Cotton Dyed Plain Woven Fabric (42 Yarns or Less)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5209316035 | 43.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5210314040 | 45.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5208314020 | 43.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5208314040 | 43.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5209316020 | 43.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5210314020 | 45.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧡠Cotton Dyed Plain Woven Fabric (42 Yarns or Less)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Cotton Fabric"?
Cotton Dyed Plain Woven Fabric is a fundamental textile material used in apparel, home textiles, and industrial applications. In international trade, classification hinges on three critical factors: 1. Material Composition: 100% Cotton (or cotton-dominated). 2. Weave Structure: Plain Weave (the simplest interlacing). 3. Yarn Count: 42 Ne (English Count) or lower (meaning coarser/thicker yarns).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the fabric is white/unbleached β It falls under different codes (e.g., 5208.1x, 5209.1x).
- If the fabric is printed β It falls under different codes (e.g., 5208.32, 5209.32).
- This guide strictly applies to "Dyed" (solid color throughout) plain weave cotton fabric with yarn count β€ 42.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, there are 6 potential HS Codes. The primary difference lies in the Weight per Square Meter (GSM), which determines whether it falls under Chapter 5208, 5209, or 5210.
| HS Code | Product Description | Weight Range (GSM) | Total Tax Rate | Key Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5208.31.40.20 |
Cotton Dyed Plain Weave, β€42 Yarns, Light Weight | β€ 200 g/mΒ² | 43.1% | Base: 8.1%, Sect 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
5208.31.40.40 |
Cotton Dyed Plain Weave, β€42 Yarns, Light Weight | β€ 200 g/mΒ² | 43.1% | Base: 8.1%, Sect 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
5209.31.60.20 |
Cotton Dyed Plain Weave, β€42 Yarns, Medium Weight | 200β400 g/mΒ² | 43.4% | Base: 8.4%, Sect 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
5209.31.60.35 |
Cotton Dyed Plain Weave, β€42 Yarns, Medium Weight | 200β400 g/mΒ² | 43.4% | Base: 8.4%, Sect 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
5210.31.40.20 |
Cotton Dyed Plain Weave, β€42 Yarns, Heavy Weight | > 400 g/mΒ² | 45.0% | Base: 10.0%, Sect 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
5210.31.40.40 |
Cotton Dyed Plain Weave, β€42 Yarns, Heavy Weight | > 400 g/mΒ² | 45.0% | Base: 10.0%, Sect 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
π Critical Insight:
- Ch 5208: Light weight cotton fabrics (β€ 200 g/mΒ²).
- Ch 5209: Medium weight cotton fabrics (200β400 g/mΒ²).
- Ch 5210: Heavy weight cotton fabrics (> 400 g/mΒ²).
- Yarn Count β€ 42: This specifies the thickness of the yarn. Finer yarns (>42 Ne) would fall under different subheadings.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. Light Weight Fabrics (5208.31.40.20 / 5208.31.40.40)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 8.1% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Duty | +25.0% (Section 301 Tariffs) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (U.S. Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 122) |
| Total Effective Rate | 43.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 43.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deny de minimis for China-origin textiles) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5208.31.40.20 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- Base Duty (8.1%): Standard MFN rate for cotton plain weave fabrics.
- Section 301 Duty (25%): Retaliatory tariff on Chinese goods.
- Section 122 Duty (10%): Additional duty imposed on certain cotton fabrics to protect domestic industry.
- Total (43.1%): This is a high tariff burden.
π― 2. Medium Weight Fabrics (5209.31.60.20 / 5209.31.60.35)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 8.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 43.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 43.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5209.31.60.20 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- Slightly higher base rate (8.4% vs 8.1%) due to the specific weight classification.
- Same additional duties apply.
π― 3. Heavy Weight Fabrics (5210.31.40.20 / 5210.31.40.40)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 10.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 45.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 45.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5210.31.40.20 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- Highest base rate (10.0%) for heavier cotton fabrics.
