HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5205.35 – Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), per single yarn, not for retail sale

HS code 5205.35 is the 6-digit subheading for cotton yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), per single yarn, not for retail sale. It is used for fine uncombed denim yarn, canvas fabric yarn, upholstery base yarn, industrial textile yarn and heavy-duty apparel yarn.

What HS 5205.35 covers

This HS code covers multiple or cabled cotton yarn, not sewing thread, made from uncombed fibres with at least 85% cotton by weight, and a fineness of less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number) per single yarn, not intended for retail sale. This fine, uncombed yarn is a crucial intermediate product in the textile supply chain, often used where durability and cost-effectiveness are prioritized over extreme smoothness. It finds applications in robust fabrics like denim, canvas, and industrial textiles. Major importers are typically textile manufacturers in Asia (e.g., China, Bangladesh, Vietnam) and some European countries, who process it into finished goods. Exporters are often cotton-producing nations with significant spinning capabilities, such as India, Pakistan, and the USA. Key considerations in trade include consistent yarn count, strength, twist uniformity, and the impact of fluctuating raw cotton prices, alongside a growing focus on sustainable sourcing practices.

Covers
  • Fine uncombed denim yarn
  • Canvas fabric yarn
  • Upholstery base yarn
  • Industrial textile yarn
  • Heavy-duty apparel yarn
  • Workwear fabric yarn
  • Rope core yarn
Examples
  • Vardhman Textiles (uncombed yarns)
  • Huafu Fashion (blended yarns)
  • PT Indorama Synthetics (industrial yarns)
  • Coats Group (specialty yarns)

Codes often confused with 5205.35

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 520544 (combed fibres of similar fineness) or 520411 (cotton sewing thread). The key distinctions are 'uncombed' vs 'combed' and 'not sewing thread'.

5205.44Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 192.30 to 125 decitex (53 to 80 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5204.11Cotton; sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 520535, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520535 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 86% 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 United States $30M
  2. 2 India $5.2M
  3. 3 Thailand $1.5M

World total: $39M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$30M
  2. 2 Syria* ~$1.4M
  3. 3 Myanmar $831K

World total: $34M 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 5205.35

Brazil does not split HS 5205.35: its NCM code is 5205.35.00.

  1. 5205.35.00 Plied uncombed cotton yarn 85%+, over Nm 80De título inferior a 125 decitex por fio simples (número métrico superior a 80, 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 5205.35

What is HS code 520535?

HS code 520535 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, less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), per single yarn, not for retail sale. This HS code covers multiple or cabled cotton yarn, not sewing thread, made from uncombed fibres with at least 85% cotton by weight, and a fineness of less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number) per single yarn, not intended for retail sale. This fine, uncombed yarn is a crucial intermediate product in the textile supply chain, often used where durability and cost-effectiveness are prioritized over extreme smoothness. It finds applications in robust fabrics like denim, canvas, and industrial textiles. Major importers are typically textile manufacturers in Asia (e.g., China, Bangladesh, Vietnam) and some European countries, who process it into finished goods. Exporters are often cotton-producing nations with significant spinning capabilities, such as India, Pakistan, and the USA. Key considerations in trade include consistent yarn count, strength, twist uniformity, and the impact of fluctuating raw cotton prices, alongside a growing focus on sustainable sourcing practices.

What products fall under HS code 520535?

Fine uncombed denim yarn, canvas fabric yarn, upholstery base yarn, industrial textile yarn, heavy-duty apparel yarn, workwear fabric yarn, rope core yarn

What are common misclassifications for HS code 520535?

This code can be confused with 520544 (combed fibres of similar fineness) or 520411 (cotton sewing thread). The key distinctions are 'uncombed' vs 'combed' and 'not sewing thread'.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520535?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520535 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($30M, 77% of world exports), India ($5.2M) and Thailand ($1.5M). World exports came to about $39M, 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 520535?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520535 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $30M, 86% of world imports), Syria (about $1.4M) and Myanmar ($831K). World imports came to about $34M, 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 520535 structured?

HS code 520535 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 (35) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520535?

In Brazil, HS code 520535 is NCM 5205.35.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.