HS Code for Medium weight printed cotton fabric

The classification for medium weight printed cotton fabric falls under HS code 5208.52, which is designated for woven cotton fabrics containing 85% or more cotton by weight, weighing between 101 and 200 g/m2, and featuring a printed design. The Harmonized System distinguishes printed fabrics from dyed fabrics based on the application of color; printed fabrics have designs, patterns, or motifs applied to the surface, usually on one side, through methods such as screen printing, roller printing, or digital inkjet printing. To qualify for 5208.52, the fabric must utilize a plain weave construction. This classification is critical because the duty rates for printed fabrics often differ from those of greige or dyed fabrics. The weight specification (100-200 g/m2) ensures that the fabric is categorized as medium weight, excluding lighter materials like voile or heavier materials like denim or heavy upholstery cotton. Plain weave is defined by the 1/1 interlacing of warp and weft. If the fabric features a more complex weave, such as a twill or satin weave, it would be classified under a different subheading within the 5208 group (e.g., 5208.59). The printing must be permanent and cover a significant portion of the fabric surface to be considered "printed" for customs purposes. This includes fabrics where the pattern is produced by a discharge process or by resist printing. Accurate classification requires checking the weight per square meter and the percentage of cotton fiber, as even a small amount of synthetic fiber could change the heading if the cotton content drops below 85%.

Products Included

• Printed cotton calico
• Printed cotton chintz (plain weave)
• Digital printed cotton sheeting
• Screen-printed cotton poplin
• Batik-style printed cotton (if plain weave)

Common Misclassification

The most frequent error is confusing 5208.52 with 5208.51, which is for printed fabrics weighing 100 g/m2 or less. Another common mistake is using 5208.32 (dyed fabrics) for fabrics that have a printed pattern. Additionally, if the fabric is a twill weave (like a printed drill), it should be classified under 5208.59, not 5208.52.

FAQ

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

The HS code is 5208.52, applicable to printed, plain weave cotton fabrics (>=85% cotton) weighing between 101 and 200 g/m2.

Does this code include fabrics with a floral print?

Yes, any decorative pattern applied via printing methods on a plain weave cotton fabric of this weight falls under 5208.52.