52083200
COTTON›Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85 % or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m²
Plain weave, weighing more than 100 g/m²
Subcodes (4)
Classification scope of dyed cotton fabrics
CN code 520832 covers dyed woven cotton fabrics in three-thread or four-thread twill, including cross twill, containing 85 percent or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m2. Dyeing means uniform colouration of the fabric in a specific colour during the finishing process, as distinct from printed patterns. These fabrics are widely used in the garment industry for trousers, skirts, shirts, blouses and workwear. Twill weave provides the fabric with durability and a characteristic diagonal pattern. Classification requires confirmation of the dyeing process, weave type, composition and weight.
Chemical safety and labelling
Dyed cotton fabrics are subject to specific chemical safety requirements for dyestuffs. REACH Regulation prohibits azo dyes releasing carcinogenic aromatic amines above 30 mg/kg. The list of 22 prohibited aromatic amines is in Annex XVII to REACH. Chrome, reactive and direct dyes are subject to verification for heavy metal content. Formaldehyde from colour fixation processes is restricted. Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 requires fibre composition labelling. Importers should require from suppliers certificates confirming dyestuff compliance with REACH, preferably in the form of a laboratory report from an accredited testing facility.
International trade and customs clearance
Importing dyed cotton fabrics under CN code 520832 requires a customs declaration describing the fabric as dyed, specifying the colour, twill weave, composition and weight. India, China, Turkey and Bangladesh dominate exports of dyed cotton fabrics. Preferential tariff rates from trade agreements or the GSP system can significantly reduce import costs. Customs authorities verify classification accuracy, particularly the distinction between dyed and printed fabrics as they fall under different subheadings. Importers should maintain technical fabric documentation including colour cards, chemical test reports and physical parameter specifications.
Importing cotton fabrics – weave and weight CN 5208 32
Cotton fabrics CN 5208 32 are classified by weave (plain, twill, satin), weight per square metre, and treatment (unbleached, bleached, dyed, printed). Import into the EU is subject to conventional customs duty and import VAT. Fibre composition labelling under EU 1007/2011 is required. Importers must ensure correct fibre composition labelling under EU Regulation 1007/2011. Current duty rates are available in the TARIC database for verification.
Frequently asked questions
How to distinguish dyed from printed fabric for tariff purposes?
Dyed fabric has a uniform colour across the entire surface, obtained by immersion in a dye solution. Printed fabric has a pattern applied to the surface, usually visible on one side only. Tariff subheadings distinguish between these processes. Microscopic examination can definitively determine whether colour was applied through dyeing or printing.
Which aromatic amines from azo dyes are prohibited?
Annex XVII to REACH lists 22 carcinogenic aromatic amines whose release from azo dyes is prohibited above 30 mg/kg. These include benzidine, naphthylamine, dichlorobenzidine and other compounds with proven carcinogenic properties. Testing according to EN 14362 is the standard analytical method.
Is denim classified under code 520832?
Denim is a twill weave fabric, but typical denim uses yarn-dyed warp, not piece-dyed fabric. Classification depends on whether dyeing applies to the finished fabric or to the yarn. Denim from yarn-dyed warp is treated as fabric of yarns of different colours, which corresponds to a different tariff subheading.
What is the EU duty on dyed cotton twill weave fabric CN 5208 32?
Dyed cotton twill weave fabric under CN 5208 32 is subject to conventional EU customs duty and import VAT. Check the rate in TARIC. Fibre composition labelling per EU 1007/2011 is mandatory.
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