- Total Rate: 45.0% β This is the most expensive category among the options.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must include: Material (100% Cotton), Weave (Plain), Yarn Count (β€42 Ne), Weight (GSM), Dyeing Method (Dyed). |
| β Fabric Test Report | βοΈ | Third-party lab report (SGS, Intertek, BV) confirming yarn count and weight. Critical for HS Code accuracy. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code precisely: "Cotton Dyed Plain Woven Fabric, β€42 Ne, [Weight] g/mΒ²". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail roll dimensions, weight, and quantity. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for Section 301 and 122 duty assessment. |
| β Photos of Fabric | βοΈ | Show texture, label, and dye uniformity. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Weight Determines Chapter, Yarn Count Determines Subchapter, Name Must Be Precise!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Light Weight (β€200 g/mΒ²) | HS Code: 5208.31.40.xx |
Use 5209 code β Overpaid duty + Audit risk |
| Medium Weight (200β400 g/mΒ²) | HS Code: 5209.31.60.xx |
Use 5210 code β Underpaid duty + Penalty |
| Heavy Weight (>400 g/mΒ²) | HS Code: 5210.31.40.xx |
Use 5208 code β Severe customs violation |
| Yarn Count > 42 | Different HS Code (e.g., 5208.2x) | Declare as β€42 β Customs Rejection |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Blended Fabric (e.g., Cotton/Poly) | If cotton is not the predominant fiber by weight, it may fall under Chapter 55 (Synthetic), not 52. Check composition! |
| Sample Rolls | Even for samples, declare accurately. De minimis (Section 321) does not apply to China-origin textiles. |
| Disputed Weight | Provide official lab test results. Customs may seize goods for re-testing. |
| Colorfastness Issues | Ensure dye is fixed. Poor quality may lead to "non-conforming goods" rejection, even if HS Code is correct. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 5208.31.40.20 / 5209.31.60.20 / 5210.31.40.20 |
43.1% β 45.0% | No specific, but must meet FTC labeling | Highest duty due to Section 301 + 122 |
| π¨π³ China | Same HS Codes | 0% (Export) | N/A | No export duty for textiles |
| πͺπΊ EU | Similar HS Codes | ~4% β 6% | OEKO-TEX, REACH | No Section 301/122 equivalent |
| π¨π¦ Canada | Similar HS Codes | ~5% β 8% | N/A | Lower than US, but still significant |
| π―π΅ Japan | Similar HS Codes | ~5% β 7% | JIS Standards | Moderate duty |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive due to the combination of Base Duty + Section 301 + Section 122.
- Total cost impact: Nearly half the CIF value can be lost to tariffs.
- Strategy: Consider pricing adjustments or explore third-party manufacturing (e.g., Vietnam, India) to avoid Section 301 tariffs.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Misclassifying Yarn Count
π Consequence: If yarn count is actually >42 Ne, it falls under a different HS Code with different duties. Customs Penalty + Back Taxes.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Weight (GSM)
π Consequence: Declaring a 250 g/mΒ² fabric as "Light Weight" (5208) instead of "Medium Weight" (5209) leads to underpayment and audit.
β Mistake 3: Using "Cotton Fabric" as a generic description
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine the correct HS Code. Delay in clearance, storage fees, and potential seizure.
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis applies
π Consequence: Shipments under $800 from China are NOT exempt for textiles. Full duties apply.
β Correct Approach:
"100% Cotton, Dyed, Plain Weave Fabric, Yarn Count 40 Ne, Weight 180 g/mΒ², Roll Width 150cm, Model XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Weight sets the Chapter, Yarn Count sets the Subchapter, Name Must Be Clear!"
πΉ "US Tariff is ~43-45%, De Minimis is Dead, Test Report is Key!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your fabric is blended (e.g., Cotton/Poly), check the percentages. If cotton is <50%, it may not qualify for these HS Codes.
- For high-volume shipments, consider applying for a Binding Ruling from US Customs (CBP) to lock in the HS Code and avoid disputes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide Lab Test Report + Apply for Pre-Ruling if necessary
π Ensure your cotton fabric clears smoothly, avoids penalties, and maximizes profit margins!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved in duties is pure profit!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.