HS Code for Lightweight white cotton fabric

The classification 5208.21 applies to woven fabrics with a high cotton content, specifically 85% or more by weight. These fabrics are categorized as lightweight, with a maximum weight of 100 grams per square meter (g/m2). The technical requirements for this code specify a plain weave structure and a bleached finish. Bleaching is the process of removing natural pigments from the cotton fibers to produce a clean, white appearance. This code is typically used for very fine, high-quality cotton textiles such as lawn, voile, or batiste. Because the cotton content is so high, the fabric retains maximum absorbency and softness. Customs authorities often require precise weight measurements and fiber content testing to verify that the cotton percentage does not fall below the 85% threshold, which would trigger a change in classification.

Products Included

• Bleached cotton lawn (>=85% cotton, <=100g/m2)
• White cotton voile (plain weave)
• Bleached cotton batiste for linings
• Lightweight white cotton muslin under 100g/m2

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with HS code 5208.11, which covers the same fabric in an unbleached (greige) state. Another common error is using 5208.31, which is for dyed plain weave cotton fabrics. If the fabric weight exceeds 100g/m2 but is still 200g/m2 or less, it falls under 5208.22. Additionally, if the cotton content is less than 85% and mixed with man-made fibers, the fabric must be classified under heading 5210, specifically 5210.21 for bleached plain weave fabrics under 200g/m2.

FAQ

What is the HS code for lightweight white cotton fabric?

The HS code for lightweight white cotton fabric (>=85% cotton, bleached, plain weave, <= 100g/m2) is 5208.21.

Why is the 100g/m2 limit important for this code?

The 100g/m2 limit is a specific threshold in the HS nomenclature for heading 5208. Fabrics exceeding this weight are classified under different subheadings (like 5208.22) because they are considered medium-weight rather than lightweight, which often carries different duty implications.