Product classification

HS code for Bulk cotton blend thread: 5204.19

Cotton, sewing thread, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale.

Classification of bulk cotton blend thread under HS 5204.19

HS code 5204.19 is used for cotton sewing thread that is intended for industrial applications and does not meet the high-cotton-content threshold. To fall under this specific code, the thread must be composed of cotton blended with other fibers, such as polyester or synthetic filaments, where the cotton content is less than 85% by weight. The classification also requires that the thread is "not put up for retail sale." In the textile industry, this usually means the thread is wound on large industrial supports like cones, bobbins, or tubes that exceed the weight limits defined for retail packaging (typically 1,000 grams including the support). This thread is primarily used in garment manufacturing, upholstery, and other industrial sewing processes where large quantities of durable, blended thread are required. The classification process involves a technical analysis of the fiber composition by weight and an assessment of the packaging format to ensure it aligns with the industrial criteria of heading 5204.

Covers
  • Industrial sewing thread (60% cotton, 40% polyester) on large cones
  • Cotton-synthetic blend thread for factory garment production
  • Bulk sewing thread with 50% cotton content
  • Polycotton sewing thread not for retail sale
Also under 5204.19
  • Coats Epic
  • A&E Perma Core
  • Vardhman Threads (blends)
  • Gütermann Tera

Codes often confused with 5204.19

Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5204.11, which is reserved for sewing thread containing 85% or more cotton by weight. A small variation in fiber percentage can lead to a different classification. It is also frequently confused with 5204.20, which covers thread that is put up for retail sale (e.g., small spools found in craft stores). Additionally, if the product is not specifically "sewing thread" (which must be finished and have a final twist), it might be classified as cotton yarn under headings 5205 or 5206, depending on the cotton percentage and the nature of the blend.

5204.11Cotton; sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale5204.20Cotton; sewing thread, put up for retail sale52.05Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale52.06Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 520419 (the code used for bulk cotton blend thread), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520419 (the code used for bulk cotton blend thread) in UN Comtrade data was Honduras, with about 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Myanmar, with 29% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 68% of its exports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 83% of its imports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 520419, not only bulk cotton blend thread.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Honduras* ~$3.5M
  2. 2 China $3.2M
  3. 3 Italy $1.5M

Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 68% of its exports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Myanmar $9.4M
  2. 2 Dominican Republic $5.2M
  3. 3 Philippines $2.0M

Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 83% of its imports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $33M 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 codes for bulk cotton blend thread

Brazil splits HS 5204.19 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 5204.19.11Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, 2-ply
  • 5204.19.12Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, 3+ ply
  • 5204.19.20Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, over 500 tex
  • 5204.19.31Bleached/dyed thread under 85% cotton, 2-ply
  • 5204.19.32Bleached/dyed thread under 85% cotton, 3+ ply
  • 5204.19.40Bleached/dyed thread, sub-85% cotton, over 500 tex

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about bulk cotton blend thread

What is the HS code for Bulk cotton blend thread?

The HS code for Bulk cotton blend thread is 520419 (Cotton; sewing thread, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale). The HS code for bulk cotton blend sewing thread (containing less than 85% cotton by weight and not for retail sale) is 5204.19.

How do I classify Bulk cotton blend thread for customs?

Bulk cotton blend thread is classified under HS code 520419 — Cotton; sewing thread, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is "retail sale" defined for sewing thread?

Under Section XI of the HS, thread is considered "put up for retail sale" if it is on supports of a certain weight (usually 1,000g or less) or in specific lengths, intended for consumer use rather than industrial manufacturing.

Which countries are the top exporters of bulk cotton blend thread (HS 520419)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520419 (the code used for bulk cotton blend thread) in UN Comtrade data were Honduras (about $3.5M, 21% of world exports), China ($3.2M) and Italy ($1.5M). World exports came to about $17M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 68% of its exports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of bulk cotton blend thread (HS 520419)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520419 (the code used for bulk cotton blend thread) in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($9.4M, 29% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($5.2M) and the Philippines ($2.0M). World imports came to about $33M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 83% of its imports here ($2.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Is the HS code for Bulk cotton blend thread the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520419 for Bulk cotton blend thread 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 bulk cotton blend thread in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 520419 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for bulk cotton blend thread depends on the product's details: 5204.19.11 (Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, 2-ply), 5204.19.12 (Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, 3+ ply), 5204.19.20 (Unbleached thread under 85% cotton, over 500 tex), 5204.19.31 (Bleached/dyed thread under 85% cotton, 2-ply), 5204.19.32 (Bleached/dyed thread under 85% cotton, 3+ ply), 5204.19.40 (Bleached/dyed thread, sub-85% cotton, over 500 tex).