HS Code for Carded cotton

Carded cotton falls under HS code 5203.00. This heading is unique because it covers cotton that has been carded or combed but not yet spun into yarn. The process of carding involves disentangling the cotton fibers and removing impurities like leaf fragments or dust. Combing is a further refinement that removes shorter fibers (noils) and aligns the remaining long fibers in a parallel fashion. This material is typically presented in the form of slivers, which are thick, loose ropes of fiber, or as "tops" in the case of combed cotton. Proper classification under 5203.00 is vital because it distinguishes prepared fiber from raw cotton (5201) and from finished yarn (5205 or 5206). The transition to 5203.00 occurs the moment the cotton is subjected to the mechanical carding engine, which prepares the lint for the spinning frame.

Products Included

• Carded cotton slivers
• Combed cotton tops
• Cotton laps for spinning
• Cotton rovings
• Prepared cotton fiber for industrial use

Common Misclassification

Carded cotton is frequently misclassified as HS code 5201.00, which is only for raw cotton (even if ginned). It is also confused with HS code 5202.99, which covers cotton waste. Another common error is classifying it under 5601.21, which is for cotton wadding used for medical or cosmetic purposes. Unlike wadding, carded cotton under 5203.00 is specifically an intermediate product for the textile spinning industry.

FAQ

What is the HS code for carded cotton?

The HS code for cotton that has been carded or combed is 5203.00.

Is ginned cotton the same as carded cotton?

No, ginned cotton (the process of separating seeds from fiber) is classified under 5201.00. Carding is a subsequent mechanical process that untangles the fibers, which moves the product to 5203.00.