HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5205.15 – Cotton 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 sale

HS code 5205.15 is the 6-digit subheading for cotton 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 sale. It is used for fine uncombed cotton yarn, single uncombed cotton yarn (80+ Ne), lightweight shirting yarn, fine carded apparel yarn and delicate fabric yarn.

What HS 5205.15 covers

This HS code specifies single cotton yarn, made from uncombed fibers, with a high cotton content (85% or more), and representing the finest counts within the uncombed category (less than 125 decitex or exceeding 80 metric number). Despite being "uncombed," these finer counts are used for lighter, more delicate fabrics where a natural, breathable feel is paramount, but the ultimate smoothness of combed yarn isn't strictly required or cost-prohibitive. As an industrial product, "not sewing thread" and "not for retail sale" mean it's a bulk input for textile manufacturing. This yarn finds applications in lightweight apparel, fine shirting, and certain types of home textiles. Major exporters are typically countries with advanced spinning capabilities and access to good quality raw cotton, such as India, China, and Pakistan. Importers include textile manufacturers in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Turkey, who specialize in producing fine-count fabrics and garments. The trade in this yarn emphasizes balancing cost-effectiveness with the desired fabric characteristics, making fiber selection and spinning efficiency critical.

Covers
  • Fine uncombed cotton yarn
  • Single uncombed cotton yarn (80+ Ne)
  • Lightweight shirting yarn
  • Fine carded apparel yarn
  • Delicate fabric yarn
  • High-count carded cotton yarn
  • Industrial fine cotton yarn
Examples
  • KPR Mill fine carded yarn
  • Trident Group high-count uncombed yarn
  • Huafu Fashion Group fine cotton yarn
  • Raymond UCO shirting yarn
  • Vardhman Textiles fine count yarn

Codes often confused with 5205.15

Common mistake. This code is defined by its very fine decitex/metric number range (exceeding 80 metric number) for uncombed cotton yarn, distinguishing it from coarser uncombed yarns (e.g., 520513, 520514) and all combed yarns.

5205.13Cotton 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 sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 520515, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520515 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 51% 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 Italy $379K
  2. 2 China $287K
  3. 3 India $221K

World total: $1.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Pakistan $3.5M
  2. 2 Israel $861K
  3. 3 Myanmar $506K

World total: $6.8M 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.

Brazil NCM code for 5205.15

Brazil does not split HS 5205.15: its NCM code is 5205.15.00.

  1. 5205.15.00 Single uncombed cotton yarn 85%+, over Nm 80De título inferior a 125 decitex (número métrico superior a 80)

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 5205.15

What is HS code 520515?

HS code 520515 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 less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale. This HS code specifies single cotton yarn, made from uncombed fibers, with a high cotton content (85% or more), and representing the finest counts within the uncombed category (less than 125 decitex or exceeding 80 metric number). Despite being "uncombed," these finer counts are used for lighter, more delicate fabrics where a natural, breathable feel is paramount, but the ultimate smoothness of combed yarn isn't strictly required or cost-prohibitive. As an industrial product, "not sewing thread" and "not for retail sale" mean it's a bulk input for textile manufacturing. This yarn finds applications in lightweight apparel, fine shirting, and certain types of home textiles. Major exporters are typically countries with advanced spinning capabilities and access to good quality raw cotton, such as India, China, and Pakistan. Importers include textile manufacturers in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Turkey, who specialize in producing fine-count fabrics and garments. The trade in this yarn emphasizes balancing cost-effectiveness with the desired fabric characteristics, making fiber selection and spinning efficiency critical.

What products fall under HS code 520515?

Fine uncombed cotton yarn, Single uncombed cotton yarn (80+ Ne), Lightweight shirting yarn, Fine carded apparel yarn, Delicate fabric yarn, High-count carded cotton yarn, Industrial fine cotton yarn

What are common misclassifications for HS code 520515?

This code is defined by its very fine decitex/metric number range (exceeding 80 metric number) for uncombed cotton yarn, distinguishing it from coarser uncombed yarns (e.g., 520513, 520514) and all combed yarns.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520515?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520515 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($379K, 26% of world exports), China ($287K) and India ($221K). World exports came to about $1.4M, 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 520515?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520515 in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($3.5M, 51% of world imports), Israel ($861K) and Myanmar ($506K). World imports came to about $6.8M, 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 520515 structured?

HS code 520515 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 (15) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520515?

In Brazil, HS code 520515 is NCM 5205.15.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.