Chapter 52 covers the complete industrial chain of cotton and cotton textiles, from raw cotton, cotton waste, and carded or combed cotton, to cotton yarn and cotton woven fabrics. This chapter is one of the most important chapters in the textile category, involving primary processed cotton products, semi-finished products, and finished fabrics. Cotton woven fabrics are further subdivided based on weaving method, weight, bleaching status, whether printed or not, etc. Global cotton trade and cotton textile trade both use the codes of this chapter as the basis for tariffs and statistics, making it of core significance to the textile and apparel industry. Heading 5212 covers other cotton woven fabrics, namely cotton woven fabrics not listed in 5208 to 5211. Specifically, it includes cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m², not subjected to bleaching, dyeing, printing, or other processing (i.e., unbleached), but excludes bleached, dyed, yarn-dyed, and printed fabrics of the same kind. Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by weight and bleaching status. 5212.11 covers unbleached cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m², and is an important semi-finished product category in the cotton textile industrial chain. First 2 digits 52: represents Chapter 52, namely cotton and cotton textiles. Digits 3-4, 12: represents heading 5212, referring to other cotton woven fabrics, i.e., cotton woven fabrics other than 5208 (cotton woven fabrics, containing ≥85% cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m²), 5209 (cotton woven fabrics, containing ≥85% cotton, weighing more than 200 g/m²), 5210 (cotton woven fabrics, containing <85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m²), and 5211 (cotton woven fabrics, containing <85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200 g/m²). Digits 5-6, 11: represents subheading 5212.11, namely other unbleached cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m². This subheading is generally not further subdivided by cotton content, but care must be taken to distinguish it from other subheadings (such as 5212.12 bleached, 5212.21 yarn-dyed, etc.). The goods are unbleached cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m², and do not fall under 5208 for cotton content ≥85% or 5210 for cotton content <85% mixed with man-made fibres. Because the cotton content may be less than 85% but not mixed with man-made fibres, or the cotton content may be ≥85% but does not meet other conditions of 5208 (such as special weave), it is classified under 5212. At the same time, the unbleached status excludes 5212.12 (bleached) and subsequent subheadings, and the weight of not more than 200 g/m² excludes 5212.13, etc. Therefore, 5212.11 is the only correct classification.
Chapter
Chapter 52 covers the complete industrial chain of cotton and cotton textiles, from raw cotton, cotton waste, and carded or combed cotton, to cotton yarn and cotton woven fabrics. This chapter is one of the most important chapters in the textile category, involving primary processed cotton products, semi-finished products, and finished fabrics. Cotton woven fabrics are further subdivided based on weaving method, weight, bleaching status, whether printed or not, etc. Global cotton trade and cotton textile trade both use the codes of this chapter as the basis for tariffs and statistics, making it of core significance to the textile and apparel industry.
Heading
Heading 5212 covers other cotton woven fabrics, namely cotton woven fabrics not listed in 5208 to 5211. Specifically, it includes cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m², not subjected to bleaching, dyeing, printing, or other processing (i.e., unbleached), but excludes bleached, dyed, yarn-dyed, and printed fabrics of the same kind. Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by weight and bleaching status. 5212.11 covers unbleached cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m², and is an important semi-finished product category in the cotton textile industrial chain.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 52: represents Chapter 52, namely cotton and cotton textiles. Digits 3-4, 12: represents heading 5212, referring to other cotton woven fabrics, i.e., cotton woven fabrics other than 5208 (cotton woven fabrics, containing ≥85% cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m²), 5209 (cotton woven fabrics, containing ≥85% cotton, weighing more than 200 g/m²), 5210 (cotton woven fabrics, containing <85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m²), and 5211 (cotton woven fabrics, containing <85% cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200 g/m²). Digits 5-6, 11: represents subheading 5212.11, namely other unbleached cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m². This subheading is generally not further subdivided by cotton content, but care must be taken to distinguish it from other subheadings (such as 5212.12 bleached, 5212.21 yarn-dyed, etc.).
