HS code · 4-digit heading

HS Code 52.06 – Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale

What HS 52.06 covers

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.

Covers
  • 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)
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.

Subheadings under 52.06 20

5206.11Cotton 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 sale5206.12Cotton 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 sale5206.13Cotton 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 sale5206.14Cotton 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 sale5206.15Cotton 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 sale5206.21Cotton 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 sale5206.22Cotton 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 sale5206.23Cotton 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 sale5206.24Cotton 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 sale5206.25Cotton 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 sale5206.31Cotton 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 sale5206.32Cotton 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 sale5206.33Cotton 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 sale5206.34Cotton 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 sale5206.35Cotton 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 sale5206.41Cotton 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 sale5206.42Cotton 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 sale5206.43Cotton 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 sale5206.44Cotton 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 sale5206.45Cotton 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

20 Brazil NCM codes in heading 52.06 →

Codes often confused with 52.06

Common mistake. 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.

52.05Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale55.09Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale55.10Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail sale52.07Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 5206, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5206 in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 Vietnam* ~$391M
  2. 2 China $301M
  3. 3 India $175M

World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $322M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$145M
  3. 3 Guatemala $94M

World total: $1.3B 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.

Questions about HS 52.06

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 are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5206?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5206 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $391M, 28% of world exports), China ($301M) and India ($175M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 5206?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5206 in UN Comtrade data were China ($322M, 24% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $145M) and Guatemala ($94M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 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.