HS code · 4-digit heading

HS Code 52.05 – Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale

What HS 52.05 covers

HS Heading 5205 covers "Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale." This classification is central to the global cotton textile industry, encompassing industrial-grade cotton yarns used extensively in weaving, knitting, and other textile manufacturing processes. The key parameters for this heading are the high cotton content (85% or more by weight), differentiating it from blended yarns (5206), and its presentation (not put up for retail sale), distinguishing it from consumer-packaged yarns (5207) or sewing threads (5204). This industrial yarn can vary widely in count (fineness), twist, and processing (e.g., carded, combed, mercerized) to suit diverse end-uses, from denim and shirting to towels and bedding. Proper classification is critical for trade compliance, influencing import duties, quotas, and origin rules, particularly for textile manufacturers who rely on precise material specifications. Historically, the trade in bulk cotton yarn has been a cornerstone of global commerce, driving industrialization and connecting cotton-producing regions with textile manufacturing hubs. This heading directly relates to Chapter 52's focus on cotton, representing the primary spun product ready for fabric formation, following the fiber preparation stages of 5201-5203.

Covers
  • Single ring-spun cotton yarn (unbleached, bulk)
  • Two-ply combed cotton yarn (mercerized, industrial)
  • Open-end cotton yarn (carded, unbleached)
  • Organic cotton yarn (greige, not retail)
  • Compact spun cotton yarn (dyed, industrial)
  • Slub cotton yarn (bulk)
  • Flame-retardant cotton yarn (industrial)
  • High-twist cotton yarn (for denim)
  • Low-twist cotton yarn (for towels)
  • Cotton yarn for weaving
  • Cotton yarn for knitting
  • Cotton yarn for nonwovens (industrial)
  • Bleached cotton yarn (bulk)
  • CVC cotton yarn (85%+ cotton)
  • Egyptian cotton yarn (bulk)
  • Pima cotton yarn (industrial)
  • Long-staple cotton yarn (bulk)
  • Short-staple cotton yarn (industrial)
  • Cotton yarn on cones (large)
  • Cotton yarn on spools (industrial)
  • Cotton yarn in hanks (industrial)
  • Fine count cotton yarn (bulk)
  • Coarse count cotton yarn (industrial)
Examples

A large fabric weaving mill in Pakistan imports significant volumes of combed, ring-spun cotton yarn (85% or more cotton) from India, leveraging geographical proximity and established trade routes for the production of high-quality shirting fabrics. Meanwhile, a major denim manufacturer in China purchases bulk quantities of open-end, high-twist cotton yarn from the USA, known for its robust cotton varieties, to produce durable denim fabrics for global export markets, utilizing trans-Pacific shipping. In another instance, a knitting factory in Bangladesh, specializing in cotton T-shirts, sources fine-count carded cotton yarn (not put up for retail sale) from Vietnam to meet its production demands, benefiting from regional textile supply chains within Southeast Asia.

Subheadings under 52.05 24

5205.11Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, measuring 714.29 decitex or more, (not exceeding 14 metric number), not for retail sale5205.12Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale5205.13Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 232.56 but not less than 192.31 decitex (exceeding 43 but not exceeding 52 metric number), not for retail sale5205.14Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 192.31 but not less than 125 decitex (exceeding 52 but not exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale5205.15Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, measuring less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale5205.21Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, measuring 714.29 decitex or more, (not exceeding 14 metric number), not for retail sale5205.22Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale5205.23Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 232.56 but not less than 192.31 decitex (exceeding 43 but not exceeding 52 metric number), not for retail sale5205.24Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 192.31 but not less than 125 decitex (exceeding 52 but not exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale5205.26Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 125 but not less than 106.38 decitex (over 80 but not over 94 metric number), not for retail sale5205.27Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 106.38 but not less than 83.33 decitex (over 94 but not over 120 metric number), not for retail sale5205.28Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), not for retail sale5205.31Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.32Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 714.28 to 232.56 decitex (15 to 43 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.33Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 232.55 to 192.31 decitex (44 to 52 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.34Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 192.30 to 125 decitex (53 to 80 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.35Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.41Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.42Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 714.28 to 232.56 decitex (15 to 43 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.43Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 232.55 to 192.31 decitex (44 to 52 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.44Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 192.30 to 125 decitex (53 to 80 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.46Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 124 to 106.38 decitex (81 to 94 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.47Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 106.37 to 83.33 decitex (95 to 120 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.48Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale

