Product classification

HS code for Bulk cotton blend yarn: 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.

Classification of bulk cotton blend yarn under HS 5206.12

The classification of bulk cotton blend yarn under HS code 5206.12 is determined by three primary factors: fiber composition, processing stage, and linear density. This specific code applies to yarn containing less than 85% cotton by weight, typically blended with synthetic fibers like polyester or regenerated fibers like rayon. The yarn must be "single," meaning it consists of one strand of fibers twisted together, and "uncombed," indicating the fibers have not undergone the additional combing process to remove short fibers and align them perfectly. Furthermore, the linear density must fall between 232.56 and 714.29 decitex. This range corresponds to a metric number (Nm) exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43. Finally, the "not for retail sale" designation implies the yarn is packaged on large cones, beams, or other industrial formats intended for further manufacturing in the textile industry rather than direct consumer use. This classification ensures that customs authorities can distinguish between pure cotton and blended textiles, which often carry different duty rates. The technical specifications regarding decitex are vital for determining the appropriate sub-heading, as even a slight variation in yarn thickness can shift the classification to 5206.11 or 5206.13. Proper documentation of the blend percentage is required to justify the use of heading 5206 over 5205.

Covers
  • Single uncombed cotton-polyester blend yarn
  • Cotton-viscose single yarn for industrial weaving
  • Bulk uncombed cotton-acrylic yarn for knitting
  • Grey or bleached cotton blend yarns within 232.56-714.29 decitex
  • Industrial-use blended yarns on large cones
Also under 5206.12
  • Reliance Industries (blended yarns)
  • Indorama Ventures (blended yarns)
  • Dickies (end product fabric)
  • Fruit of the Loom (end product fabric)

Codes often confused with 5206.12

Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 5205.12, which is reserved for yarns containing 85% or more cotton. If the cotton content is underestimated, importers may incorrectly use 5206.12. Additionally, 5206.22 is often used by mistake; however, that code is specifically for combed fibers, which are smoother and more expensive. Another common error involves 5206.11, which applies to coarser yarns with a decitex exceeding 714.29. Accurate laboratory testing of the fiber weight and decitex is essential to avoid these errors.

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 sale5205.12Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more 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 sale5206.22Cotton 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 sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 520612 (the code used for bulk cotton blend yarn), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520612 (the code used for bulk cotton blend yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% 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 520612, not only bulk cotton blend yarn.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$98M
  2. 2 China $54M
  3. 3 Türkiye $35M

World total: $329M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $117M
  2. 2 Egypt $30M
  3. 3 Bangladesh* ~$18M

World total: $333M 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 bulk cotton blend yarn

Brazil classifies bulk cotton blend yarn under NCM 5206.12.00: HS 5206.12 with 00 added.

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

Questions about bulk cotton blend yarn

What is the HS code for Bulk cotton blend yarn?

The HS code for Bulk cotton blend yarn is 520612 (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). The HS code for bulk cotton blend yarn, specifically single uncombed yarn with less than 85% cotton and a decitex between 232.56 and 714.29, is 5206.12.

How do I classify Bulk cotton blend yarn for customs?

Bulk cotton blend yarn is classified under HS code 520612 — 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. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is the decitex range calculated for this classification?

The decitex is calculated by weighing 10,000 meters of the yarn in grams; for 5206.12, this weight must be between 232.56g and 714.29g.

Which countries are the top exporters of bulk cotton blend yarn (HS 520612)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520612 (the code used for bulk cotton blend yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $98M, 30% of world exports), China ($54M) and Türkiye ($35M). World exports came to about $329M, 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 bulk cotton blend yarn (HS 520612)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520612 (the code used for bulk cotton blend yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($117M, 35% of world imports), Egypt ($30M) and Bangladesh (about $18M). World imports came to about $333M, 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 Bulk cotton blend yarn the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520612 for Bulk cotton blend yarn 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 yarn in Brazil?

In Brazil, bulk cotton blend yarn (HS 520612) is classified under NCM 5206.12.00.