HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5205.11 – Cotton 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 sale
HS code 5205.11 is the 6-digit subheading for cotton 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 sale. It is used for coarse uncombed cotton yarn, heavy-duty cotton yarn, denim warp yarn, canvas yarn and industrial cotton yarn (coarse).
What HS 5205.11 covers
This HS code specifies a particular type of cotton yarn: single, made from uncombed fibers, containing at least 85% cotton, and notably coarse, with a decitex measurement of 714.29 or more (equivalent to 14 metric number or coarser). Crucially, it is not sewing thread and not put up for retail sale, indicating its use in industrial textile manufacturing. This coarse, uncombed yarn is typically used where strength and bulk are more important than fineness or smoothness, such as in denim, canvas, heavy industrial fabrics, or certain types of home textiles. The "uncombed" aspect means the fibers are less refined, resulting in a slightly coarser, more irregular yarn. Major importers are countries with large-scale weaving and knitting industries that produce heavy-duty fabrics, including China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. Exporters are often cotton-producing nations with significant spinning capabilities, such as India, Pakistan, China, and the USA. Key trade considerations include yarn count consistency, strength, and the presence of impurities, as these impact the efficiency of subsequent weaving or knitting processes and the quality of the final fabric.
- Covers
- Coarse uncombed cotton yarn
- Heavy-duty cotton yarn
- Denim warp yarn
- Canvas yarn
- Industrial cotton yarn (coarse)
- Upholstery cotton yarn
- Rug backing yarn
- Examples
- Vardhman Textiles (coarse yarns)
- Huafu Fashion (denim yarns)
- Weiqiao Textile (heavy fabrics)
- Arvind Limited (denim)
Codes often confused with 5205.11
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other cotton yarns (HS 5205) if the specific decitex/metric number or the "uncombed" characteristic is overlooked. It's also distinct from cotton sewing thread (HS 5204) and finer cotton yarns.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 520511, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520511 in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% 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 Vietnam* ~$354M 42% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Pakistan $262M 31% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $49M 5.8% of world exports
World total: $848M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $631M 65% of world imports
- 2 Dominican Republic $106M 11% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $69M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $978M 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 code for 5205.11
Brazil does not split HS 5205.11: its NCM code is 5205.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 52.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5205.11
What is HS code 520511?
HS code 520511 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cotton 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 sale. This HS code specifies a particular type of cotton yarn: single, made from uncombed fibers, containing at least 85% cotton, and notably coarse, with a decitex measurement of 714.29 or more (equivalent to 14 metric number or coarser). Crucially, it is not sewing thread and not put up for retail sale, indicating its use in industrial textile manufacturing. This coarse, uncombed yarn is typically used where strength and bulk are more important than fineness or smoothness, such as in denim, canvas, heavy industrial fabrics, or certain types of home textiles. The "uncombed" aspect means the fibers are less refined, resulting in a slightly coarser, more irregular yarn. Major importers are countries with large-scale weaving and knitting industries that produce heavy-duty fabrics, including China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. Exporters are often cotton-producing nations with significant spinning capabilities, such as India, Pakistan, China, and the USA. Key trade considerations include yarn count consistency, strength, and the presence of impurities, as these impact the efficiency of subsequent weaving or knitting processes and the quality of the final fabric.
What products fall under HS code 520511?
Coarse uncombed cotton yarn, Heavy-duty cotton yarn, Denim warp yarn, Canvas yarn, Industrial cotton yarn (coarse), Upholstery cotton yarn, Rug backing yarn
What are common misclassifications for HS code 520511?
This code can be confused with other cotton yarns (HS 5205) if the specific decitex/metric number or the "uncombed" characteristic is overlooked. It's also distinct from cotton sewing thread (HS 5204) and finer cotton yarns.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520511?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520511 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $354M, 42% of world exports), Pakistan ($262M) and Türkiye ($49M). World exports came to about $848M, 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 520511?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520511 in UN Comtrade data were China ($631M, 65% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($106M) and Egypt ($69M). World imports came to about $978M, 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 520511 structured?
HS code 520511 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520511?
In Brazil, HS code 520511 is NCM 5205.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.