HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 52.04 – Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale
What HS 52.04 covers
HS Heading 5204 covers "Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale" within Section XI (Textiles and Textile Articles) and Chapter 52 (Cotton). This classification specifically targets cotton yarns that are manufactured and prepared for the distinct purpose of sewing. Unlike general cotton yarns (5205/5206), sewing thread is engineered for strength, durability, consistent twist, and smooth passage through sewing machine needles, often undergoing mercerization or other finishing treatments to enhance these properties. The phrase "whether or not put up for retail sale" is crucial, as it creates sub-classifications for thread packaged for industrial use (large cones, spools) versus smaller quantities for consumer purchase (e.g., small spools for home sewing). The scope is limited to cotton as the primary fiber. This classification is paramount for trade compliance, affecting import duties, quotas, and regulatory standards, especially for textile and apparel manufacturers. Historically, cotton sewing thread has been indispensable for garment production worldwide, evolving with industrial sewing machines. This heading is distinct within Chapter 52, as it defines a specific end-use product derived from cotton, highlighting its functional difference from other cotton yarns.
- Covers
- Mercerized cotton sewing thread (industrial)
- Unbleached cotton sewing thread (bulk)
- Dyed cotton sewing thread (retail spools)
- Organic cotton sewing thread (industrial)
- Heavy-duty cotton sewing thread
- Cotton quilting thread
- Cotton embroidery thread (for sewing applications)
- Cotton serger thread
- Cotton topstitching thread
- Cotton hand sewing thread
- Cotton machine sewing thread
- Cotton buttonhole thread
- Cotton darning thread
- Cotton basting thread
- Waxed cotton sewing thread
- Glazed cotton sewing thread
- Cotton thread for upholstery
- Cotton thread for leatherwork
- Cotton thread for denim
- Cotton thread for canvas
- Cotton thread for apparel manufacturing
- Cotton thread for home textiles
- Cotton thread for crafts
- Cotton thread in various counts
- Cotton thread in various colors
- Examples
An apparel factory in Vietnam, producing cotton shirts for export to the EU, imports large cones of mercerized cotton sewing thread from China, a major textile accessory producer, via established maritime routes in Southeast Asia. Simultaneously, a craft supply distributor in the United States imports small spools of various colored cotton sewing thread, put up for retail sale, from India to sell to hobbyists and home sewers through e-commerce and retail stores, utilizing air freight for quicker delivery. In another scenario, a Turkish manufacturer of high-quality denim jeans sources heavy-duty cotton sewing thread from a specialized producer in Portugal, ensuring the durability and aesthetic appeal of the seams, with goods transported efficiently across Europe by road.
Subheadings under 52.04 3
Codes often confused with 52.04
Common mistake. One common misclassification for cotton sewing thread is confusing it with general cotton yarn (HS 5205 or 5206). The critical distinction is the intended use and specific properties: 5204 is engineered for sewing, with higher strength, twist, and finish, while 5205/5206 are for weaving, knitting, or other textile processes. Another mistake is classifying it under 'threads of other textile materials' (e.g., HS 5401 for man-made filament sewing thread or 5508 for synthetic staple fiber sewing thread) if the cotton content is not accurately assessed. Traders must verify the fiber composition to ensure it is predominantly cotton. Lastly, the 'put up for retail sale' distinction is often overlooked, leading to incorrect sub-heading classification, which impacts duties and statistical reporting, even if the primary heading (5204) is correct.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 5204, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5204 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.8% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $32M 31% of world exports
- 2 India $12M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $9.3M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $104M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $11M 8.8% of world imports
- 2 Myanmar $10M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $7.0M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $127M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 52.04
What is HS code 5204?
HS code 5204 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale. HS Heading 5204 covers "Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale" within Section XI (Textiles and Textile Articles) and Chapter 52 (Cotton). This classification specifically targets cotton yarns that are manufactured and prepared for the distinct purpose of sewing. Unlike general cotton yarns (5205/5206), sewing thread is engineered for strength, durability, consistent twist, and smooth passage through sewing machine needles, often undergoing mercerization or other finishing treatments to enhance these properties. The phrase "whether or not put up for retail sale" is crucial, as it creates sub-classifications for thread packaged for industrial use (large cones, spools) versus smaller quantities for consumer purchase (e.g., small spools for home sewing). The scope is limited to cotton as the primary fiber. This classification is paramount for trade compliance, affecting import duties, quotas, and regulatory standards, especially for textile and apparel manufacturers. Historically, cotton sewing thread has been indispensable for garment production worldwide, evolving with industrial sewing machines. This heading is distinct within Chapter 52, as it defines a specific end-use product derived from cotton, highlighting its functional difference from other cotton yarns.
What products fall under HS code 5204?
Mercerized cotton sewing thread (industrial), unbleached cotton sewing thread (bulk), dyed cotton sewing thread (retail spools), organic cotton sewing thread (industrial), heavy-duty cotton sewing thread, cotton quilting thread, cotton embroidery thread (for sewing applications), cotton serger thread, cotton topstitching thread, cotton hand sewing thread, cotton machine sewing thread, cotton buttonhole thread, cotton darning thread, cotton basting thread, waxed cotton sewing thread, glazed cotton sewing thread, cotton thread for upholstery, cotton thread for leatherwork, cotton thread for denim, cotton thread for canvas, cotton thread for apparel manufacturing, cotton thread for home textiles, cotton thread for crafts, cotton thread in various counts, cotton thread in various colors
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5204?
One common misclassification for cotton sewing thread is confusing it with general cotton yarn (HS 5205 or 5206). The critical distinction is the intended use and specific properties: 5204 is engineered for sewing, with higher strength, twist, and finish, while 5205/5206 are for weaving, knitting, or other textile processes. Another mistake is classifying it under 'threads of other textile materials' (e.g., HS 5401 for man-made filament sewing thread or 5508 for synthetic staple fiber sewing thread) if the cotton content is not accurately assessed. Traders must verify the fiber composition to ensure it is predominantly cotton. Lastly, the 'put up for retail sale' distinction is often overlooked, leading to incorrect sub-heading classification, which impacts duties and statistical reporting, even if the primary heading (5204) is correct.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5204?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5204 in UN Comtrade data were China ($32M, 31% of world exports), India ($12M) and Italy ($9.3M). World exports came to about $104M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 5204?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5204 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11M, 8.8% of world imports), Myanmar ($10M) and the Philippines ($7.0M). World imports came to about $127M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 5204 structured?
HS code 5204 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.