HS Code Heading

Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale

52.06 Heading
Section XI — Textiles and textile articles

About HS Code 5206

HS Heading 5206 covers "Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale." This classification is vital for the trade of blended cotton yarns, which combine cotton with other natural or man-made fibers to achieve specific performance characteristics like enhanced durability, wrinkle resistance, moisture-wicking properties, or aesthetic effects. The defining criteria are a cotton content of less than 85% (making cotton the predominant but not overwhelming fiber), its exclusion as sewing thread (5204), and its industrial packaging (not put up for retail sale, unlike 5207). These blended yarns are extensively used in weaving and knitting to produce a vast array of fabrics for apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles. Proper classification is critical for trade compliance, as tariff rates and trade regulations often differ significantly between pure cotton yarns and various blends, impacting import duties, quotas, and market access. Historically, the development of synthetic fibers led to the widespread adoption of cotton blends, allowing for innovative textile products. This heading relates to its parent Chapter 52 by acknowledging cotton as a primary component, while its 'less than 85%' criterion highlights the importance of blended fiber compositions in modern textile manufacturing, moving beyond pure cotton products.

Products Under This Code

Cotton-polyester blend yarn (industrial), cotton-viscose blend yarn (bulk), cotton-modal blend yarn (not retail), cotton-spandex blend yarn (industrial), cotton-linen blend yarn (bulk), cotton-acrylic blend yarn (not retail), CVC yarn (chief value cotton, industrial), TC yarn (polyester-cotton, industrial), cotton-nylon blend yarn (bulk), cotton-bamboo blend yarn (not retail), blended yarn for denim (less than 85% cotton), blended yarn for shirting (industrial), blended yarn for knitwear (bulk), blended yarn for technical textiles, dyed blended cotton yarn (industrial), unbleached blended cotton yarn (bulk), mercerized cotton blend yarn (industrial), ring-spun cotton blend yarn (bulk), open-end cotton blend yarn (industrial), plied cotton blend yarn (not retail), single cotton blend yarn (bulk), fine count cotton blend yarn (industrial), coarse count cotton blend yarn (bulk), cotton-rayon blend yarn (industrial), cotton-wool blend yarn (bulk)

Real World Examples

A textile manufacturer in Bangladesh imports large quantities of cotton-polyester blend yarn (e.g., 60% cotton, 40% polyester) from China, a leading producer of synthetic fibers and blends, for the mass production of durable workwear and casual apparel, utilizing efficient maritime shipping routes across Asia. In a different scenario, a European company specializing in performance sportswear sources cotton-spandex blend yarn (e.g., 95% cotton, 5% spandex for stretch) from Turkey, leveraging robust European and Mediterranean trade networks, to create comfortable and flexible athletic apparel. Additionally, a factory in Mexico, producing home textiles like blended bed sheets, imports cotton-viscose blend yarn from India, balancing softness with affordability, with goods typically transported via ocean freight across the Atlantic.

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification for HS 5206 is confusing it with cotton yarn containing 85% or more by weight of cotton (HS 5205). The 85% threshold is absolutely critical; accurately determining the fiber composition is paramount. Another frequent error is classifying these blended yarns under headings for yarns of other predominant textile materials (e.g., HS 5509 for yarns of synthetic staple fibers or HS 5510 for yarns of artificial staple fibers), if the non-cotton component is misidentified as the chief value. Traders must precisely identify all fiber components and their respective percentages. Lastly, similar to 5205, misclassifying these industrial yarns as 'put up for retail sale' (HS 5207) is a mistake, as 5206 specifically excludes retail packaging, leading to incorrect sub-heading and duty implications.

Subheadings 20

5206.11 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, measuring 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14 metric number), not for retail sale 5206.12 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% 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 5206.13 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% 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 5206.14 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, less than 192.31 but not less than 125 decitex (exceeding 52 but not exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale 5206.15 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, measuring less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale 5206.21 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, measuring 714.29 decitex or more, (not exceeding 14 metric number), not for retail sale 5206.22 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, less than 85% 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 5206.23 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, less than 85% 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 5206.24 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, less than 192.31 but not less than 125 decitex (exceeding 52 but not exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale 5206.25 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, measuring less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale 5206.31 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale 5206.32 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, 714.28 to 232.56 decitex (15 to 43 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale 5206.33 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, 232.55 to 192.31 decitex (44 to 52 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale 5206.34 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, 192.30 to 125 decitex (53 to 80 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale 5206.35 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale 5206.41 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale 5206.42 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, 714.28 to 232.56 decitex (15 to 43 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale 5206.43 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, 232.55 to 192.31 decitex (44 to 52 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale 5206.44 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, 192.30 to 125 decitex (53 to 80 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale 5206.45 Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, less than 85% by weight of cotton, less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale

Related Codes

52.01 Cotton; not carded or combed 52.02 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) 52.03 Cotton, carded or combed 52.04 Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale 52.05 Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale 52.07 Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale 52.08 Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m2 52.09 Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing more than 200g/m2 52.10 Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m2 52.11 Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2

Industry

This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.

