Product classification
HS code for Blended cotton yarn for retail: 5207.90
Cotton yarn, (not sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, put up for retail sale.
Classification of blended cotton yarn for retail under HS 5207.90
The classification of blended cotton yarn under HS code 520790 is primarily determined by two key factors: its fiber composition and its presentation for sale. This code specifically covers cotton yarn (excluding sewing thread) that contains less than 85% by weight of cotton, indicating it is a blend with other textile fibers. The most distinguishing characteristic for this heading is that the yarn is "put up for retail sale." This means the yarn is packaged in small quantities, such as balls, skeins, or on cards or tubes, often with labels indicating weight, length, or care instructions, making it suitable for direct purchase by consumers for handicrafts like knitting, crocheting, or embroidery. The "not sewing thread" clause is also important, differentiating it from products designed for stitching fabrics together.
- Covers
- Blended cotton knitting yarn for retail sale (less than 85% cotton)
- Blended cotton crochet yarn in skeins (less than 85% cotton)
- Blended cotton embroidery yarn packaged for consumers (less than 85% cotton)
- Any blended cotton yarn (not sewing thread) presented in retail packaging
- Also under 5207.90
- Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend
- Bernat Handicrafter Cotton
- Caron Cotton Cakes
- Patons Grace
- Lily Sugar'n Cream (blends)
Codes often confused with 5207.90
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for HS 520790 arise from confusion regarding fiber content and presentation. Yarns containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, even if put up for retail sale, are classified under HS 520710, not 520790, due to the higher cotton percentage. Yarns that are not put up for retail sale, meaning they are in bulk form for industrial use, would be classified under HS 5205 (for 85% or more cotton) or HS 5206 (for less than 85% cotton), depending on their other characteristics like single/multiple, combed/uncombed, and fineness. Sewing thread, regardless of its fiber composition or retail packaging, is classified under HS 5204. Therefore, careful attention to the "less than 85% cotton" and "put up for retail sale" criteria is essential to avoid misclassification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520790 (the code used for blended cotton yarn for retail), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520790 (the code used for blended cotton yarn for retail) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 29% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 520790, not only blended cotton yarn for retail.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $57M 43% of world exports
- 2 China $13M 9.4% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $11M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $134M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $24M 29% of world imports
- 2 United States $7.4M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $4.4M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $83M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 blended cotton yarn for retail
Brazil classifies blended cotton yarn for retail under NCM 5207.90.00: HS 5207.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about blended cotton yarn for retail
What is the HS code for Blended cotton yarn for retail?
The HS code for Blended cotton yarn for retail is 520790 (Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, put up for retail sale). The HS code for blended cotton yarn (not sewing thread) containing less than 85% by weight of cotton and put up for retail sale is 520790.
How do I classify Blended cotton yarn for retail for customs?
Blended cotton yarn for retail is classified under HS code 520790 — Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does "put up for retail sale" affect HS classification for cotton yarn?
The criterion "put up for retail sale" is a primary differentiator in the HS classification of cotton yarn. It refers to yarn packaged in a manner suitable for direct purchase by the end consumer, typically in small quantities (e.g., balls, skeins, small spools) and often with consumer-oriented labeling. Yarns presented this way are classified under HS 5207, whereas yarns in bulk form for industrial use are classified under HS 5205 or 5206, even if they have identical fiber composition and processing. This distinction reflects the different market segments and end-uses for the products.
Which countries are the top exporters of blended cotton yarn for retail (HS 520790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520790 (the code used for blended cotton yarn for retail) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($57M, 43% of world exports), China ($13M) and Türkiye ($11M). World exports came to about $134M, 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 blended cotton yarn for retail (HS 520790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520790 (the code used for blended cotton yarn for retail) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($24M, 29% of world imports), the United States ($7.4M) and the Netherlands ($4.4M). World imports came to about $83M, 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.
Is the HS code for Blended cotton yarn for retail the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520790 for Blended cotton yarn for retail is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for blended cotton yarn for retail in Brazil?
In Brazil, blended cotton yarn for retail (HS 520790) is classified under NCM 5207.90.00.