HTS Code 521221: Unbleached: — 2026 US Tariff Rates
Quick Answer
HTS 521221 = Unbleached:
Duty rate: 16.5% · Unit: 52-digit · Column 1: 16.5%
Complete Classification Table
All 8-digit and 10-digit tariff codes under HTS subheading 521221. Use this table to find the correct statistical suffix and applicable duty rate for your product.
| HTS Code | Full Description | General Rate | Special Rate | Column 2 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5212.21.10 |
Containing 36 percent or more by weight of wool or fine animal hair | 16.5% | Free (AU,BH, CL,CO,IL,JO,KR, MA,OM, P,PA,PE,S,SG) | 68.5% |
5212.21.10.10 |
Not combed (410) | — | — | — |
5212.21.10.20 |
Combed (410) | — | — | — |
5212.21.60 |
Other | 7.8% | Free (AU,BH,CL,CO,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) | 40% |
5212.21.60.10 |
Mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair (220) | — | — | — |
5212.21.60.20 |
Poplin or broadcloth (314) | — | — | — |
5212.21.60.30 |
Sheeting (313) | — | — | — |
5212.21.60.40 |
Duck (219) | — | — | — |
5212.21.60.50 |
Sateens (326) | — | — | — |
5212.21.60.60 |
Other (317) | — | — | — |
5212.21.60.90 |
Other (220) | — | — | — |
Chapter 52 Frequently Asked Questions
How is cotton fabric classified in Chapter 52?
Woven cotton fabrics are classified in headings 5208–5212. The exact subheading depends on the fabric's weight (e.g., not over 200 g/m2 vs. over 200 g/m2) and its finishing state (unbleached, bleached, dyed, or printed), each of which carries a different duty rate.
How are cotton blends classified?
By the predominant fiber by weight under the General Rules of Interpretation. If cotton is the predominant fiber, the fabric is classified in Chapter 52; if a man-made fiber predominates, it falls to Chapter 54 or 55.
Are cotton fabrics subject to high duties?
Cotton fabric general duty rates commonly run from about 5% to 9%, and some constructions are higher. On top of that, Chinese-origin cotton goods are typically subject to Section 301 List 4A tariffs of 7.5%.
What is the difference between cotton yarn and sewing thread?
Cotton sewing thread is classified in heading 5204, while other cotton yarn (for weaving or knitting) is classified in headings 5205–5207. The distinction is based on whether the yarn is put up as sewing thread.
Why does the finishing state matter for cotton fabric duty?
Unbleached, bleached, dyed, and printed cotton fabrics are separate subheadings with different duty rates. Classifying a dyed fabric as unbleached (or vice versa) results in an incorrect duty and a potential customs penalty.
HTS Chapter 52 Classification Guide: Cotton
Chapter 52 covers cotton in its many forms — from raw cotton not carded or combed (5201) through cotton yarn (5204–5207) to woven fabrics of cotton (5208–5212). It sits alongside the other textile-fiber chapters: silk (50), wool (51), man-made filaments (54), man-made staple fibers (55), and special woven fabrics (58). Classification depends on the fiber content, the degree of processing (uncombed vs. combed), the count/weight of yarn or fabric, and whether the fabric is unbleached, bleached, dyed, or printed — each state is a separate subheading with a different rate. The cotton-content percentage versus other fibers is decisive for blends, which fall to the heading of the predominant fiber.
Common Misclassification Errors
- Classifying a cotton/polyester blend under Chapter 54/55 when cotton predominates by weight — blends go to the chapter of the predominant fiber (GRI 3)
- Ignoring the state of finishing — unbleached vs. bleached vs. dyed vs. printed cotton fabrics are separate subheadings with different duty rates
- Confusing cotton yarn for weaving with cotton sewing thread — yarn is Chapter 52 (52.04–52.07) while sewing thread has its own heading 5204
Quick Answer: HTS 521221 Duty Rates
HTS subheading 521221 (unbleached:) contains 11 sub-classifications.
