Polyester Blended Fabric
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5513210020 | 24.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5514210020 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5513110020 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5514110020 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407810090 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407820090 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧡠Polyester Blended Fabric: The Ultimate 2026 HS Code & Tariff Survival Guide
π’ Complete Customs Clearance Strategy | High-Value Tariff Analysis | Expert Pitfall Avoidance
π What is "Polyester Blended Fabric"?
In the world of international textile trade, "Polyester Blended Fabric" is a broad term covering woven or knitted materials where Synthetic Fibers (Polyester) are mixed with Natural Fibers (Cotton).
The Critical Trade-off: The classification depends entirely on the weave structure, fiber composition percentage, and short fiber vs. filament status. A tiny shift in these details can change your duty rate from 24.9% to 49.9%.
β οΈ The Golden Rule:
If you are importing from China to the US in 2026, you are facing a "Double-Whammy" of tariffs: 1. Base Tariff (Standard MFN rate) 2. Section 301 "25%" Add-on (US-China Trade War) 3. Section 122 "10%" Add-on (Targeted on specific textiles) 4. Total Risk: Some codes hit 49.9%, others sit at 24.9%.
π¦ I. Detailed HS Code Breakdown & Tax Analysis (2026 Data)
Based on the latest US Customs and Trade data, here is the precise breakdown for Polyester-Cotton (Poly-Cotton) blends.
π·οΈ Code A: The "Lighter" Load
| HS Code | 5513.21.00.20 |
|---|---|
| Product Summary | Polyester-Cotton Blended Fabric, Synthetic fiber content < 85%, primarily or only blended with cotton. |
| Total Duty Rate | 24.9% π‘ |
| Tax Breakdown | β’ Base Duty: 14.9% β’ Section 301 (Add-on): 0.0% β’ Section 122 (Targeted): 10.0% |
| Best For | Lighter weaves, lower synthetic ratios, specific cotton-dominated blends. |
π‘ Strategy: This is the "Lucky" code. It avoids the aggressive 25% Section 301 surcharge, but you still pay the 10% Section 122 textile penalty.
π·οΈ Code B, C, D, E, F: The "Heavy" Load
The majority of polyester-cotton blends fall into the "Heavy" category, triggering the full brunt of US trade penalties.
| HS Code | Product Summary | Total Duty Rate | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
5514.21.00.20 |
Polyester & Cotton Blend, meeting "mainly or wholly blended with cotton" & polyester staple fiber requirements. | 49.9% π΄ | Base: 14.9% + Section 301: 25.0% + Sec 122: 10% |
5513.11.00.20 |
Polyester-Cotton Blend, polyester staple fiber content specified, plain weave structure. | 49.9% π΄ | Base: 14.9% + Section 301: 25.0% + Sec 122: 10% |
5407.81.00.90 |
Polyester & Cotton Blend Fabric, meets synthetic & cotton blend material characteristics. | 49.9% π΄ | Base: 14.9% + Section 301: 25.0% + Sec 122: 10% |
5407.82.00.90 |
Polyester & Cotton Blend, cotton percentage meets ratio requirements, classified as fabric. | 49.9% π΄ | Base: 14.9% + Section 301: 25.0% + Sec 122: 10% |
5514.11.00.20 |
Polyester & Cotton Blend, Synthetic fiber < 85%, mainly or wholly blended with cotton. | 49.9% π΄ | Base: 14.9% + Section 301: 25.0% + Sec 122: 10% |
π₯ The "Double Penalty" Explained: 1. Base Duty (14.9%): The standard US tariff for textiles. 2. Section 301 Add-on (25.0%): The "Trade War" tariff specifically targeting Chinese manufactured goods in this category. 3. Section 122 Add-on (10.0%): The "China Textile Tariff" targeted at specific polyester/cotton blends. Result: 14.9% + 25% + 10% = 49.9%. This is a massive cost increase!
π° II. Tax Clause Deep Dive: Why the Difference?
