Product classification
HS code for Retail cotton thread: 5204.20
Cotton, sewing thread, put up for retail sale.
Classification of retail cotton thread under HS 5204.20
Cotton sewing thread put up for retail sale is classified under HS code 520420. Chapter 52 covers cotton and its various products. Heading 5204 is dedicated to cotton sewing thread, whether or not it is put up for retail sale. However, the heading is split into subheadings based on the packaging. Subheading 520420 specifically captures thread that is "put up for retail sale." According to the Section XI notes, sewing thread must be dressed and have a final "Z" twist to be classified as such. Furthermore, to be considered "put up for retail sale," it must be on supports (like spools or reels) or in forms (like skeins) that do not exceed a specific weight, usually 1,000 grams including the support. This classification distinguishes consumer-ready sewing thread from industrial-sized bobbins used in textile manufacturing, ensuring that trade duties and statistics reflect the intended market use.
- Covers
- Cotton sewing thread on small plastic spools
- Mercerized cotton thread for retail embroidery
- Cotton thread in retail-ready hanks
- Glazed cotton sewing thread for consumer use
- 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. This code is often confused with HS code 520411 or 520419, which cover cotton sewing thread not put up for retail sale (industrial use). It is also sometimes misclassified under HS code 5207, which is for cotton yarn put up for retail sale; however, 5207 excludes sewing thread as defined by the technical notes in Section XI.
Top exporters and importers of HS 520420 (the code used for retail cotton thread), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520420 (the code used for retail cotton 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 retail cotton 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 retail cotton thread
Brazil classifies retail cotton 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 retail cotton thread
What is the HS code for Retail cotton thread?
The HS code for Retail cotton thread is 520420 (Cotton; sewing thread, put up for retail sale). The HS code for cotton sewing thread put up for retail sale is 520420.
How do I classify Retail cotton thread for customs?
Retail cotton thread is classified under HS code 520420 — Cotton; sewing thread, put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is sewing thread distinguished from yarn?
Sewing thread is a multiple (folded) or cabled yarn that has been finished/dressed and has a final "Z" twist, unlike standard knitting yarn.
Which countries are the top exporters of retail cotton thread (HS 520420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520420 (the code used for retail cotton 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 retail cotton thread (HS 520420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 520420 (the code used for retail cotton 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 Retail cotton thread the same in all countries?
The base HS code 520420 for Retail 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 retail cotton thread in Brazil?
In Brazil, retail cotton thread (HS 520420) is classified under NCM 5204.20.00.