HS Code for Medium weight greige cotton fabric

Medium weight greige cotton fabric is classified under HS code 5208.12 based on its raw, unfinished state and specific physical dimensions. The term "greige" or "unbleached" refers to fabric as it comes directly from the loom, without having undergone bleaching, dyeing, or printing processes. Under the Harmonized System, Heading 5208 applies to cotton fabrics with a cotton content of at least 85% and a weight limit of 200 g/m2. Subheading 5208.12 specifically identifies unbleached fabrics of plain weave that weigh more than 100 g/m2 but no more than 200 g/m2. Plain weave is the simplest weaving pattern, where the warp and weft yarns cross each other alternately. The classification requires precise measurement of the fabric's mass; if the fabric weighs 100 g/m2 or less, it would fall under a different subheading. This code is essential for manufacturers importing base cloths intended for subsequent finishing processes like scouring, bleaching, or dyeing. The technical definition of "unbleached" in the legal notes includes fabrics woven from unbleached yarns or from recovered fibers that have not been treated with chemicals to remove natural color. It is vital to distinguish these from "bleached" fabrics, which have been chemically whitened. Importers must ensure that the fabric has not undergone any whitening or coloring process to maintain eligibility for this specific code. The weight must be calculated based on the conditioned state of the fabric as per international textile standards to ensure accuracy in classification.

Products Included

• Unbleached cotton muslin (medium weight)
• Raw cotton canvas for painting (lightweight variety)
• Loom-state plain weave cotton fabric
• Unfinished cotton sheeting
• Greige cotton poplin base cloth

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification occurs with 5208.22, which is for bleached cotton fabrics. If the fabric has been even slightly whitened, it moves from 5208.12 to 5208.22. Another error involves 5208.11, which is for fabrics weighing 100 g/m2 or less. Furthermore, if the fabric contains less than 85% cotton (e.g., a 65/35 poly-cotton blend), it must be classified under heading 5210 or 5211 depending on the weight.

FAQ

What is the HS code for medium weight greige cotton fabric?

The HS code is 5208.12, which covers unbleached, plain weave cotton fabrics (>=85% cotton) weighing between 101 and 200 g/m2.

What defines a fabric as unbleached?

A fabric is unbleached if it has not been subjected to any bleaching or dyeing processes and retains the natural color of the cotton fibers, often containing small flecks of cotton seed husks.