Product classification

HS code for Combed cotton yarn: 5205.22

Cotton yarn, (not sewing thread), single, of combed 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 sale.

Classification of combed cotton yarn under HS 5205.22

HS Code 5205.22 identifies single cotton yarn that has undergone the combing process. Combing is a mechanical step that follows carding, designed to remove short fibers and align the remaining long fibers, resulting in a smoother, stronger, and higher-quality yarn. To qualify for this code, the yarn must consist of at least 85% cotton by weight and must not be put up for retail sale (meaning it is intended for industrial use, such as weaving or knitting). Furthermore, the yarn must fall within a specific linear density range: less than 714.29 decitex but not less than 232.56 decitex. This corresponds to a metric number (Nm) exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43. This level of specificity in the HS code allows for precise monitoring of the textile supply chain and the application of targeted trade policies.

Covers
  • Single combed cotton yarn for industrial weaving
  • Combed cotton yarn (Nm 15 to 43) for knitting
  • High-quality cotton yarn for garment manufacturing
  • Bulk combed cotton yarn on cones or beams
Also under 5205.22
  • Vardhman Textiles yarn
  • Trident Group yarn
  • Huafu Fashion yarn
  • Arvind Limited yarn
  • Welspun India yarn

Codes often confused with 5205.22

Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5205.12, which covers \"carded\" cotton yarn of the same weight. The distinction between carded and combed is vital as combed yarn is typically more expensive and of higher quality. It may also be confused with 5205.21 or 5205.23, which cover combed cotton yarn of different decitex/metric number ranges. If the yarn is prepared for retail sale (e.g., small balls for hand knitting), it must be classified under 5207. Finally, if the cotton content is less than 85%, the yarn moves to heading 5206.

5205.23Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 232.56 but not less than 192.31 decitex (exceeding 43 but not exceeding 52 metric number), not for retail sale5205.24Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 192.31 but not less than 125 decitex (exceeding 52 but not exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale5205.26Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 125 but not less than 106.38 decitex (over 80 but not over 94 metric number), not for retail sale5205.27Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 106.38 but not less than 83.33 decitex (over 94 but not over 120 metric number), not for retail sale5205.28Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), not for retail sale5205.41Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.42Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 714.28 to 232.56 decitex (15 to 43 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.43Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 232.55 to 192.31 decitex (44 to 52 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.44Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 192.30 to 125 decitex (53 to 80 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.46Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 124 to 106.38 decitex (81 to 94 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.47Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 106.37 to 83.33 decitex (95 to 120 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.48Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.21Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more 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 sale52.07Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), 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 520522 (the code used for combed cotton yarn), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520522 (the code used for combed cotton yarn) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 23% 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 520522, not only combed cotton yarn.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 India $459M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$137M
  3. 3 Türkiye $98M

World total: $950M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$221M
  2. 2 China $155M
  3. 3 Portugal $70M

World total: $959M 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 combed cotton yarn

Brazil classifies combed cotton yarn under NCM 5205.22.00: HS 5205.22 with 00 added.

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

Questions about combed cotton yarn

What is the HS code for Combed cotton yarn?

The HS code for Combed cotton yarn is 520522 (Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed 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 sale). The HS code for single combed cotton yarn (>=85% cotton) with a decitex between 232.56 and 714.29 is 5205.22.

How do I classify Combed cotton yarn for customs?

Combed cotton yarn is classified under HS code 520522 — Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed 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 sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between carded and combed yarn in HS codes?

Carded yarn is classified under subheadings 5205.11 through 5205.15, while combed yarn is classified under 5205.21 through 5205.28, depending on the yarn's fineness.

Which countries are the top exporters of combed cotton yarn (HS 520522)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520522 (the code used for combed cotton yarn) in UN Comtrade data were India ($459M, 48% of world exports), Vietnam (about $137M) and Türkiye ($98M). World exports came to about $950M, 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 combed cotton yarn (HS 520522)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520522 (the code used for combed cotton yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $221M, 23% of world imports), China ($155M) and Portugal ($70M). World imports came to about $959M, 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 Combed cotton yarn the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520522 for Combed cotton 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 combed cotton yarn in Brazil?

In Brazil, combed cotton yarn (HS 520522) is classified under NCM 5205.22.00.