HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5205.28 – Cotton 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 sale

HS code 5205.28 is the 6-digit subheading for cotton 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 sale. It is used for fine combed cotton yarn (single), high-count combed cotton yarn, shirting fabric yarn (combed), voile yarn (combed) and lawn fabric yarn (combed).

What HS 5205.28 covers

This HS code covers very fine, single cotton yarn, made from combed fibers, with a high cotton content (85% or more by weight), and a very high count (less than 83.33 decitex, equivalent to exceeding 120 metric number). Like other yarns in this chapter, it is not sewing thread and is intended for industrial use, not retail. Combed cotton ensures a smooth, strong, and lustrous yarn, and this specific fineness is crucial for producing lightweight, high-quality fabrics. This yarn is a key raw material for manufacturers of premium apparel, fine shirting, delicate home textiles, and specialized industrial fabrics. Major importers are textile hubs in Asia and Europe that specialize in high-end fabric production. Exporters are typically countries with advanced spinning technologies and access to high-grade long-staple cotton. Trade focuses on yarn uniformity, strength, and freedom from defects, which are critical for fine gauge knitting and weaving.

Covers
  • Fine combed cotton yarn (single)
  • High-count combed cotton yarn
  • Shirting fabric yarn (combed)
  • Voile yarn (combed)
  • Lawn fabric yarn (combed)
  • Fine knitwear yarn (combed)
  • Luxury apparel yarn (combed)
Examples
  • Raymond (sources fine yarns)
  • Alok Industries (yarns)
  • Trident Group (yarns)
  • Luthai Textile (sources fine yarns)
  • Arvind Limited (yarns)

Codes often confused with 5205.28

Common mistake. This code can be confused with other single combed cotton yarns (e.g., 520527 for slightly coarser counts) if the precise decitex/metric number range is not strictly adhered to, or with 520538 (multiple/cabled uncombed yarn of similar fineness) if the "single" and "combed" attributes are missed.

5205.27Cotton 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 sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 520528, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520528 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 37% 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 China $168M
  2. 2 India $48M
  3. 3 Ethiopia* ~$17M

World total: $256M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$94M
  2. 2 Pakistan $88M
  3. 3 China $27M

World total: $253M 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 5205.28

Brazil does not split HS 5205.28: its NCM code is 5205.28.00.

  1. 5205.28.00 Single combed cotton yarn 85%+, over Nm 120De título inferior a 83,33 decitex (número métrico superior a 120)

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 5205.28

What is HS code 520528?

HS code 520528 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, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), not for retail sale. This HS code covers very fine, single cotton yarn, made from combed fibers, with a high cotton content (85% or more by weight), and a very high count (less than 83.33 decitex, equivalent to exceeding 120 metric number). Like other yarns in this chapter, it is not sewing thread and is intended for industrial use, not retail. Combed cotton ensures a smooth, strong, and lustrous yarn, and this specific fineness is crucial for producing lightweight, high-quality fabrics. This yarn is a key raw material for manufacturers of premium apparel, fine shirting, delicate home textiles, and specialized industrial fabrics. Major importers are textile hubs in Asia and Europe that specialize in high-end fabric production. Exporters are typically countries with advanced spinning technologies and access to high-grade long-staple cotton. Trade focuses on yarn uniformity, strength, and freedom from defects, which are critical for fine gauge knitting and weaving.

What products fall under HS code 520528?

Fine combed cotton yarn (single), High-count combed cotton yarn, Shirting fabric yarn (combed), Voile yarn (combed), Lawn fabric yarn (combed), Fine knitwear yarn (combed), Luxury apparel yarn (combed)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 520528?

This code can be confused with other single combed cotton yarns (e.g., 520527 for slightly coarser counts) if the precise decitex/metric number range is not strictly adhered to, or with 520538 (multiple/cabled uncombed yarn of similar fineness) if the "single" and "combed" attributes are missed.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520528?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520528 in UN Comtrade data were China ($168M, 66% of world exports), India ($48M) and Ethiopia (about $17M). World exports came to about $256M, 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 520528?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520528 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $94M, 37% of world imports), Pakistan ($88M) and China ($27M). World imports came to about $253M, 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 520528 structured?

HS code 520528 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 (28) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520528?

In Brazil, HS code 520528 is NCM 5205.28.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.