HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5204.19 – Cotton; sewing thread, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale

HS code 5204.19 is the 6-digit subheading for cotton, sewing thread, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale. It is used for cotton-polyester blend sewing thread (industrial), cotton-rayon blend sewing thread (industrial), core-spun cotton thread (industrial), blended industrial sewing thread and high-tenacity blended thread.

What HS 5204.19 covers

This HS code identifies industrial sewing thread where cotton constitutes less than 85% of its weight, meaning it's often a blend with synthetic fibers, and it's not packaged for retail. These blended threads are crucial for textile manufacturers seeking specific performance characteristics that pure cotton might not offer, such as enhanced strength, elasticity, abrasion resistance, or reduced shrinkage. Common blends include cotton-polyester or cotton-rayon, combining the natural feel of cotton with the durability of synthetics. Like its higher-cotton counterpart, this thread is a staple for large-scale garment and textile production, used in factories across the globe. Importers are predominantly countries with significant apparel and home textile manufacturing sectors, including China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Turkey. Exporters are typically nations with sophisticated textile industries capable of spinning and blending various fibers, such as China, India, Pakistan, and Taiwan. Key trade considerations include the specific blend ratio, thread strength, color range, and suitability for high-speed industrial machines, all of which influence the final product's quality and cost-effectiveness.

Covers
  • Cotton-polyester blend sewing thread (industrial)
  • Cotton-rayon blend sewing thread (industrial)
  • Core-spun cotton thread (industrial)
  • Blended industrial sewing thread
  • High-tenacity blended thread
  • Dyed blended sewing thread (industrial)
  • Unbleached blended sewing thread (industrial)
Examples
  • Coats Epic
  • A&E Perma Core
  • Vardhman Threads (blends)
  • Gütermann Tera

Codes often confused with 5204.19

Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS 520411 (sewing thread with 85% or more cotton) due to similar industrial use, or with HS 520420 if put up for retail, despite the blend. It's also distinct from other blended yarns not specifically designed as sewing thread.

5204.11Cotton; sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale5204.20Cotton; sewing thread, put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 520419, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520419 in UN Comtrade data was Honduras, with about 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Myanmar, with 29% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 68% of its exports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 83% of its imports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Honduras* ~$3.5M
  2. 2 China $3.2M
  3. 3 Italy $1.5M

Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 68% of its exports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Myanmar $9.4M
  2. 2 Dominican Republic $5.2M
  3. 3 Philippines $2.0M

Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 83% of its imports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $33M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.

Brazil NCM codes for 5204.19 6

Brazil splits HS 5204.19 into 6 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 5204.19.1 Of unbleached cotton, measuring 5,000 decitex or less per single yarnDe algodão cru, de título inferior ou igual a 5.000 decitex por fio simples Group
  2. 5204.19.11 Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, 2-plyDe dois cabos
  3. 5204.19.12 Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, 3+ plyDe três ou mais cabos
  4. 5204.19.20 Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, over 500 texDe algodão cru, de título superior a 5.000 decitex por fio simples
  5. 5204.19.3 Of bleached or coloured cotton, measuring 5,000 decitex or less per single yarnDe algodão branqueado ou colorido, de título inferior ou igual a 5.000 decitex por fio simples Group
  6. 5204.19.31 Bleached/dyed thread under 85% cotton, 2-plyDe dois cabos
  7. 5204.19.32 Bleached/dyed thread under 85% cotton, 3+ plyDe três ou mais cabos
  8. 5204.19.40 Bleached/dyed thread, sub-85% cotton, over 500 texDe algodão branqueado ou colorido, de título superior a 5.000 decitex por fio simples

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 52.04 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 5204.19

What is HS code 520419?

HS code 520419 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cotton; sewing thread, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale. This HS code identifies industrial sewing thread where cotton constitutes less than 85% of its weight, meaning it's often a blend with synthetic fibers, and it's not packaged for retail. These blended threads are crucial for textile manufacturers seeking specific performance characteristics that pure cotton might not offer, such as enhanced strength, elasticity, abrasion resistance, or reduced shrinkage. Common blends include cotton-polyester or cotton-rayon, combining the natural feel of cotton with the durability of synthetics. Like its higher-cotton counterpart, this thread is a staple for large-scale garment and textile production, used in factories across the globe. Importers are predominantly countries with significant apparel and home textile manufacturing sectors, including China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Turkey. Exporters are typically nations with sophisticated textile industries capable of spinning and blending various fibers, such as China, India, Pakistan, and Taiwan. Key trade considerations include the specific blend ratio, thread strength, color range, and suitability for high-speed industrial machines, all of which influence the final product's quality and cost-effectiveness.

What products fall under HS code 520419?

Cotton-polyester blend sewing thread (industrial), Cotton-rayon blend sewing thread (industrial), Core-spun cotton thread (industrial), Blended industrial sewing thread, High-tenacity blended thread, Dyed blended sewing thread (industrial), Unbleached blended sewing thread (industrial)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 520419?

This code is frequently confused with HS 520411 (sewing thread with 85% or more cotton) due to similar industrial use, or with HS 520420 if put up for retail, despite the blend. It's also distinct from other blended yarns not specifically designed as sewing thread.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520419?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520419 in UN Comtrade data were Honduras (about $3.5M, 21% of world exports), China ($3.2M) and Italy ($1.5M). World exports came to about $17M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 68% of its exports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 520419?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520419 in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($9.4M, 29% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($5.2M) and the Philippines ($2.0M). World imports came to about $33M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 83% of its imports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

How is HS code 520419 structured?

HS code 520419 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (19) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520419?

Brazil splits HS code 520419 into 6 NCM codes: 5204.19.11 (Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, 2-ply), 5204.19.12 (Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, 3+ ply), 5204.19.20 (Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, over 500 tex), 5204.19.31 (Bleached/dyed thread under 85% cotton, 2-ply), 5204.19.32 (Bleached/dyed thread under 85% cotton, 3+ ply), 5204.19.40 (Bleached/dyed thread, sub-85% cotton, over 500 tex). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.