Chapter 52 covers the international trade classification of cotton and cotton products, including raw cotton, cotton waste, cotton carded or combed, cotton yarn, and cotton woven fabrics. This chapter is a core chapter in the textile category, involving the complete industrial chain from raw materials to semi-finished and finished products. Cotton woven fabrics are further subdivided based on weaving process, weight, bleaching status, etc., and are widely used in apparel, home textiles, and industrial fields. Heading 5212 covers other cotton woven fabrics, i.e., cotton woven fabrics not classified under 5208 to 5211, usually referring to blended or specially specified cotton fabrics. These fabrics may contain other fibers (such as synthetic fibers), but cotton content is not the sole determining factor. This heading has multiple subheadings, distinguished by weight and bleaching status. 5212.21 specifically refers to other cotton woven fabrics weighing more than 200g per square meter and unbleached. The first 2 digits 52 represent Chapter 52, cotton and cotton products. Digits 3-4, 12, indicate heading 5212, i.e., other cotton woven fabrics. Digits 5-6, 21, are the subheading, where 5 represents weighing more than 200g per square meter, and 6 represents unbleached. The complete code 521221 means: other cotton woven fabrics, weighing >200g per square meter, unbleached. Fabrics under this subheading are usually heavy-weight, have not undergone bleaching treatment, and retain the natural cotton color. This commodity is classified under 521221 rather than adjacent codes because it meets three conditions: it belongs to other cotton woven fabrics (not listed under 5208-5211), weighs more than 200g per square meter, and is unbleached. If the weight is ≤200g, it would be classified under 5212.11, etc.; if bleached, it would be classified under 5212.22. Attention must also be paid to cotton content; if cotton is blended with synthetic fibers and the cotton content is less than 85%, it may be classified under 5211 or 5514, etc.

Product Name: The declared commodity name should accurately reflect the fabric's attributes, such as "unbleached other cotton woven fabric" Weaving Method: Indicate whether it is woven (woven fabric) or knitted; this code is limited to woven fabrics Composition Content: List each fiber component and percentage, such as cotton 85%, polyester 15% Weight: Weight per square meter, in g/m², must be greater than 200g Bleaching Status: Indicate unbleached, bleached, or dyed, etc.; this code requires unbleached Width: Fabric width, usually expressed in centimeters or inches Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none" Processing Technique: Briefly describe the main processing technique, such as combed, carded, etc. Product Name: Unbleached other cotton woven fabric; Weaving Method: Woven; Composition Content: Cotton 85%, Polyester 15%; Weight: 250g/m²; Bleaching Status: Unbleached; Width: 150cm; Brand: None; Processing Technique: Carded. Inaccurate weight declaration, actual weight exceeding 200g but declared as below 200g, resulting in classification errors. Incorrect bleaching status declaration, declaring bleached fabric as unbleached, triggering customs questioning. Composition content not listed in detail, especially the blend ratio, affecting classification under 5212 or 5211.

The core basis for classification is: 1. Whether the fabric is woven; 2. Cotton content and blend ratio; 3. Whether the weight per square meter exceeds 200g; 4. Whether the bleaching status is unbleached. At the same time, cotton woven fabrics already classified under 5208-5211 must be excluded. If cotton is blended with synthetic fibers and the cotton content is less than 85%, but the synthetic fibers still give the fabric its essential cotton character, it may still be classified under 5212. 521211 Other cotton woven fabrics, weighing ≤200g per square meter, unbleached: Different weight: 521211 is ≤200g, 521221 is >200g. Accurate weight data must be provided at declaration. 521222 Other cotton woven fabrics, weighing >200g per square meter, bleached: Different bleaching status: 521222 is bleached, 521221 is unbleached. Distinguish based on actual processing status. 521120 Other cotton woven fabrics, weighing >200g per square meter, unbleached (but cotton content ≥85%): 521120 requires cotton content ≥85% and unbleached, while 521221 applies to blended fabrics with cotton content <85%. 551311 Synthetic fiber woven fabrics, weighing ≤170g per square meter, unbleached: Different fiber composition: 551311 is synthetic fiber, 521221 is cotton-blended and cotton-dominant. Confirm the fabric is woven, not knitted. Verify whether the weight is strictly greater than 200g/m². Confirm the bleaching status is unbleached. Check whether the cotton content is below 85% or the blend ratio. Exclude cotton woven fabrics already classified under 5208-5211.

How can I check the import tariff rate for 521221? You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party tariff inquiry platforms. Enter HS code 521221, select the country of origin and trade mode, and the system will display the MFN rate, general rate, or preferential rate. Note that tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments, and the latest published rates should prevail. What is the main difference between 521221 and 521222? Both are other cotton woven fabrics weighing >200g per square meter. The difference lies in bleaching status: 521221 is unbleached, and 521222 is bleached. Unbleached means the fabric retains its natural cotton color and has not undergone bleaching treatment; bleached means it has undergone chemical treatment to remove pigments. Proof of processing status must be provided at declaration. If the cotton content is less than 50%, can it still be classified under 521221? No. 521221 belongs to Chapter 52 cotton woven fabrics and requires cotton to be blended with synthetic fibers but with cotton as the main characteristic. Generally, cotton content must be dominant (such as ≥50% and less than 85%). If the cotton content is less than 50%, it may be classified under Chapter 55 synthetic fiber woven fabrics. What is the allowable range of weight error at declaration? Customs generally require the declared weight to match the actual weight, with an error usually not exceeding 5%. If the error is too large, it may be deemed inaccurate declaration. It is recommended to use measured data and keep test reports for inspection. What end products can fabrics under 521221 be used for? They are mainly used for heavy-weight apparel (such as denim, workwear), home textiles (such as bed sheets, curtains), and industrial fabrics. Because they are unbleached, they often require subsequent dyeing or bleaching treatment and are suitable for export as semi-finished products. How can one determine whether a fabric has been bleached? It can be determined by visual color inspection (unbleached appears natural beige, bleached appears white) or laboratory testing. Customs may require processing technique descriptions or test reports. Declaration should be truthful to avoid classification disputes caused by incorrect bleaching status. Does 521221 apply to knitted cotton fabric? No. 521221 applies only to woven cotton fabric. Knitted cotton fabric should be classified under Chapter 60 (such as 6001 or 6002). The weaving method must be clearly stated at declaration to avoid confusion. If the fabric contains elastic fibers, does it affect classification? It may. If the elastic fiber content is high and gives the fabric elastic characteristics, it may be classified under Chapter 60 elastic fabrics. However, if only a small amount of elastic fiber is added, it is still classified as cotton woven fabric. It is recommended to provide composition ratios and elasticity test reports.