HS Code for colored heavy cotton fabric

HS code 5212.23 is used for the classification of heavy woven cotton fabrics that have been dyed and do not fall under the more specific headings of Chapter 52. The classification criteria are twofold: the fabric must weigh more than 200 grams per square meter (g/m2), and it must be dyed a uniform color. As part of heading 5212, this code serves as a "catch-all" for cotton-predominant fabrics that are not covered by headings 5208 to 5211. This usually applies to fabrics where cotton is blended with other natural fibers like flax, jute, or silk, provided that cotton is the heaviest component by weight but constitutes less than 85% of the total. The "heavy" designation (>200g/m2) typically includes fabrics used for durable apparel like workwear, heavy trousers, or home furnishing applications like upholstery and drapes. The dyeing process must be completed before or after weaving to provide a consistent colored finish.

Products Included

• Heavyweight dyed cotton-linen upholstery fabric (e.g., 250g/m2)
• Dyed cotton-jute blended fabrics for industrial bags
• Woven dyed cotton-wool blends where cotton predominates and weight exceeds 200g/m2
• Heavy dyed cotton canvas blends not mixed with man-made fibers
• Durable dyed cotton-hemp fabrics for outerwear

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 5209.31 through 5209.39, which covers dyed cotton fabrics containing 85% or more cotton weighing over 200g/m2. If the fabric is nearly pure cotton, 5212.23 is inapplicable. It is also frequently confused with 5211.31 through 5211.39, which covers heavy cotton blends (<85%) mixed mainly with man-made fibers like polyester or nylon. If the blend is primarily cotton and synthetic, Chapter 5211 is the correct destination. Lastly, if the fabric is lightweight (200g/m2 or less), it must be classified under 5212.13.

FAQ

What is the HS code for colored heavy cotton fabric?

The HS code for dyed woven cotton fabrics weighing more than 200g/m2, not elsewhere classified, is 5212.23.

How is the weight per square meter calculated?

It is calculated by weighing a known area of the fabric (e.g., 1 meter by 1 meter) in grams. This measurement determines whether the fabric falls into the "light" (5212.1x) or "heavy" (5212.2x) category.