Chapter 52 covers the international trade classification of cotton and cotton products, including cotton, not carded or combed, cotton yarn, cotton woven fabrics, etc. This chapter is a core chapter in the textile category, involving the complete industrial chain from raw materials to finished products. Among them, cotton woven fabrics are further subdivided by weight, bleaching status, weave texture, etc., and are an important basis for customs classification and trade statistics. Heading 5212 includes other cotton woven fabrics, that is, cotton fabrics other than specific types such as bleached plain weave fabrics and unbleached fabrics, and weighing not more than 200 g per square meter. This heading covers various processing states such as bleached, dyed, and printed, but this commodity specifically refers to bleached cotton fabric weighing ≤200 g/㎡, commonly used in fields such as clothing and home textiles. The first 2 digits 52 represent Chapter 52 cotton and cotton products; digits 3-4, 12, represent heading 5212, namely other cotton woven fabrics, weighing ≤200 g/㎡; digits 5-6, 12, are a subheading, specifically referring to bleached cotton woven fabrics, weighing ≤200 g/㎡. This subheading is further limited to bleached processing, distinguishing it from other subheadings such as unbleached, dyed, and printed. This commodity is bleached cotton woven fabric, weighing ≤200 g/㎡, conforming to the description of heading 5212, and because of bleaching processing it is classified under subheading 521212. If unbleached, it would be classified under 521211; if dyed, under 521213; if printed, under 521215; therefore this code accurately corresponds to the bleached state.

Product name: The commodity should be described in detail as cotton woven fabric, bleached, weighing ≤200 g/㎡, such as "bleached pure cotton woven fabric". Material: Indicate the cotton content percentage, such as "100% cotton" or "85% cotton 15% polyester". Weight per square meter: Declare the weight per square meter, in g/㎡, and it must be ≤200 g. Processing state: Clearly state it as bleached, distinguishing it from unbleached, dyed, printed, etc. Weave structure: Such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, etc., which affects classification. Width: Declare the fabric width, in centimeters. Brand: Whether there is a brand, and the brand name. Use: Such as for clothing, home textiles, etc. Product name: bleached pure cotton woven fabric; Material: 100% cotton; Weight per square meter: 120 g/㎡; Processing state: bleached; Weave structure: plain weave; Width: 150 cm; Brand: unbranded; Use: for clothing. Incorrectly classifying bleached cotton fabric weighing more than 200 g/㎡ under 521212, when it should actually be classified under 5211. Confusing bleached fabric with dyed fabric, resulting in an incorrect subheading. Failing to indicate cotton content, leading to classification disputes.

The classification basis is the notes to Chapter 52 and the subheading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. Core determining factors: 1) the material is cotton, which may contain a small amount of chemical fiber but must comply with the chapter notes; 2) weight per square meter ≤200 g; 3) processing state is bleached; 4) woven fabric. Attention must be paid to the difference between bleached and unbleached, and to the distinction from other headings such as 5208 and 5210. 521211 Unbleached cotton woven fabric: The processing state is unbleached, whereas 521212 is bleached. 521213 Dyed cotton woven fabric: The processing state is dyed, different from bleached. 5208 Cotton woven fabric, weighing ≤200 g/㎡: 5208 is cotton fabric with cotton content ≥85%, while 5212 is cotton fabric with cotton content <85% or blended with other fibers. 5211 Cotton woven fabric, weighing >200 g/㎡: The weight exceeds 200 g/㎡, whereas 521212 is ≤200 g. Confirm whether the cotton content is less than 85%? Confirm whether the weight per square meter is ≤200 g? Confirm whether the processing state is bleached? Confirm whether it is a woven fabric? Confirm whether it is blended with other fibers?

How can I check the tariff rate for 521212? You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China, and determine the applicable rate according to the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. You can also use the customs advance classification service for confirmation. How are bleached and unbleached distinguished? Bleached fabric undergoes chemical treatment to remove natural pigments and is white in color; unbleached fabric retains the natural cotton color and is light yellow. When declaring, proof of processing technology must be provided. How does cotton content affect classification? If the cotton content is ≥85%, it is classified under 5208; if <85% and mainly blended with chemical fibers, it is classified under 5212. The blending ratio must be declared accurately; otherwise, it may lead to classification errors. How is weight per square meter measured? It is calculated by dividing the actual weight of the fabric by its area, in g/㎡. Attention should be paid to the temperature and humidity of the testing environment to avoid errors. What is the main difference between 521212 and 521213? 521212 is bleached, and 521213 is dyed. Dyed fabric is treated with dyes and comes in various colors; bleached fabric is only bleached and is white in color. What are the consequences of omitting the brand when declaring? It may affect customs statistics and intellectual property protection. If it involves an infringing brand, the goods may be detained. It is recommended to declare brand information truthfully. Does this code apply to cross-border e-commerce retail exports? It applies, but it should be noted that retail exports may be subject to simplified declaration, and accurate classification is still required. If it is a small parcel export, reference may be made to the customs list of cross-border e-commerce retail export commodities. How can classification errors be avoided? It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use the customs advance classification service, retain samples and process documents, and ensure that the declaration elements are complete and accurate.