HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5205.33 – Cotton 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 sale

HS code 5205.33 is the 6-digit subheading for cotton 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 sale. It is used for denim warp yarn, canvas weaving yarn, upholstery fabric yarn, workwear textile yarn and industrial grade cotton yarn.

What HS 5205.33 covers

This HS code encompasses multiple or cabled cotton yarn, specifically made from uncombed fibers and containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, with a medium-fine count (232.55 to 192.31 decitex). These yarns are not for retail sale, indicating their use in industrial textile manufacturing. They are valued for their strength and durability, making them suitable for robust fabrics like denim, canvas, and heavy shirting. Major importers are textile mills and garment manufacturers in countries with large apparel production capacities, seeking bulk quantities for mass production. Exporters are typically spinning mills located in cotton-producing nations or regions with established textile industries. Key considerations in trade include yarn evenness, tensile strength, and consistent quality for high-speed weaving and knitting operations.

Covers
  • Denim warp yarn
  • Canvas weaving yarn
  • Upholstery fabric yarn
  • Workwear textile yarn
  • Industrial grade cotton yarn
  • Heavy shirting yarn
  • Duck fabric yarn
Examples
  • Cone Mills (denim yarn)
  • Arvind Mills (textile yarn)
  • Levi's (end product fabric)
  • Carhartt (end product fabric)

Codes often confused with 5205.33

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 520534 (finer count multiple/cabled yarn) or 520523 (single yarn of similar count). The key differentiators are 'multiple or cabled' and the specific decitex range.

5205.34Cotton 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 sale5205.23Cotton 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 sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 520533, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520533 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 32% 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 $27M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$6.4M
  3. 3 Türkiye $3.9M

World total: $48M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $14M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$7.8M
  3. 3 Japan $4.5M

World total: $45M 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 5205.33

Brazil does not split HS 5205.33: its NCM code is 5205.33.00.

  1. 5205.33.00 Plied uncombed cotton yarn 85%+, Nm 43–52De título inferior a 232,56 decitex, mas não inferior a 192,31 decitex por fio simples (número métrico superior a 43, mas não superior a 52, por fio simples)

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 5205.33

What is HS code 520533?

HS code 520533 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cotton 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 sale. This HS code encompasses multiple or cabled cotton yarn, specifically made from uncombed fibers and containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, with a medium-fine count (232.55 to 192.31 decitex). These yarns are not for retail sale, indicating their use in industrial textile manufacturing. They are valued for their strength and durability, making them suitable for robust fabrics like denim, canvas, and heavy shirting. Major importers are textile mills and garment manufacturers in countries with large apparel production capacities, seeking bulk quantities for mass production. Exporters are typically spinning mills located in cotton-producing nations or regions with established textile industries. Key considerations in trade include yarn evenness, tensile strength, and consistent quality for high-speed weaving and knitting operations.

What products fall under HS code 520533?

Denim warp yarn, canvas weaving yarn, upholstery fabric yarn, workwear textile yarn, industrial grade cotton yarn, heavy shirting yarn, duck fabric yarn

What are common misclassifications for HS code 520533?

This code can be confused with 520534 (finer count multiple/cabled yarn) or 520523 (single yarn of similar count). The key differentiators are 'multiple or cabled' and the specific decitex range.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520533?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520533 in UN Comtrade data were India ($27M, 55% of world exports), Vietnam (about $6.4M) and Türkiye ($3.9M). World exports came to about $48M, 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 520533?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520533 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($14M, 32% of world imports), Vietnam (about $7.8M) and Japan ($4.5M). World imports came to about $45M, 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 520533 structured?

HS code 520533 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 (33) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520533?

In Brazil, HS code 520533 is NCM 5205.33.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.