Trade Overview

Major importers and exporters of cotton yarn containing less than 85% cotton are typically countries with diverse textile manufacturing capabilities and those producing or consuming a wide range of blended fabrics. Key players include China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Turkey. The demand for blended yarns is often driven by specific market needs for performance, durability, or cost-effectiveness. Trade agreements frequently offer preferential tariffs for these yarns, but adherence to strict rules of origin is crucial. The blend composition can significantly influence tariff treatment, as different non-cotton fibers may have varying duty rates, requiring meticulous documentation and classification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 5206?

HS code 5206 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale. HS Heading 5206 covers "Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale." This classification is vital for the trade of blended cotton yarns, which combine cotton with other natural or man-made fibers to achieve specific performance characteristics like enhanced durability, wrinkle resistance, moisture-wicking properties, or aesthetic effects. The defining criteria are a cotton content of less than 85% (making cotton the predominant but not overwhelming fiber), its exclusion as sewing thread (5204), and its industrial packaging (not put up for retail sale, unlike 5207). These blended yarns are extensively used in weaving and knitting to produce a vast array of fabrics for apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles. Proper classification is critical for trade compliance, as tariff rates and trade regulations often differ significantly between pure cotton yarns and various blends, impacting import duties, quotas, and market access. Historically, the development of synthetic fibers led to the widespread adoption of cotton blends, allowing for innovative textile products. This heading relates to its parent Chapter 52 by acknowledging cotton as a primary component, while its 'less than 85%' criterion highlights the importance of blended fiber compositions in modern textile manufacturing, moving beyond pure cotton products.

What products fall under HS code 5206?

Cotton-polyester blend yarn (industrial), cotton-viscose blend yarn (bulk), cotton-modal blend yarn (not retail), cotton-spandex blend yarn (industrial), cotton-linen blend yarn (bulk), cotton-acrylic blend yarn (not retail), CVC yarn (chief value cotton, industrial), TC yarn (polyester-cotton, industrial), cotton-nylon blend yarn (bulk), cotton-bamboo blend yarn (not retail), blended yarn for denim (less than 85% cotton), blended yarn for shirting (industrial), blended yarn for knitwear (bulk), blended yarn for technical textiles, dyed blended cotton yarn (industrial), unbleached blended cotton yarn (bulk), mercerized cotton blend yarn (industrial), ring-spun cotton blend yarn (bulk), open-end cotton blend yarn (industrial), plied cotton blend yarn (not retail), single cotton blend yarn (bulk), fine count cotton blend yarn (industrial), coarse count cotton blend yarn (bulk), cotton-rayon blend yarn (industrial), cotton-wool blend yarn (bulk)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 5206?

The most common misclassification for HS 5206 is confusing it with cotton yarn containing 85% or more by weight of cotton (HS 5205). The 85% threshold is absolutely critical; accurately determining the fiber composition is paramount. Another frequent error is classifying these blended yarns under headings for yarns of other predominant textile materials (e.g., HS 5509 for yarns of synthetic staple fibers or HS 5510 for yarns of artificial staple fibers), if the non-cotton component is misidentified as the chief value. Traders must precisely identify all fiber components and their respective percentages. Lastly, similar to 5205, misclassifying these industrial yarns as 'put up for retail sale' (HS 5207) is a mistake, as 5206 specifically excludes retail packaging, leading to incorrect sub-heading and duty implications.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 5206?

Major importers and exporters of cotton yarn containing less than 85% cotton are typically countries with diverse textile manufacturing capabilities and those producing or consuming a wide range of blended fabrics. Key players include China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Turkey. The demand for blended yarns is often driven by specific market needs for performance, durability, or cost-effectiveness. Trade agreements frequently offer preferential tariffs for these yarns, but adherence to strict rules of origin is crucial. The blend composition can significantly influence tariff treatment, as different non-cotton fibers may have varying duty rates, requiring meticulous documentation and classification.

How is HS code 5206 structured?

HS code 5206 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (52) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.