Product classification

HS code for 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 cotton blend yarn under HS 5206.12

Cotton blend yarn is classified under HS code 520612 when it meets specific criteria regarding fiber composition and yarn fineness. Heading 5206 is reserved for cotton yarn (excluding sewing thread) that contains less than 85% cotton by weight, typically blended with synthetic or artificial fibers like polyester or viscose. The sub-heading 520612 specifically identifies single yarns made from uncombed fibers. The numerical suffix "12" refers to the measurement of the yarn, specifically those with a decitex between 232.56 and 714.29 (which corresponds to a metric number exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43). This classification requires a precise laboratory analysis of the fiber weight ratio and the linear density of the yarn. Because the cotton content is the minority (but still significant enough to be classified in Chapter 52 as a cotton-based blend), this code is frequently used for yarns destined for the production of casual wear and knitwear.

Covers
  • Single uncombed cotton-polyester blend yarn
  • Uncombed cotton-viscose yarn (<85% cotton)
  • Blended knitting yarn within 232.56-714.29 decitex
  • Grey (unbleached) cotton blend single yarn
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. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 5205, which is for yarn containing 85% or more cotton. Another common error is 520611 or 520613, which cover the same type of yarn but with different decitex (fineness) ranges. If the yarn is combed rather than uncombed, it would move to the 52062x series.

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 sale52.05Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale5206.13Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, less than 85% 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 sale

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520612 (the code used for 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 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 cotton blend yarn

Brazil classifies 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 cotton blend yarn

What is the HS code for Cotton blend yarn?

The HS code for 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).

How do I classify Cotton blend yarn for customs?

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.

What is the HS code for this cotton blend yarn?

The HS code for single uncombed cotton blend yarn (<85% cotton) of 232.56-714.29 decitex is 520612.

What does 'uncombed' mean in this classification?

Uncombed (or carded) means the fibers have been processed through a carding machine but not a comber, resulting in a slightly fuzzier yarn compared to the smoother, more aligned combed yarn.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520612 (the code used for 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 cotton blend yarn (HS 520612)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520612 (the code used for 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 Cotton blend yarn the same in all countries?

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

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