Product classification
HS code for Garnetted cotton waste: 5202.91
Cotton, garnetted stock waste.
Classification of garnetted cotton waste under HS 5202.91
Garnetted cotton waste is classified under HS code 5202.91. This classification is found within Chapter 52, which is dedicated to cotton and cotton products. Heading 5202 specifically addresses cotton waste, including yarn waste and garnetted stock. Garnetted stock is a technical term for fibers that have been recovered from textile scraps, such as rags or yarn ends, through a process called garnetting. In this process, the textile material is fed through a garnetting machine, which uses spiked rollers to tear the fabric apart and return it to a loose, fibrous state. This recycled fiber can then be reused in the production of new yarns, non-wovens, or as stuffing material. Subheading 5202.91 is the precise code for this garnetted material. The classification is distinct from other types of cotton waste, such as carding waste or comber waste, which have not undergone the specific mechanical tearing process associated with garnetting. Accurate classification requires identifying the material as a recycled fiber product rather than primary raw cotton or simple thread waste.
- Covers
- Garnetted cotton fiber from textile recycling
- Recycled cotton shoddy
- Processed cotton rag fibers
- Garnetted waste from spinning mill scraps
- Also under 5202.91
- Recycled denim fibers
- mattress stuffing (from garnetted cotton)
- automotive insulation (cotton-based)
- acoustic panels (cotton fiber)
Codes often confused with 5202.91
Common mistake. Garnetted cotton waste is frequently misclassified under 5202.10, which is specifically for yarn waste (including thread waste). While garnetted stock is made from yarn waste, the mechanical process of garnetting changes its classification to 5202.91. It is also sometimes confused with 5202.99, a "catch-all" category for other cotton waste like carding or combing waste. However, the specific mention of "garnetted stock" in the HS nomenclature for 5202.91 takes precedence. Importers must also ensure the material is not classified as "pulled or garnetted rags" under 6310 if the material has not been fully reduced to a fibrous state. Distinguishing between raw waste and processed garnetted stock is key.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520291 (the code used for garnetted cotton waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520291 (the code used for garnetted cotton waste) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 20% 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 520291, not only garnetted cotton waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $21M 36% of world exports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$9.2M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Türkiye $7.5M 13% of world exports
World total: $59M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $7.4M 20% of world imports
- 2 Italy $4.3M 11% of world imports
- 3 France $4.1M 11% of world imports
World total: $37M 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 garnetted cotton waste
Brazil classifies garnetted cotton waste under NCM 5202.91.00: HS 5202.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about garnetted cotton waste
What is the HS code for Garnetted cotton waste?
The HS code for Garnetted cotton waste is 520291 (Cotton; garnetted stock waste). The HS code for garnetted cotton waste is 5202.91, which refers specifically to garnetted stock waste of cotton.
How do I classify Garnetted cotton waste for customs?
Garnetted cotton waste is classified under HS code 520291 — Cotton; garnetted stock waste. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is garnetted cotton waste the same as raw cotton?
No, raw cotton is classified under heading 5201, whereas garnetted waste is a recycled product made from textile scraps.
Which countries are the top exporters of garnetted cotton waste (HS 520291)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520291 (the code used for garnetted cotton waste) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($21M, 36% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $9.2M) and Türkiye ($7.5M). World exports came to about $59M, 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 garnetted cotton waste (HS 520291)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520291 (the code used for garnetted cotton waste) in UN Comtrade data were India ($7.4M, 20% of world imports), Italy ($4.3M) and France ($4.1M). World imports came to about $37M, 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 Garnetted cotton waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520291 for Garnetted 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 garnetted cotton waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, garnetted cotton waste (HS 520291) is classified under NCM 5202.91.00.