Suffix 5212.21.10: General rate 16.5%, Special (FTA): Free (AU,BH, CL,CO,IL,JO,KR, MA,OM, P,PA,PE,S,SG).
Always verify with CBP — Section 301, Section 232, and ADD/CVD may apply.
Duty Estimator
This page lists rates that may be ad valorem, specific, compound, or quota-based. The automatic estimator is intentionally disabled so a quantity-based rate is never mistaken for a percentage. Use the exact suffix, unit of quantity, origin, and current CBP guidance before calculating a shipment.
At a Glance
- The General duty rate for HTS 521221 is 16.5% · 11 statistical suffixes · 0 duty-free.
- 2 sub-classifications offer Special (FTA) rate preferences — check the Special column for USMCA, KORUS, and other FTA eligibility.
- This code falls under a chapter covering products classified under this chapter.
Importing Under HTS 521221: What Importers Ask
How is country of origin determined for textile products?
Textile country of origin is determined under 19 CFR §102.21 — generally where the fabric was woven or the garment was wholly assembled. This is stricter than the substantial transformation test used for other goods. UFLPA documentation requirements apply to cotton products.
Can USMCA reduce my textile import duties to zero?
Yes, if the product meets the USMCA yarn-forward rule: yarn must be spun, fabric woven, and garment assembled in USMCA territory. Provide a valid USMCA certificate of origin. Without meeting yarn-forward, the MFN rate applies, which for apparel can be 5-32%.
What forced labor documentation does CBP require for this classification?
Under the UFLPA, CBP presumes all cotton and textile products linked to Xinjiang involve forced labor. Importers must provide a supply chain traceability certificate proving the product did not pass through the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. CBP detains non-compliant shipments at the port.
Duty Calculation Tips for HTS 521221
Cotton fabric duties (Chapter 52) have historically been among the most protectionist in the US tariff schedule, with woven cotton fabric general rates frequently around 5%–9% depending on weight, weave, and finishing state, and higher for some constructions. Cotton is subject to the WTO Textiles Agreement but not to the old MFA quotas. Chinese-origin cotton fabrics and made-up cotton goods face Section 301 List 4A (7.5%) duties. For importers, the weight-per-square-meter band and the finishing state (bleached/dyed/printed) drive the subheading and therefore the rate, so precision on these two attributes is essential.
What Importers Need to Know About HTS Chapter 52
This subheading falls under an HTS chapter covering products classified under this heading of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Importers of these products should be aware of the following trade compliance considerations:
Importers should verify classification with CBP or a licensed customs broker. Check whether Section 301, Section 232, or anti-dumping/countervailing duties apply to your product based on country of origin and specific HTS classification.
For the specific subheading HTS 521221, we recommend you:
- Verify the correct 10-digit statistical suffix — even within a 6-digit subheading, duty rates can differ significantly between suffixes
- Check FTA eligibility — if your product qualifies for preferential treatment under USMCA, KORUS, or another FTA, you may reduce or eliminate duties by providing the required origin certification
- Monitor for trade remedy changes — Section 301, Section 232, and anti-dumping duties are updated periodically. A rate that was correct last quarter may have changed
- Consult CBP resources — for binding classification rulings, CBP's National Commodity Specialist Division provides written determinations
Official Sources
PoliteDraft recommends verifying duty rates directly with official government sources before filing import documentation.
Independent editors organize official USITC HTS data and explain how to check the exact suffix, unit, origin, and trade remedies. This site is a research reference, not a customs broker, attorney, or classification opinion.
Related HTS Codes in This Section
Trade & Compliance Insights for Chapter 52
Expert analysis on tariff policy, trade remedies, and compliance strategies relevant to HTS 521221.
View all insights →Browse All HTS Codes in This Section
See the complete list of HTS subheadings under the same section as 521221.
View Section Overview →<strong>Editorial note:</strong> The first listed General rate for HTS 521221 (Unbleached:) is 16.5%. Rates can differ by suffix, origin, and trade remedy; verify the exact line in the current USITC schedule and with CBP or a licensed customs broker.