Product classification
HS code for Industrial cotton thread: 5204.11
Cotton, sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale.
Classification of industrial cotton thread under HS 5204.11
HS code 520411 is the specific classification for industrial cotton sewing thread that consists of 85% or more cotton by weight. This classification is part of Chapter 52, which governs cotton textiles. To qualify for this code, the product must meet the technical definition of "sewing thread" as outlined in the legal notes of Section XI of the Harmonized System. This requires the thread to be multiple or cabled yarn, have a final "Z" twist, and be finished for use in sewing (e.g., by dressing or glazing). Furthermore, the subheading 520411 specifies that the thread must not be put up for retail sale. This indicates that the product is intended for industrial manufacturing, typically packaged on large cones or tubes that are compatible with industrial sewing machinery. High-purity cotton thread is valued in the garment industry for its natural feel and heat resistance during high-speed stitching. Accurate classification involves verifying both the fiber weight ratio and the packaging format to ensure it meets the industrial non-retail criteria.
- Covers
- 100% cotton sewing thread on industrial cones
- Mercerized cotton thread for industrial garment production
- Bleached cotton sewing thread for textile manufacturing
- Unbleached cotton thread for industrial bag closing
- High-tenacity cotton sewing thread (85%+ cotton)
- Also under 5204.11
- Coats Industrial Threads
- A&E (American & Efird)
- Vardhman Textiles
- Kordsa Global (for technical textiles)
Codes often confused with 5204.11
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 520419, which is for cotton blend threads containing less than 85% cotton. It is also frequently misclassified under 5205, which covers cotton yarn that is not specifically finished as sewing thread. Another common mistake is 520420, which applies to cotton sewing thread packaged for retail sale in small quantities for individual consumers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520411 (the code used for industrial cotton thread), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520411 (the code used for industrial cotton thread) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kenya, with 11% of world imports. Honduras did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 52% of its exports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Costa Rica did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 54% of its imports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 520411, not only industrial cotton thread.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $16M 35% of world exports
- 2 Italy $6.4M 14% of world exports
- 3 Guatemala $3.3M 7.1% of world exports
Honduras did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 52% of its exports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $46M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kenya $5.2M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $4.9M 10% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $4.9M 10% of world imports
Costa Rica did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 54% of its imports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $49M 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 codes for industrial cotton thread
Brazil splits HS 5204.11 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5204.11.11Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, 2-ply
- 5204.11.12Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, 3+ ply
- 5204.11.20Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, over 500 tex
- 5204.11.31Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, 2-ply
- 5204.11.32Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, 3+ ply
- 5204.11.40Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, over 500 tex
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial cotton thread
What is the HS code for Industrial cotton thread?
The HS code for Industrial cotton thread is 520411 (Cotton; sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale). The HS code for industrial cotton sewing thread containing 85% or more cotton by weight is 520411.
How do I classify Industrial cotton thread for customs?
Industrial cotton thread is classified under HS code 520411 — Cotton; sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 520411 and 5205?
Heading 5204 is for sewing thread (finished with specific twists and dressings), while 5205 is for general cotton yarn used for weaving or knitting, not specifically for sewing.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial cotton thread (HS 520411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520411 (the code used for industrial cotton thread) in UN Comtrade data were China ($16M, 35% of world exports), Italy ($6.4M) and Guatemala ($3.3M). World exports came to about $46M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Honduras did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 52% of its exports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of industrial cotton thread (HS 520411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520411 (the code used for industrial cotton thread) in UN Comtrade data were Kenya ($5.2M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($4.9M) and the Philippines ($4.9M). World imports came to about $49M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Costa Rica did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 54% of its imports here ($2.1M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Industrial cotton thread the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520411 for Industrial cotton 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 industrial cotton thread in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 520411 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial cotton thread depends on the product's details: 5204.11.11 (Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, 2-ply), 5204.11.12 (Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, 3+ ply), 5204.11.20 (Unbleached cotton thread 85%+, over 500 tex), 5204.11.31 (Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, 2-ply), 5204.11.32 (Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, 3+ ply), 5204.11.40 (Bleached/dyed cotton thread 85%+, over 500 tex).