Classification Basis
The goods are unbleached cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m², and do not fall under 5208 for cotton content ≥85% or 5210 for cotton content <85% mixed with man-made fibres. Because the cotton content may be less than 85% but not mixed with man-made fibres, or the cotton content may be ≥85% but does not meet other conditions of 5208 (such as special weave), it is classified under 5212. At the same time, the unbleached status excludes 5212.12 (bleached) and subsequent subheadings, and the weight of not more than 200 g/m² excludes 5212.13, etc. Therefore, 5212.11 is the only correct classification.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standardized Chinese or English commodity name should be declared, such as "unbleached cotton woven fabric" or "other cotton woven fabric"; avoid colloquial or vague names. Weaving method: Declare as woven, as distinct from knitted or crocheted; woven is the prerequisite for classification under Chapter 52 woven fabrics. Composition content: Declare the percentage content of cotton and the content of other fibres (such as man-made fibres, flax, etc.), accurately to whole percentages. Weight per square metre: Declare the fabric weight in g/m², and clearly state whether it is not more than 200 g; this is key to distinguishing headings and subheadings. Bleaching status: Declare as unbleached, as distinct from bleached, dyed, yarn-dyed, printed, etc. Width: Declare the fabric width in centimetres or inches; this affects classification but is not the determining factor for 5212.11, and must be declared truthfully. Brand or manufacturer: If there is a brand or manufacturer, the name must be declared; if there is no brand, declare "no brand". Processing technique: Briefly describe the finishing process after weaving, such as whether singeing, mercerizing, etc. was carried out, but the unbleached status must be clear. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Unbleached cotton woven fabric
Weaving method: Woven
Composition content: 100% cotton
Weight per square metre: 150 g/m²
Bleaching status: Unbleached
Width: 150 cm
Brand: No brand
Processing technique: Unbleached after weaving, only singed
HS code: 52121100
All declaration elements are complete and meet classification requirements. Inaccurate weight declaration, where the weight exceeds 200 g/m² but is incorrectly declared as not more than 200 g, resulting in classification under 5211 or 5209. Incorrect bleaching status declaration, where unbleached is declared as bleached, incorrectly classified under 5212.12. Composition content not accurately declared, where cotton content is less than 85% but other fibres are not indicated, possibly incorrectly classified under 5208. Weaving method incorrectly declared as knitted when it is actually woven, which should be classified under Chapter 52 rather than Chapter 60. Width not declared or unit error, which may trigger customs queries but is not key to classification.
Product name
The standardized Chinese or English commodity name should be declared, such as "unbleached cotton woven fabric" or "other cotton woven fabric"; avoid colloquial or vague names.
⚠️ Only writing "cotton cloth" or "all-cotton cloth", without reflecting the unbleached and weight characteristics.
Weaving method
Declare as woven, as distinct from knitted or crocheted; woven is the prerequisite for classification under Chapter 52 woven fabrics.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "knitted" or declaring "woven" when it is actually knitted, resulting in incorrect classification.
Composition content
Declare the percentage content of cotton and the content of other fibres (such as man-made fibres, flax, etc.), accurately to whole percentages.
⚠️ Only writing "all cotton" when the actual cotton content is less than 85%, or failing to indicate other fibre types.
Weight per square metre
Declare the fabric weight in g/m², and clearly state whether it is not more than 200 g; this is key to distinguishing headings and subheadings.
⚠️ Failing to provide the weight or providing an incorrect estimate, resulting in incorrect classification under 5208 or 5211.
Bleaching status
Declare as unbleached, as distinct from bleached, dyed, yarn-dyed, printed, etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring unbleached as "natural white" or "bleached", resulting in an incorrect subheading.
Width
Declare the fabric width in centimetres or inches; this affects classification but is not the determining factor for 5212.11, and must be declared truthfully.
⚠️ Failing to declare width or mixing up units, causing customs queries.
Brand or manufacturer
If there is a brand or manufacturer, the name must be declared; if there is no brand, declare "no brand".
Briefly describe the finishing process after weaving, such as whether singeing, mercerizing, etc. was carried out, but the unbleached status must be clear.
⚠️ Mistaking mercerizing for bleaching, resulting in incorrect classification.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product name: Unbleached cotton woven fabric
Weaving method: Woven
Composition content: 100% cotton
Weight per square metre: 150 g/m²
Bleaching status: Unbleached
Width: 150 cm
Brand: No brand
Processing technique: Unbleached after weaving, only singed
HS code: 52121100
All declaration elements are complete and meet classification requirements.
Common Mistakes：
Inaccurate weight declaration, where the weight exceeds 200 g/m² but is incorrectly declared as not more than 200 g, resulting in classification under 5211 or 5209.
Incorrect bleaching status declaration, where unbleached is declared as bleached, incorrectly classified under 5212.12.
Composition content not accurately declared, where cotton content is less than 85% but other fibres are not indicated, possibly incorrectly classified under 5208.
