HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 5205.42 – Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed 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 sale

HS code 5205.42 is the 6-digit subheading for cotton yarn, (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed 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 sale. It is used for medium-weight combed denim yarn, twill fabric yarn, heavy shirting yarn, premium towel yarn and bed linen yarn.

What HS 5205.42 covers

This category covers medium-heavy, multiple or cabled cotton yarn, not sewing thread, of combed fibres, with 85% or more cotton by weight, and a fineness between 714.28 and 232.56 decitex (15 to 43 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale. The combing process ensures a smoother, stronger yarn with fewer imperfections, making it ideal for higher-quality fabrics. It is a staple in the production of durable apparel, such as medium-weight denim and twills, as well as various home textiles like towels and bed linens, and some industrial applications requiring strength and a good finish. Major importers are textile manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe, seeking consistent quality for their weaving and knitting operations. Exporters are often countries with significant cotton production and advanced spinning mills. Market dynamics are influenced by raw cotton prices and demand for mid-to-high-end textile products.

Covers
  • Medium-weight combed denim yarn
  • Twill fabric yarn
  • Heavy shirting yarn
  • Premium towel yarn
  • Bed linen yarn
  • Upholstery fabric yarn
  • Workwear fabric yarn
Examples
  • Vardhman Textiles (yarns for various fabrics)
  • Trident Group (yarns for towels/bed linen)
  • Weiqiao Textile (yarns for apparel)
  • Alok Industries (yarns for diverse textiles)

Codes often confused with 5205.42

Common mistake. Can be mistaken for 520532 (uncombed fibres of similar fineness) due to similar decitex range, but the 'combed' characteristic is crucial for correct classification.

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 sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 520542, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 520542 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 18% 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 $63M
  2. 2 India $43M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $28M

World total: $188M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$35M
  2. 2 China $23M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $18M

World total: $189M 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 5205.42

Brazil does not split HS 5205.42: its NCM code is 5205.42.00.

  1. 5205.42.00 Plied combed cotton yarn 85%+, Nm 14–43De título inferior a 714,29 decitex, mas não inferior a 232,56 decitex por fio simples (número métrico superior a 14, mas não superior a 43, 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 5205.42

What is HS code 520542?

HS code 520542 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed 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 sale. This category covers medium-heavy, multiple or cabled cotton yarn, not sewing thread, of combed fibres, with 85% or more cotton by weight, and a fineness between 714.28 and 232.56 decitex (15 to 43 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale. The combing process ensures a smoother, stronger yarn with fewer imperfections, making it ideal for higher-quality fabrics. It is a staple in the production of durable apparel, such as medium-weight denim and twills, as well as various home textiles like towels and bed linens, and some industrial applications requiring strength and a good finish. Major importers are textile manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe, seeking consistent quality for their weaving and knitting operations. Exporters are often countries with significant cotton production and advanced spinning mills. Market dynamics are influenced by raw cotton prices and demand for mid-to-high-end textile products.

What products fall under HS code 520542?

Medium-weight combed denim yarn, twill fabric yarn, heavy shirting yarn, premium towel yarn, bed linen yarn, upholstery fabric yarn, workwear fabric yarn

What are common misclassifications for HS code 520542?

Can be mistaken for 520532 (uncombed fibres of similar fineness) due to similar decitex range, but the 'combed' characteristic is crucial for correct classification.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 520542?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 520542 in UN Comtrade data were China ($63M, 33% of world exports), India ($43M) and Hong Kong ($28M). World exports came to about $188M, 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 520542?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 520542 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $35M, 18% of world imports), China ($23M) and Hong Kong ($18M). World imports came to about $189M, 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 520542 structured?

HS code 520542 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 520542?

In Brazil, HS code 520542 is NCM 5205.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.