About HS Code 140420
This HS code specifically covers cotton linters, which are the short fibers that remain on cottonseed after ginning, following the removal of the longer staple cotton fibers. While too short for textile spinning, cotton linters are a highly valuable raw material for various industrial applications in international trade. They are primarily used in the production of high-quality cellulose pulp, which in turn is used to make specialty papers (e.g., banknotes, filter paper), cellulose derivatives (e.g., rayon, cellulose acetate for plastics and films), explosives, and medical supplies. Importers are typically chemical companies, paper manufacturers, and specialized industrial processors. Exporters are major cotton-producing countries. Key trade considerations include purity, fiber length, and cellulose content, as these determine their suitability for different industrial processes and end-product quality.
Products Under This Code
Cotton linter pulp, bleached cotton linters, unbleached cotton linters, chemical-grade linters, dissolving pulp from linters, linter paper pulp, purified linters, short cotton fibers
Real World Examples
Eastman Chemical cellulose acetate, Lenzing Viscose fibers (from pulp), Crane Currency banknote paper, filter paper for coffee machines, medical cotton swabs (some types)
Common Misclassification
Must be distinguished from raw cotton (5201.00) which has longer fibers for spinning, and cotton waste (5202.99) which is a byproduct of textile manufacturing.
Products Classified Under 1404.20
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
The USA, India, and China are major producers and exporters, while Japan and European countries are significant importers for their chemical and paper industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 140420?
HS code 140420 covers: Vegetable products; cotton linters. This HS code specifically covers cotton linters, which are the short fibers that remain on cottonseed after ginning, following the removal of the longer staple cotton fibers. While too short for textile spinning, cotton linters are a highly valuable raw material for various industrial applications in international trade. They are primarily used in the production of high-quality cellulose pulp, which in turn is used to make specialty papers (e.g., banknotes, filter paper), cellulose derivatives (e.g., rayon, cellulose acetate for plastics and films), explosives, and medical supplies. Importers are typically chemical companies, paper manufacturers, and specialized industrial processors. Exporters are major cotton-producing countries. Key trade considerations include purity, fiber length, and cellulose content, as these determine their suitability for different industrial processes and end-product quality.
What products fall under HS code 140420?
Cotton linter pulp, bleached cotton linters, unbleached cotton linters, chemical-grade linters, dissolving pulp from linters, linter paper pulp, purified linters, short cotton fibers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 140420?
Must be distinguished from raw cotton (5201.00) which has longer fibers for spinning, and cotton waste (5202.99) which is a byproduct of textile manufacturing.
How is HS code 140420 structured?
HS code 140420 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (14) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.