Product classification

HS code for Uncombed cotton yarn: 5205.12

Cotton yarn, (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale.

Classification of uncombed cotton yarn under HS 5205.12

HS code 5205.12 is applied to single cotton yarns that have not been combed and are intended for non-retail sale. The classification is strictly governed by the fiber content, the processing method, and the linear density of the yarn. The yarn must consist of 85% or more cotton by weight. The term \"uncombed\" (or carded) indicates that the cotton fibers have undergone the carding process to align them but have not been through the additional combing step that removes shorter fibers and impurities to create a smoother, stronger yarn. The density of the yarn is the final deciding factor for this specific code; it must fall within the range of 232.56 decitex to 714.29 decitex. In the metric system, this corresponds to a range exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number (Nm). This type of yarn is a staple in the textile industry, frequently used for weaving and knitting basic apparel and industrial fabrics where the high precision and smoothness of combed yarn are not required. Within the structure of heading 5205, the subheadings are organized first by whether the yarn is single or multiple (folded/cabled), then by whether it is combed or uncombed, and finally by its fineness (decitex/metric number). Code 5205.12 specifically targets the medium-coarse range of single uncombed yarns. If the yarn were finer (e.g., 150 decitex), it would be classified under 5205.13 or 5205.14. If it were combed, it would move to the 5205.2x series. Accurate measurement of the yarn's linear density is required for correct classification, as even slight variations can shift the product into a different tariff bracket.

Covers
  • Single uncombed cotton yarn (232.56 - 714.29 decitex)
  • Carded cotton yarn for industrial weaving
  • Single cotton yarn, Nm 15 to Nm 43
  • Uncombed cotton yarn on cones for knitting
Also under 5205.12
  • Trident Group (towels, sheets)
  • Welspun India (home textiles)
  • Raymond Ltd. (shirting)
  • Alok Industries (various fabrics)

Codes often confused with 5205.12

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is 5205.22, which covers combed cotton yarn of the same density. It is also often confused with 5205.11 (for coarser yarns exceeding 714.29 decitex) or 5205.13 (for finer yarns). If the yarn is put up for retail sale, it must be classified under heading 5207.

5205.13Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 232.56 but not less than 192.31 decitex (exceeding 43 but not exceeding 52 metric number), not for retail sale5205.14Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 192.31 but not less than 125 decitex (exceeding 52 but not exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale5205.15Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, measuring less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), not for retail sale5205.31Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.32Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 714.28 to 232.56 decitex (15 to 43 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.33Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 232.55 to 192.31 decitex (44 to 52 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.34Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 192.30 to 125 decitex (53 to 80 metric number) per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.35Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number), per single yarn, not for retail sale5205.11Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, measuring 714.29 decitex or more, (not exceeding 14 metric number), not for retail sale5205.22Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of combed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale52.07Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 520512 (the code used for uncombed cotton yarn), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 520512 (the code used for uncombed cotton yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world imports. Russia 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 96% of its imports here ($113M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 520512, not only uncombed cotton yarn.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$825M
  2. 2 United States $499M
  3. 3 India $303M

World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $1.4B
  2. 2 Honduras* ~$375M
  3. 3 Bangladesh* ~$113M

Russia 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 96% of its imports here ($113M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $2.5B 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 uncombed cotton yarn

Brazil classifies uncombed cotton yarn under NCM 5205.12.00: HS 5205.12 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about uncombed cotton yarn

What is the HS code for Uncombed cotton yarn?

The HS code for Uncombed cotton yarn is 520512 (Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale). For single uncombed cotton yarn with a decitex between 232.56 and 714.29, the HS code is 5205.12.

How do I classify Uncombed cotton yarn for customs?

Uncombed cotton yarn is classified under HS code 520512 — Cotton yarn; (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, less than 714.29 but not less than 232.56 decitex (exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 metric number), not for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between combed and uncombed yarn?

Combed yarn (5205.2x) has undergone an extra processing step to remove short fibers, making it smoother and stronger than uncombed (carded) yarn (5205.1x).

Which countries are the top exporters of uncombed cotton yarn (HS 520512)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 520512 (the code used for uncombed cotton yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $825M, 32% of world exports), the United States ($499M) and India ($303M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 uncombed cotton yarn (HS 520512)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 520512 (the code used for uncombed cotton yarn) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 55% of world imports), Honduras (about $375M) and Bangladesh (about $113M). World imports came to about $2.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia 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 96% of its imports here ($113M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Is the HS code for Uncombed cotton yarn the same in all countries?

The base HS code 520512 for Uncombed cotton yarn 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 uncombed cotton yarn in Brazil?

In Brazil, uncombed cotton yarn (HS 520512) is classified under NCM 5205.12.00.