Product classification
HS code for Bulk cotton thread: 5204.11
Cotton, sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale.
Classification of bulk cotton thread under HS 5204.11
Bulk cotton thread, specifically that containing 85% or more by weight of cotton and not put up for retail sale, is classified under HS code 520411. This classification is determined by two primary factors: the material composition and the packaging status. The "85% or more by weight of cotton" criterion ensures that the product is predominantly cotton. The phrase "not put up for retail sale" is crucial, indicating that the thread is intended for industrial use, further processing, or bulk distribution rather than direct consumer purchase. This distinction separates it from smaller, consumer-oriented packages of cotton thread.
- Covers
- Unbleached cotton sewing thread in industrial spools or cones.
- Dyed or mercerized cotton sewing thread for manufacturing, not packaged for retail.
- High-strength cotton thread designed for industrial sewing applications.
- Cotton thread for textile manufacturing or garment production, supplied in bulk.
- Also under 5204.11
- Coats Industrial Threads
- A&E (American & Efird)
- Vardhman Textiles
- Kordsa Global (for technical textiles)
Codes often confused with 5204.11
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for bulk cotton thread often arise from overlooking the packaging status or the specific type of cotton product. HS code 520420 covers cotton sewing thread that is put up for retail sale, directly contrasting with 520411 based on packaging. Another area of confusion is with HS codes under heading 5205, which pertains to cotton yarn (other than sewing thread). While both are cotton-based, sewing thread (5204) is specifically designed and processed for stitching, typically being stronger and more tightly plied than yarn intended for weaving or knitting (5205).
Top exporters and importers of HS 520411 (the code used for bulk cotton thread), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520411 (the code used for bulk cotton thread) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kenya, with 11% of world imports. Honduras 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 52% of its exports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Costa Rica 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 54% of its imports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 520411, not only bulk cotton thread.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $16M 35% of world exports
- 2 Italy $6.4M 14% of world exports
- 3 Guatemala $3.3M 7.1% of world exports
Honduras 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 52% of its exports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $46M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kenya $5.2M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $4.9M 10% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $4.9M 10% of world imports
Costa Rica 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 54% of its imports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $49M 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 codes for bulk cotton thread
Brazil splits HS 5204.11 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5204.11.11Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, 2-ply
- 5204.11.12Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, 3+ ply
- 5204.11.20Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, over 500 tex
- 5204.11.31Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, 2-ply
- 5204.11.32Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, 3+ ply
- 5204.11.40Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, 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 thread
What is the HS code for Bulk cotton thread?
The HS code for Bulk cotton thread is 520411 (Cotton; sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale). The HS code for bulk cotton thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton and not put up for retail sale, is 520411.
How do I classify Bulk cotton thread for customs?
Bulk cotton thread is classified under HS code 520411 — Cotton; sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the primary difference between cotton yarn and cotton thread in HS classification?
In HS classification, cotton yarn (e.g., 5205) is generally intended for weaving, knitting, or other textile manufacturing processes, while cotton thread (5204) is specifically manufactured and prepared for sewing, often exhibiting greater strength and twist. The distinction is based on their intended use and structural characteristics.
Which countries are the top exporters of bulk cotton thread (HS 520411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520411 (the code used for bulk cotton thread) in UN Comtrade data were China ($16M, 35% of world exports), Italy ($6.4M) and Guatemala ($3.3M). World exports came to about $46M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Honduras 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 52% of its exports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of bulk cotton thread (HS 520411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520411 (the code used for bulk cotton thread) in UN Comtrade data were Kenya ($5.2M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($4.9M) and the Philippines ($4.9M). World imports came to about $49M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Costa Rica 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 54% of its imports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Bulk cotton thread the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520411 for Bulk cotton 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 thread in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 520411 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for bulk cotton thread depends on the product's details: 5204.11.11 (Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, 2-ply), 5204.11.12 (Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, 3+ ply), 5204.11.20 (Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, over 500 tex), 5204.11.31 (Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, 2-ply), 5204.11.32 (Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, 3+ ply), 5204.11.40 (Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, over 500 tex).