HS Code for Raw cotton

Raw cotton is classified under HS code 5201.00. This code is the fundamental starting point for the cotton textile chapter and covers cotton that has not been carded or combed. The classification includes cotton in various states of initial harvest and cleaning. This includes "seed cotton" (cotton as harvested with seeds still attached) and "ginned cotton" (where the fibers have been separated from the seeds). The essential characteristic for 5201.00 is that the fibers remain in a random, unaligned mass. Once the cotton is processed through carding or combing machinery to align the fibers into slivers or laps, it must be classified under 5203.00. Raw cotton is a major global commodity, and this specific code is used to track the trade of the raw fiber before it enters the spinning process. It may be bleached or dyed in the mass, but as long as it has not been carded, it remains under 5201.00. The classification is strictly based on the mechanical state of the fiber rather than its chemical treatment.

Products Included

• Ginned cotton (lint)
• Unginned cotton (seed cotton)
• Cotton in bales (not carded)
• Bleached raw cotton
• Dyed raw cotton (in the mass)

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is with HS code 5203.00, which is for cotton that has been carded or combed. Another frequent error involves HS code 5202, which covers cotton waste, including yarn waste and garnetted stock. Cotton linters are also sometimes confused with this code but should be checked against 1404.20.

FAQ

What is the HS code for raw cotton?

The HS code for cotton that has not been carded or combed is 5201.00.

Does this code include cotton that has been cleaned?

Yes, as long as the cleaning process does not involve carding or combing the fibers into an aligned state, it remains under 5201.00.