Practical guide · Classification

Classify bed sheets before checking the rules

A familiar product name can hide details that change the tariff line and every check that follows.

Why classification comes first

Customs rules attach to a tariff line, not the words used in a sales catalogue. “Bedsheet” may be enough to find a likely heading, but it is not enough to calculate duty or confirm restrictions.

For cotton bed linen, heading 6302 is a useful starting point. The final line can still depend on material, construction, finish and how the goods are sold.

Record four details

  1. MaterialState the fibre percentages, not only “cotton rich.”
  2. ConstructionRecord whether the fabric is woven, knitted or made another way.
  3. FinishNote whether it is printed, dyed, unbleached or otherwise finished.
  4. PresentationExplain whether it is one item or a packaged retail set.

Common mistakes

Do not copy a supplier’s code without checking the product facts. Do not use a four-digit heading as a final national tariff line. Do not assume a preferential rate applies before checking origin rules.

Turn the description into a route check