Weaving method incorrectly declared as knitted when it is actually woven, which should be classified under Chapter 52 rather than Chapter 60.
Width not declared or unit error, which may trigger customs queries but is not key to classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification include: 1) the weaving method must be woven; 2) the cotton content must be clear; if cotton content is ≥85% and weight per square metre is not more than 200 g, 5208 should be considered first, but if other conditions of 5208 are not met (such as unbleached but with special weave), it is classified under 5212; 3) if cotton content is <85% and mixed with man-made fibres, with weight per square metre not more than 200 g, it is classified under 5210, but if not mixed with man-made fibres, it is classified under 5212; 4) the bleaching status must be unbleached, otherwise it is classified under 5212.12 or a higher subheading; 5) the weight must be not more than 200 g, otherwise it is classified under 5212.13, etc. Based on the above, 5212.11 applies to unbleached cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m² and outside the scope of 5208/5210. 520811 Unbleached cotton woven fabric, containing ≥85% cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m²: 520811 requires cotton content ≥85% and weight not more than 200 g/m², unbleached. If cotton content is less than 85% or other conditions of 5208 are not met, it is classified under 5212.11. The core difference lies in cotton content. 521011 Unbleached cotton woven fabric, containing <85% cotton mixed with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m²: 521011 requires cotton content <85% and mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m², unbleached. If not mixed with man-made fibres or the blending ratio does not conform, it is classified under 5212.11. 521212 Bleached cotton woven fabric, weighing not more than 200 g/m²: 521212 is in bleached status, whereas 521211 is unbleached. Bleaching includes scouring, bleaching, and other processes; unbleached retains the natural colour. 521213 Dyed cotton woven fabric, weighing not more than 200 g/m²: 521213 is in dyed status, as distinct from unbleached. Dyeing includes piece dyeing, yarn dyeing, etc.; unbleached has not been dyed. 521221 Unbleached cotton woven fabric, weighing more than 200 g/m²: 521221 has a weight exceeding 200 g/m², whereas 521211 has a weight not more than 200 g/m². Weight is the key distinguishing indicator. Is it confirmed to be woven? Is the cotton content clear? Is the weight per square metre not more than 200 g? Is it unbleached? Are 5208 and 5210 excluded?
Basis
The core criteria for classification include: 1) the weaving method must be woven; 2) the cotton content must be clear; if cotton content is ≥85% and weight per square metre is not more than 200 g, 5208 should be considered first, but if other conditions of 5208 are not met (such as unbleached but with special weave), it is classified under 5212; 3) if cotton content is <85% and mixed with man-made fibres, with weight per square metre not more than 200 g, it is classified under 5210, but if not mixed with man-made fibres, it is classified under 5212; 4) the bleaching status must be unbleached, otherwise it is classified under 5212.12 or a higher subheading; 5) the weight must be not more than 200 g, otherwise it is classified under 5212.13, etc. Based on the above, 5212.11 applies to unbleached cotton woven fabrics weighing not more than 200 g/m² and outside the scope of 5208/5210.
Confused Codes：
520811 - Unbleached cotton woven fabric, containing ≥85% cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m²
520811 requires cotton content ≥85% and weight not more than 200 g/m², unbleached. If cotton content is less than 85% or other conditions of 5208 are not met, it is classified under 5212.11. The core difference lies in cotton content.
521011 - Unbleached cotton woven fabric, containing <85% cotton mixed with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m²
521011 requires cotton content <85% and mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m², unbleached. If not mixed with man-made fibres or the blending ratio does not conform, it is classified under 5212.11.
521212 - Bleached cotton woven fabric, weighing not more than 200 g/m²
521212 is in bleached status, whereas 521211 is unbleached. Bleaching includes scouring, bleaching, and other processes; unbleached retains the natural colour.
521213 - Dyed cotton woven fabric, weighing not more than 200 g/m²
521213 is in dyed status, as distinct from unbleached. Dyeing includes piece dyeing, yarn dyeing, etc.; unbleached has not been dyed.
521221 - Unbleached cotton woven fabric, weighing more than 200 g/m²
521221 has a weight exceeding 200 g/m², whereas 521211 has a weight not more than 200 g/m². Weight is the key distinguishing indicator.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed to be woven?
✓ Is the cotton content clear?
✓ Is the weight per square metre not more than 200 g?
✓ Is it unbleached?