𧩠The Section 122 (10%) "China Textile" Clause
- Target: Specifically designed to restrict imports of polyester/cotton blends from China to protect US manufacturers.
- Applicability: Applies to ALL listed HS codes above. Even the "24.9%" code (
5513.21.00.20) is NOT exempt. - Impact: It adds a flat 10% on top of the base rate.
βοΈ The Section 301 (25%) "Trade War" Clause
- Target: Broadly targets Chinese tech and manufacturing, but excludes specific "lighter" textile codes like
5513.21.00.20. - The Trap: Most polyester-cotton blends (
5514.21,5513.11,5407.81, etc.) fall into the 25% surcharge bucket due to their specific fiber composition (Polyester Staple Fiber > 50% or specific weave counts). - Result: This is the single biggest cost driver. If your fabric qualifies for
5513.21.00.20, you save 25% instantly. If not, you pay it.
π οΈ III. Customs Clearance Strategy: How to Save Money
β 1. Precision in Fabric Specifications
Customs officers look for exact fiber ratios and weave types.
* Do: Provide a detailed Laboratory Report proving the exact percentage of polyester vs. cotton.
* Do: Specify if the polyester is Staple Fiber (short cut) or Filament (continuous). This is the key difference between 5513 (Staple) and 5407 (Filament/Synthetic).
* Don't: Vaguely state "Polyester Blend." Be specific: "55% Polyester, 45% Cotton, Plain Weave, 100% Cotton Weighted."
β 2. The "5513.21.00.20" Opportunity
- Strategy: If your fabric composition can legally be classified as "Synthetic content < 85% primarily with cotton" and fits the
5513.21criteria, fight for this code. - Action: If your current supplier claims a generic HS code, request a re-evaluation against
5513.21.00.20. The 25% savings (24.9% vs 49.9%) is life-changing for margins.
β 3. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Detailed Invoice | Must list HS Code, Total Weight, and Fiber Composition % explicitly. |
| Mill Test Report | Crucial for proving the "Staple vs. Filament" distinction. |
| Weave Sample | Physical sample to prove "Plain Weave" or "Twill" structure (affects 5513 vs 5514). |
| Country of Origin Cert | Essential to avoid misclassification from Vietnam/Malaysia (which might have lower rates if rules of origin are met). |
π¨ IV. Common Pitfalls & "Blood Test" Scenarios
| β Mistake | π« Consequence | β Correct Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Description | "Polyester Blended Fabric" | Specific Description: "Polyester/Cotton 60/40 Plain Weave, Staple Fiber." |
| Ignoring Section 122 | Unexpected 10% penalty | Verify ALL HS codes for Section 122 applicability (All listed above apply). |
| Misidentifying Fiber Type | 5514 (Staple) reported as 5407 (Filament) |
Get a Microscope Analysis to distinguish Staple vs. Filament. |
| Wrong Weave Structure | 5513.11 (Plain) vs 5513.21 (Mixed) |
Ensure the Weave Type matches the HS Code definition exactly. |
π V. Final Verdict: The Bottom Line
- The "Good" Code:
5513.21.00.20(Total Tax: 24.9%).- Why? It avoids the 25% Section 301 penalty.
- The "Bad" Codes:
5514.21.00.20,5513.11.00.20,5407.81.00.90,5407.82.00.90,5514.11.00.20(Total Tax: 49.9%).- Why? They trigger the full 25% Section 301 penalty + 10% Section 122.
π Pro Tip: Before shipping, consult a licensed customs broker to re-evaluate your fabric's fiber composition. If you can shift your product specification slightly to qualify for
5513.21.00.20, you are saving 25 cents on every dollar of cargo value.
π Ready to Clear?
Don't let a 25% tariff eat your profit.
1. Check your fiber ratios.
2. Verify your weave structure.
3. Aim for 5513.21.00.20 if possible.
4. If stuck with the 49.9% codes, ensure your pricing includes the Section 122 and Section 301 surcharges.
π Smart Trade = Precise Classification! π
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.