Cotton blend Woven Fabric (Unbleached or Bleached) Thin Type for Home Textiles
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5208114020 | 44.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5212126050 | 42.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5210216090 | 46.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5210116090 | 27.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5208216090 | 46.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
πΏ Cotton Blend Woven Fabric (Unbleached or Bleached) β Thin Type for Home Textiles
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Pro-Level Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is This Fabric?
Cotton blend woven fabric β thin type, unbleached or bleached β is a lightweight, versatile textile primarily used in home textiles such as bed linens, curtains, tablecloths, and decorative covers. It is made from a blend of cotton and synthetic or man-made fibers (e.g., polyester, rayon), giving it enhanced durability, wrinkle resistance, and cost efficiency compared to pure cotton.
β οΈ Key Classification Triggers: - Cotton content > 50% β qualifies as "cotton blend" - Thin type β typically < 200 g/mΒ² (lightweight) - Woven structure β confirmed by plain weave or similar pattern - Used in home textiles β not for apparel (though some overlap exists)
β Critical Note:
This fabric does not qualify as pure cotton (HS 5208) if man-made fibers exceed 50%.
If used in apparel, it may fall under different HS codes (e.g., 5210.21.60.90), but for home textiles, the correct classification is 5212.12.60.50.
π¦ Two, HS Code Breakdown (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Use Case | Fiber Composition | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5212.12.60.50 |
Cotton blend woven fabric, thin type, unbleached or bleached, suitable for fine cotton cloth / thin gauze | Home textiles (curtains, bed sheets, table linens) | Cotton > 50%, man-made fibers < 50% | Thin (lightweight) |
5208.11.40.20 |
Cotton blend woven fabric, thin type, for apparel, meets cotton woven fabric characteristics | Apparel (shirts, dresses, light jackets) | Cotton > 50%, man-made fibers < 50% | Thin |
5210.21.60.90 |
Cotton blend woven fabric, for clothing, meets cotton & man-made fiber blend characteristics | Apparel (blouses, skirts, trousers) | Cotton > 50%, man-made fibers < 50% | Medium to thin |
5210.11.60.90 |
Cotton blend plain weave, thin, unbleached, meets fine muslin characteristics | Apparel (lightweight garments) | Cotton > 50%, man-made fibers < 50% | Thin |
5208.21.60.90 |
Cotton blend thin woven fabric, for clothing, meets fine cloth / thin cloth characteristics | Apparel (casual wear, undergarments) | Cotton > 50%, man-made fibers < 50% | Thin |
π Why
5212.12.60.50is Correct for Home Textiles?
- The "5212" heading covers cotton blend woven fabrics, specifically for non-apparel uses. - "12.60.50" refers to thin, unbleached or bleached types used in fine cotton cloth / thin gauze β perfect match for home textile applications. - Apparel fabrics are categorized under 5210 or 5208, not 5212.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown (With Add-on Taxes & Legal Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 5212.12.60.50 β Cotton Blend Woven Fabric (Thin, Unbleached/Bleached) for Home Textiles
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 7.8% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Tariff | +25.0% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Emergency Tariff | +10.0% (applies to goods from China/HK, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Effective Duty | 42.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 42.8% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable (denied under 19 U.S.C. Β§ 1304) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5212.12.60.50 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation: - USITC 25%: Imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 due to Chinaβs unfair trade practices (IP theft, forced tech transfer). - IEEPA 10%: Enacted under International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), targeting Chinese-origin goods for national security concerns. - Total 42.8% is extremely high β one of the highest tariffs on textile imports.
π― 2. 5208.11.40.20 β Cotton Blend Woven Fabric (Thin, for Apparel)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 9.0% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Emergency Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 44.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 44.0% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5208.11.40.20 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: Despite being slightly higher than
5212.12.60.50, this code applies only if the fabric is used in apparel, not home textiles.
π― 3. 5210.21.60.90 β Cotton Blend Woven Fabric (Apparel Use)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 11.4% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Emergency Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 46.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 46.4% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5210.21.60.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why Higher?
- Higher base rate due to apparel classification. - Still subject to 25% + 10% add-ons β highest among all listed codes.