✓ Are 5208 and 5210 excluded?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate corresponding to 521211? The latest tariff rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Usually, you need to enter HS code 52121100, select import or export, and view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, etc. Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, and official real-time data should prevail. What is the main difference between 521211 and 520811? The main difference lies in cotton content: 520811 requires cotton content ≥85%, while 521211 applies to cotton woven fabrics with cotton content <85% or not meeting other conditions of 5208. If cotton content is ≥85%, weight per square metre is not more than 200 g, and unbleached, 520811 should be given priority. If the cotton fabric has been mercerized, is it still classified under 521211? Mercerizing is not bleaching. If it has not been bleached, dyed, etc., it can still be regarded as unbleached and classified under 521211. However, if it is bleached after mercerizing, it is classified under 521212. It is recommended to judge according to the actual process. What final products can fabrics under 521211 be used for? They are commonly used as semi-finished products for shirts, pyjamas, bed sheets, tablecloths, and other home textiles and clothing, and can also be used for industrial fabrics. Because they are unbleached, they can subsequently be dyed, printed, etc. What is the allowable range of weight error when declaring? Customs generally require the declared weight to be accurate, with errors within a reasonable range (such as ±5%). If the error causes a change in classification (such as exceeding 200 g/m²), it may be deemed false declaration. It is recommended to provide a test report. What is the export tax rebate rate for 521211? The export tax rebate rate is adjusted with national policy. At present, cotton woven fabrics generally have a rebate, but the specific rebate rate must be checked in the latest export tax rebate database. It is recommended to check through the electronic tax bureau or customs official website. How can I determine whether a fabric is "unbleached"? Unbleached means the fabric has not undergone bleaching and retains the colour of natural cotton fibres (natural white or slightly yellow). If it has undergone scouring, bleaching, whitening, or other treatments, it is regarded as bleached. Reference may be made to customs classification decisions or inspection and identification. Does 521211 apply to unbleached woven fabrics blended from cotton and flax? If cotton is blended with flax, the cotton content is <85%, it is not blended with man-made fibres, the weight per square metre is not more than 200 g, and it is unbleached, then it is classified under 521211. However, if the flax content is relatively high, it may be classified under Chapter 53. Judgment should be based on the main fibre composition.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate corresponding to 521211?
A: The latest tariff rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Usually, you need to enter HS code 52121100, select import or export, and view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, etc. Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, and official real-time data should prevail.
Q: What is the main difference between 521211 and 520811?
A: The main difference lies in cotton content: 520811 requires cotton content ≥85%, while 521211 applies to cotton woven fabrics with cotton content <85% or not meeting other conditions of 5208. If cotton content is ≥85%, weight per square metre is not more than 200 g, and unbleached, 520811 should be given priority.
Q: If the cotton fabric has been mercerized, is it still classified under 521211?
A: Mercerizing is not bleaching. If it has not been bleached, dyed, etc., it can still be regarded as unbleached and classified under 521211. However, if it is bleached after mercerizing, it is classified under 521212. It is recommended to judge according to the actual process.
Q: What final products can fabrics under 521211 be used for?
A: They are commonly used as semi-finished products for shirts, pyjamas, bed sheets, tablecloths, and other home textiles and clothing, and can also be used for industrial fabrics. Because they are unbleached, they can subsequently be dyed, printed, etc.
Q: What is the allowable range of weight error when declaring?
A: Customs generally require the declared weight to be accurate, with errors within a reasonable range (such as ±5%). If the error causes a change in classification (such as exceeding 200 g/m²), it may be deemed false declaration. It is recommended to provide a test report.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 521211?
A: The export tax rebate rate is adjusted with national policy. At present, cotton woven fabrics generally have a rebate, but the specific rebate rate must be checked in the latest export tax rebate database. It is recommended to check through the electronic tax bureau or customs official website.
Q: How can I determine whether a fabric is "unbleached"?
A: Unbleached means the fabric has not undergone bleaching and retains the colour of natural cotton fibres (natural white or slightly yellow). If it has undergone scouring, bleaching, whitening, or other treatments, it is regarded as bleached. Reference may be made to customs classification decisions or inspection and identification.
Q: Does 521211 apply to unbleached woven fabrics blended from cotton and flax?
A: If cotton is blended with flax, the cotton content is <85%, it is not blended with man-made fibres, the weight per square metre is not more than 200 g, and it is unbleached, then it is classified under 521211. However, if the flax content is relatively high, it may be classified under Chapter 53. Judgment should be based on the main fibre composition.
⚠️ 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.