HS Code for Printed poly-cotton twill fabric

The classification of printed poly-cotton twill fabric under HS code 5514.42 is governed by the specific construction of the textile. This code is designated for woven fabrics containing less than 85% polyester staple fibers by weight, mixed mainly or solely with cotton. The fabric must have a weight exceeding 170g/m2. The defining characteristic of this subheading is the weave: it must be a 3-thread or 4-thread twill, which includes cross twill. Twill weaves are identified by the diagonal lines or "wales" created by the interlacing of threads. In the context of the Harmonized System, "printed" refers to fabrics that have been printed with a design, regardless of the number of colors. This classification is distinct from "dyed" or "yarn-dyed" fabrics. Accurate classification requires a physical analysis of the weave structure under magnification to confirm the thread count and the diagonal pattern. The twill weave is one of the three fundamental types of textile weaves, alongside plain and satin. In a 3-thread twill, each weft thread passes over two warp threads and then under one. In a 4-thread twill, it might pass over three and under one. This interlacing creates the characteristic diagonal pattern. For HS code 5514.42, this structural detail is paramount. Even if a fabric meets the weight and fiber requirements, if it is a plain weave, it cannot be classified here. The "cross twill" mention in the HS description refers to variations like broken twill or herringbone, which still maintain the basic twill interlacing principles but alter the direction of the diagonal.

Products Included

• Printed poly-cotton drill fabric (>170g/m2)
• Printed poly-cotton gabardine
• Heavyweight printed poly-cotton cavalry twill
• Printed poly-cotton cross twill fabrics for upholstery

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 5514.41, which is reserved for plain weave fabrics. Another common error involves HS code 5211.42; however, heading 5211 is for fabrics containing less than 85% cotton but mixed mainly with man-made fibers, whereas 5514 is for fabrics where the man-made staple fiber is the primary component by weight. Furthermore, if the fabric weight is 170g/m2 or less, it must be classified under heading 5513.

FAQ

What is the HS code for printed poly-cotton twill fabric?

The correct HS code is 5514.42 for fabrics exceeding 170g/m2.

What defines a 3-thread or 4-thread twill in HS classification?

It refers to the number of threads in a repeat of the weave pattern that creates the diagonal line characteristic of twill fabrics.