26 Brazil NCM codes in heading 52.05 →

Codes often confused with 52.05

Common mistake. Common misclassification errors for HS 5205 include confusing it with cotton sewing thread (HS 5204), which is specifically manufactured for sewing applications with distinct properties. Another frequent mistake is misclassifying yarns with less than 85% cotton content under this heading; such blended yarns belong to HS 5206. The 85% threshold is a crucial determinant. Furthermore, confusion with cotton yarn 'put up for retail sale' (HS 5207) is common. While structurally similar, 5205 is always in bulk industrial packaging (large cones, hanks), whereas 5207 is typically on small spools, balls, or cards for consumer purchase. Overlooking the 'not put up for retail sale' criterion leads to incorrect sub-heading assignment and potential duty discrepancies.

52.04Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale52.06Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale52.07Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 5205, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5205 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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. 1 India $3.2B
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$2.0B
  3. 3 China $897M

World total: $10.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $3.0B
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$1.8B
  3. 3 Honduras* ~$508M

World total: $9.7B 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.

Questions about HS 52.05

What is HS code 5205?

HS code 5205 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale. HS Heading 5205 covers "Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale." This classification is central to the global cotton textile industry, encompassing industrial-grade cotton yarns used extensively in weaving, knitting, and other textile manufacturing processes. The key parameters for this heading are the high cotton content (85% or more by weight), differentiating it from blended yarns (5206), and its presentation (not put up for retail sale), distinguishing it from consumer-packaged yarns (5207) or sewing threads (5204). This industrial yarn can vary widely in count (fineness), twist, and processing (e.g., carded, combed, mercerized) to suit diverse end-uses, from denim and shirting to towels and bedding. Proper classification is critical for trade compliance, influencing import duties, quotas, and origin rules, particularly for textile manufacturers who rely on precise material specifications. Historically, the trade in bulk cotton yarn has been a cornerstone of global commerce, driving industrialization and connecting cotton-producing regions with textile manufacturing hubs. This heading directly relates to Chapter 52's focus on cotton, representing the primary spun product ready for fabric formation, following the fiber preparation stages of 5201-5203.

What products fall under HS code 5205?

Single ring-spun cotton yarn (unbleached, bulk), two-ply combed cotton yarn (mercerized, industrial), open-end cotton yarn (carded, unbleached), organic cotton yarn (greige, not retail), compact spun cotton yarn (dyed, industrial), slub cotton yarn (bulk), flame-retardant cotton yarn (industrial), high-twist cotton yarn (for denim), low-twist cotton yarn (for towels), cotton yarn for weaving, cotton yarn for knitting, cotton yarn for nonwovens (industrial), bleached cotton yarn (bulk), CVC cotton yarn (85%+ cotton), Egyptian cotton yarn (bulk), Pima cotton yarn (industrial), long-staple cotton yarn (bulk), short-staple cotton yarn (industrial), cotton yarn on cones (large), cotton yarn on spools (industrial), cotton yarn in hanks (industrial), fine count cotton yarn (bulk), coarse count cotton yarn (industrial)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 5205?

Common misclassification errors for HS 5205 include confusing it with cotton sewing thread (HS 5204), which is specifically manufactured for sewing applications with distinct properties. Another frequent mistake is misclassifying yarns with less than 85% cotton content under this heading; such blended yarns belong to HS 5206. The 85% threshold is a crucial determinant. Furthermore, confusion with cotton yarn 'put up for retail sale' (HS 5207) is common. While structurally similar, 5205 is always in bulk industrial packaging (large cones, hanks), whereas 5207 is typically on small spools, balls, or cards for consumer purchase. Overlooking the 'not put up for retail sale' criterion leads to incorrect sub-heading assignment and potential duty discrepancies.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5205?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5205 in UN Comtrade data were India ($3.2B, 32% of world exports), Vietnam (about $2.0B) and China ($897M). World exports came to about $10.0B, 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 5205?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5205 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.0B, 31% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $1.8B) and Honduras (about $508M). World imports came to about $9.7B, 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 5205 structured?

HS code 5205 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.