Product classification
HS code for Cotton waste: 5202.99
Cotton, waste other than garnetted stock and yarn (including thread) waste.
Classification of cotton waste under HS 5202.99
Cotton waste is classified under HS code 520299. Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System covers cotton in all its forms, from raw fiber to woven fabric. Heading 5202 is specifically dedicated to cotton waste, including yarn waste and garnetted stock. The subheading 520299 is a residual category for "other" cotton waste that does not fall into the more specific categories of yarn waste (520210) or garnetted stock (520291). This typically includes waste generated during the ginning, carding, and combing processes, such as comber waste, card strips, and sweepings. These materials are often recycled for use in lower-grade textiles, paper manufacturing, or industrial cleaning. The classification depends on the fact that the material is a byproduct of cotton processing and has not been mechanically pulled back into a fibrous state (which would make it garnetted stock).
- Covers
- Cotton comber waste
- Cotton card strips
- Cotton flat strips
- Cotton mill sweepings
- Cotton motes and leaf waste
- Also under 5202.99
- Industrial wiping rags
- recycled paper pulp (cotton content)
- non-woven cleaning wipes
- cellulose derivatives from cotton linters
Codes often confused with 5202.99
Common mistake. Cotton waste is frequently misclassified under 5201, which is for raw cotton (not waste). It is also often confused with 520210 (yarn waste) or 520291 (garnetted stock). Garnetted stock is waste that has been processed through a garnetting machine to recover fibers, whereas 520299 is for waste that has not undergone such intensive mechanical recovery. Distinguishing between these subheadings is crucial for accurate customs declarations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520299 (the code used for cotton waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520299 (the code used for cotton waste) in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% 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 520299, not only cotton waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Türkiye $88M 32% of world exports
- 2 India $51M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $35M 13% of world exports
World total: $277M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $74M 24% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$34M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Türkiye $20M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $307M 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 waste
Brazil classifies cotton waste under NCM 5202.99.00: HS 5202.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cotton waste
What is the HS code for Cotton waste?
The HS code for Cotton waste is 520299 (Cotton; waste other than garnetted stock and yarn (including thread) waste). The HS code for general cotton waste (excluding yarn waste and garnetted stock) is 520299.
How do I classify Cotton waste for customs?
Cotton waste is classified under HS code 520299 — Cotton; waste other than garnetted stock and yarn (including thread) waste. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is comber waste included in this code?
Yes, cotton comber waste is typically classified under 520299 as it is a byproduct of the combing process and is not yarn waste.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotton waste (HS 520299)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520299 (the code used for cotton waste) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($88M, 32% of world exports), India ($51M) and Germany ($35M). World exports came to about $277M, 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 waste (HS 520299)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520299 (the code used for cotton waste) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($74M, 24% of world imports), Vietnam (about $34M) and Türkiye ($20M). World imports came to about $307M, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520299 for Cotton waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotton waste (HS 520299) is classified under NCM 5202.99.00.