HS Code for Heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric

HS code 5209.11 is reserved for woven fabrics that are predominantly composed of cotton, specifically 85% or more by weight. To qualify for this code, the fabric must be unbleached, meaning it has not undergone any whitening, dyeing, or printing processes after the weaving stage. Additionally, the weave must be a "plain weave," characterized by a simple over-under pattern of warp and weft threads. The weight must exceed 200g/m2, which classifies it as a heavyweight textile. This classification is typically used for heavy-duty industrial or artistic textiles where the natural state of the cotton and the durability of a heavy weight are required. These fabrics are often referred to as "greige" or "gray" goods in the industry. Because they are unbleached, they retain the natural creamy or off-white color of the cotton fibers and may contain small bits of cotton seed husks. This code is vital for tracking the trade of raw materials intended for further processing or for use in rugged applications like heavy canvas bags and industrial covers.

Products Included

• Heavy cotton canvas, unbleached, plain weave
• Unbleached cotton duck fabric over 200g/m2
• Industrial greige cotton cloth
• Heavyweight plain weave cotton for upholstery backing
• Unprocessed heavy cotton fabric for artist canvases

Common Misclassification

This code is frequently confused with HS code 5208.11, which also covers unbleached plain weave cotton but is limited to fabrics weighing 100g/m2 or less. It is also mistaken for HS code 5209.21, which applies to the same weight and composition but for bleached fabrics. If the fabric has a twill or satin weave, it must be classified under other subheadings of 5209, such as 5209.12 or 5209.19.

FAQ

What is the HS code for heavyweight unbleached cotton fabric?

The HS code for woven fabrics containing 85% or more cotton, unbleached, plain weave, and weighing more than 200g/m2 is 5209.11.

What does unbleached mean in this context?

Unbleached means the fabric is in its natural state after weaving, without having been subjected to any bleaching agents, dyes, or pigments.