HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5205.22 – Cotton 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 sale

HS code 5205.22 is the 6-digit subheading for cotton 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 sale. It is used for medium-weight shirting fabric yarn, denim warp yarn, basic knitwear yarn, towel loop yarn and upholstery fabric yarn.

What HS 5205.22 covers

This specific HS code covers single, combed cotton yarns, not intended for retail sale, with a high cotton content (85% or more) and a medium-coarse fineness range (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number). These yarns are crucial industrial inputs for the global textile industry, forming the backbone of many woven and knitted fabrics. Major importers are typically countries with robust textile manufacturing sectors, such as China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkey, which process these yarns into finished goods. Exporters often include countries with strong cotton cultivation and spinning capabilities, like India, Pakistan, and the USA. Key things to know involve the "combed" aspect, which signifies a higher quality yarn with fewer impurities and a smoother finish, making it suitable for fabrics requiring a softer feel or more uniform appearance. The "single" nature means it's a single strand, often used as a base for further processing or for specific fabric constructions. Its industrial nature means trade occurs in large bulk quantities between manufacturers.

Covers
  • Medium-weight shirting fabric yarn
  • Denim warp yarn
  • Basic knitwear yarn
  • Towel loop yarn
  • Upholstery fabric yarn
  • Industrial canvas yarn
  • Workwear fabric yarn
Examples
  • Vardhman Textiles yarn
  • Trident Group yarn
  • Huafu Fashion yarn
  • Arvind Limited yarn
  • Welspun India yarn

Codes often confused with 5205.22

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 520532 (multiple/cabled, uncombed yarn of similar fineness) due to the decitex range, but the key difference is "single, combed" versus "multiple/cabled, uncombed". It's also distinct from 5204 (cotton sewing thread).

5205.32Cotton 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 sale52.04Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 520522, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520522 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 23% 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 $459M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$137M
  3. 3 Türkiye $98M

World total: $950M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$221M
  2. 2 China $155M
  3. 3 Portugal $70M

World total: $959M 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 5205.22

Brazil does not split HS 5205.22: its NCM code is 5205.22.00.

  1. 5205.22.00 Single combed cotton yarn 85%+, Nm 14–43De título inferior a 714,29 decitex, mas não inferior a 232,56 decitex (número métrico superior a 14, mas não superior a 43)

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 5205.22

What is HS code 520522?

HS code 520522 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cotton 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 sale. This specific HS code covers single, combed cotton yarns, not intended for retail sale, with a high cotton content (85% or more) and a medium-coarse fineness range (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number). These yarns are crucial industrial inputs for the global textile industry, forming the backbone of many woven and knitted fabrics. Major importers are typically countries with robust textile manufacturing sectors, such as China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkey, which process these yarns into finished goods. Exporters often include countries with strong cotton cultivation and spinning capabilities, like India, Pakistan, and the USA. Key things to know involve the "combed" aspect, which signifies a higher quality yarn with fewer impurities and a smoother finish, making it suitable for fabrics requiring a softer feel or more uniform appearance. The "single" nature means it's a single strand, often used as a base for further processing or for specific fabric constructions. Its industrial nature means trade occurs in large bulk quantities between manufacturers.

What products fall under HS code 520522?

Medium-weight shirting fabric yarn, denim warp yarn, basic knitwear yarn, towel loop yarn, upholstery fabric yarn, industrial canvas yarn, workwear fabric yarn

What are common misclassifications for HS code 520522?

This code can be confused with 520532 (multiple/cabled, uncombed yarn of similar fineness) due to the decitex range, but the key difference is "single, combed" versus "multiple/cabled, uncombed". It's also distinct from 5204 (cotton sewing thread).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520522?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520522 in UN Comtrade data were India ($459M, 48% of world exports), Vietnam (about $137M) and Türkiye ($98M). World exports came to about $950M, 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 520522?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520522 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $221M, 23% of world imports), China ($155M) and Portugal ($70M). World imports came to about $959M, 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 520522 structured?

HS code 520522 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 (22) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520522?

In Brazil, HS code 520522 is NCM 5205.22.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.