π― 4. 5210.11.60.90 β Cotton Blend Plain Weave (Thin, Unbleached)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 10.2% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +7.5% (reduced rate due to specific product type) |
| IEEPA Emergency Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 27.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 27.7% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5210.11.60.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why Lower?
- USITC tariff reduced to 7.5% due to specific product exemption under current enforcement policy. - Still high due to IEEPA 10%.
π― 5. 5208.21.60.90 β Cotton Blend Thin Woven Fabric (Apparel Use)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 11.5% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Emergency Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 46.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 46.5% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5208.21.60.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: This code is not applicable for home textiles β only for apparel.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Confirm fiber content, weight, weave type |
| β Fabric Sample (with label) | βοΈ | For customs verification |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state: "Cotton Blend Woven Fabric, Thin Type, for Home Textiles" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show total weight, quantity, packaging |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Prove origin (China/CN) for tariff calculation |
| β Test Report (e.g., ASTM, AATCC) | βοΈ | Confirm fabric weight, fiber composition |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling (Optional but Recommended) | βοΈ | Avoid disputes with CBP |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Declaration Tips)
π₯ "Use the right code, avoid 40%+ tax!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric for curtains, bed sheets, tablecloths | 5212.12.60.50 |
5208.11.40.20 |
42.8% vs 44.0% β save 1.2% |
| Fabric for shirts, dresses | 5210.21.60.90 |
5212.12.60.50 |
46.4% vs 42.8% β pay 3.6% extra |
| Fabric with 60% cotton, 40% polyester | 5212.12.60.50 |
5210.11.60.90 |
42.8% vs 27.7% β pay 15.1% more |
π Golden Rule:
- Home textiles β 5212.12.60.50
- Apparel β 5210 or 5208 series
- Never guess β use pre-ruling or expert advice.
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Fabric is 55% cotton, 45% polyester | Confirm cotton > 50% β still qualifies as "cotton blend" |
| Fabric is used in both home & apparel | Declare by final use β not by material |
| Fabric is exported from Vietnam/Mexico | May qualify for IEEPA exemption β 0% or 5% |
| Fabric is dyed or printed | Still eligible for 5212.12.60.50 if unbleached/bleached and thin |
| Fabric is imported in bulk | Use consolidated invoice with detailed breakdown |
π Five, Global Customs Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 5212.12.60.50 |
42.8% (China) | None required | High add-ons |
| π¨π³ China | 5212.12.60.50 |
5% | CCC, RoHS | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 5212.12.60.50 |
0% (if CE) | CE, REACH | No 301/IEEPA |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 5212.12.60.50 |
5% | RCM | No add-ons |
| π―π΅ Japan | 5212.12.60.50 |
0% | PSE | No additional taxes |
π Takeaway:
- USA is the only market with 40%+ tariffs on this fabric. - China, EU, Japan, Australia are much more favorable.
π Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Avoid Costly Penalties)
β Mistake 1: Using 5208.11.40.20 for home textiles
π Result: Pay 44.0% instead of 42.8% β extra 1.2% tax on $100k = $1,200 extra cost
β Mistake 2: Declaring "cotton fabric" without specifying blend or use
π Result: Customs may reclassify β higher tariff + penalties
β Mistake 3: Not providing fiber test report
π Result: CBP may reject shipment or demand re-inspection
β Mistake 4: Using "lightweight cotton" in invoice without HS code
π Result: Delayed clearance, risk of seizure
β Correct Declaration Phrase:
βCotton Blend Woven Fabric, 55% Cotton, 45% Polyester, Thin Type, Unbleached, for Home Textiles (Curtains, Bed Sheets), HS 5212.12.60.50β
π― Seven, Conclusion: Accurate Classification = Cost Savings & Smooth Clearance
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Home textiles β 5212.12.60.50"
πΉ "Apparel β 5210 or 5208 series"
πΉ "China origin β 42.8%+ in US"
πΉ "Pre-ruling = peace of mind"
π Pro Tip:
If your fabric is originated in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption β tariff drops to 0%β5%.
β Apply for a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) with U.S. CBP before shipment.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a licensed customs broker + provide fabric specs + request HS Code pre-ruling
π Avoid surprise tariffs, delays, and penalties β ship smarter, not harder!
β¨ Precision in Classification = Profit in Profitability!
πΌ Your next shipment starts with the right HS Code.
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.