Product classification
HS code for Cotton sewing thread: 5204.20
Cotton, sewing thread, put up for retail sale.
Classification of cotton sewing thread under HS 5204.20
Cotton sewing thread is classified under HS code 5204.20, which is situated within Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System, dedicated to cotton and cotton-based textiles. Heading 5204 specifically covers "Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale." The classification process for this item requires a two-step analysis: first, determining if the material is indeed sewing thread, and second, determining if it is "put up for retail sale." According to the Section XI notes, sewing thread is defined as multiple (folded) or cabled yarn that has undergone a final "Z" twist and has been dressed or finished for use as sewing thread. To meet the "retail sale" criteria of subheading 5204.20, the thread must be packaged in a manner suitable for sale to individual consumers rather than industrial manufacturers. This usually involves being wound on supports such as spools, reels, or cards, where the weight (including the support) does not exceed 125 grams. If the thread is on large industrial cones or lacks the specific retail packaging, it falls under 5204.11 or 5204.19. Additionally, the thread must contain at least 85% cotton by weight. If the cotton content is lower and synthetic fibers predominate, the classification would shift to Chapter 54 (for filaments) or Chapter 55 (for staple fibers). Mercerized cotton thread, which has been treated with sodium hydroxide to increase luster and strength, is also included under this code.
- Covers
- Cotton thread on spools for home sewing
- Mercerized cotton sewing thread for retail
- Cotton embroidery thread put up for retail sale
- Small reels of cotton thread for mending kits
- Also under 5204.20
- Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP
- Gütermann Sew-All
- DMC Embroidery Floss
- Aunt Lydia's Crochet Thread
Codes often confused with 5204.20
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include 5204.11 and 5204.19, which are for industrial cotton thread not put up for retail sale. Another frequent error is 5401.10, which covers sewing thread made of synthetic filaments like polyester, which may look similar to cotton but has a different chemical composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520420 (the code used for cotton sewing thread), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520420 (the code used for cotton sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 520420, not only cotton sewing thread.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $13M 31% of world exports
- 2 India $9.6M 23% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $2.7M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.1M 14% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $3.8M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Guatemala $2.9M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $45M 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 code for cotton sewing thread
Brazil classifies cotton sewing thread under NCM 5204.20.00: HS 5204.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton sewing thread
What is the HS code for Cotton sewing thread?
The HS code for Cotton sewing thread is 520420 (Cotton; sewing thread, put up for retail sale). The HS code for cotton sewing thread put up for retail sale is 5204.20.
How do I classify Cotton sewing thread for customs?
Cotton sewing thread is classified under HS code 520420 — Cotton; sewing thread, put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines "retail sale" for cotton thread?
It generally refers to thread wound on supports (like spools) with a weight not exceeding 125 grams, intended for consumer use.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton sewing thread (HS 520420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520420 (the code used for cotton sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data were China ($13M, 31% of world exports), India ($9.6M) and the Netherlands ($2.7M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 sewing thread (HS 520420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520420 (the code used for cotton sewing thread) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.1M, 14% of world imports), Portugal ($3.8M) and Guatemala ($2.9M). World imports came to about $45M, 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 sewing thread the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520420 for Cotton sewing 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 cotton sewing thread in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotton sewing thread (HS 520420) is classified under NCM 5204.20.00.