% cotton, 40% polyester.
⚠️ Only writing "cotton-polyester blend" without listing specific proportions.
Weight per Square Meter
Declare weight per square meter in g/m², must be ≤200g.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting weight per meter or per yard, leading to classification errors.
Weave Structure
Specify as plain weave, may include a brief description such as "one up one down."
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting twill or satin weave as plain weave.
Processing Technique
Specify as printed, including printing method (e.g., rotary screen printing).
⚠️ Declaring dyed fabric as printed fabric, or vice versa.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, write "none."
⚠️ Neglecting brand declaration or providing inaccurate information.
Model or Article Number
Fill in the manufacturer's or exporter's model or article number for identification.
⚠️ Leaving blank or filling in numbers inconsistent with the actual product.
Example:
Product Name: Printed cotton plain weave fabric; Composition Content: 60% cotton, 40% polyester; Weight per Square Meter: 120 g/m²; Weave Structure: Plain weave; Processing Technique: Printed (rotary screen printing); Brand: None; Model: PRT-2024-01. Specifications: Width 150cm, 50 meters per roll. Use: For making shirts.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether cotton content is <85%; 2) whether mixed mainly with man-made fibers; 3) whether weight per square meter is ≤200g; 4) whether it is plain weave structure; 5) whether it is printed processing. Reference should also be made to the Import and Export Tariff and the Explanatory Notes to ensure compliance with subheading provisions. If the blending partner is wool or other non-man-made fibers, classify under 5210.3x; if weight >200g, classify under 5211; if dyed, classify under 5210.52.
Confused Codes:
520852 - Printed cotton plain weave fabric, containing ≥85% cotton, weighing ≤200 g/m²
Cotton content ≥85%, whereas 521051 requires cotton content <85%. Cotton content must be tested first for classification.
521052 - Dyed cotton plain weave fabric, containing <85% cotton, blended with man-made fibers, weighing ≤200 g/m²
Processing technique is dyeing rather than printing, different subheading. Printing and dyeing must be carefully distinguished.
521051 - Printed cotton plain weave fabric, containing <85% cotton, blended with man-made fibers, weighing ≤200 g/m²
This code, must be distinguished from the above.
521120 - Bleached cotton plain weave fabric, containing <85% cotton, blended with man-made fibers, weighing >200 g/m²
Weight >200g and bleached, classified under heading 5211.
521031 - Printed cotton plain weave fabric, containing <85% cotton, blended with man-made fibers, weighing ≤200 g/m²
Actually 5210.31, blending partner is wool or other, not man-made fibers.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 521051?
A: You can check the MFN rate, general rate, etc. through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates may be adjusted due to free trade agreements, interim rates, etc. It is recommended to rely on the customs system feedback at the time of declaration.
Q: How to distinguish printing from dyeing?
A: Printing forms patterns through partial coloring, while dyeing is overall coloring. Printed fabric usually has clear patterns, while dyed fabric has uniform color. Process descriptions or samples should be provided during declaration to avoid classification errors.
Q: How to accurately measure weight per square meter?
A: Cut a certain area (e.g., 100cm²) using standard methods, weigh it, and convert to g/m². Note that weight may vary due to moisture regain; testing under standard conditions is recommended.
Q: Does the type of blended man-made fiber affect classification?
A: No, as long as it is blended with man-made fibers. However, the specific type and proportion of man-made fibers, such as polyester, nylon, etc., must be declared.
Q: If cotton content is exactly 85%, which code should it be classified under?
A: Cotton content ≥85% should be classified under other headings in Chapter 52, such as 5208 (weighing ≤200 g/m²). 521051 requires cotton content <85%.
Q: Does export of goods under 521051 require quota?
A: Currently, China generally has no quota restrictions on textile exports, but importing country requirements must be met. For specifics, check the latest announcements from the Ministry of Commerce or Customs.
Q: What are the consequences of classification errors?
A: May result in tax recovery, fines, credit downgrade, etc. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification ruling when necessary.
Q: How to confirm whether the fabric is plain weave?
A: Plain weave is where warp and weft yarns interlace one up one down, which can be observed with a magnifying glass or by analyzing the weave diagram. Common plain weave fabrics include poplin and fine cloth.
⚠️ 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.