HS Code 5204Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale
3 six-digit codes · Heading 4 of 12 in Chapter 52 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
Its three subheadings are split by cotton share and by retail packing.
“Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale” divides three ways under heading 5204 — 520411, 520419 and 520420. Each carries its own customs description, and the exact wording below is what a classification has to match. The heading is number 4 of 12 in Chapter 52, Cotton, which runs to 124 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 5204
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 520411 | Cotton; sewing thread, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale |
| 520419 | Cotton; sewing thread, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale |
| 520420 | Cotton; sewing thread, put up for retail sale |
What HS code 5204 covers
This is thread used to stitch pieces of cloth together. Customs treats it as a different product from the cotton yarn that is used to weave or knit fabric.
The Harmonized System works like a tree.
You may also see this as HSN code 5204 or HTS code 5204. These are national versions of the same system. They share the first six digits with the HS and add their own digits after that, so the 5204 heading means the same thing in all of them.
How to pick the right 5204 subheading
Customs classification here comes down to two simple questions. Ask them in this order.
The official notes have their own rules for what counts as put up for retail sale. Read them before you file. Then match your product to the exact wording in the table above.
- If yes, the code is 520420. The cotton share does not change this.
- If it is not put up for retail sale, check the cotton share by weight.
- This is often a blend of cotton with another fibre.
Sewing thread vs cotton yarn: 5204 vs 5205 to 5207
Next to 5204 are three headings for cotton yarn. Each one says the yarn is "other than sewing thread". That wording keeps sewing thread out of them.
The three yarn headings follow the same pattern as 5204.
So the rule is simple. If the product is sewing thread, it stays in 5204, even when its cotton share or packing looks like one of the yarn headings. If it is yarn for weaving or knitting, look at 5205 to 5207 instead.
Raw cotton that is not yet spun belongs earlier in the chapter. For example, cotton that has been carded or combed is in 5203. It is fibre, not thread.
Find importers and exporters of cotton sewing thread
A code tells you what a product is. Trade records tell you who buys and sells it. EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources.
Coverage is 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product. Start with 5204, or narrow down to 520411, 520419 or 520420. You can also book a free demo.
Related
- Chapter 52 cotton HS codes
- HS 5205 cotton yarn, 85% or more cotton
- HS 5206 cotton yarn, under 85% cotton
- HS 5207 cotton yarn for retail sale
- HS 5203 carded or combed cotton
- All HS code chapters
- Cotton sewing thread import data
- Cotton sewing thread export data
- Find sewing thread buyers
- Find sewing thread suppliers
- HS code classifier
- Book a free demo
Nearby headings in Chapter 52
- 5201Cotton; not carded or combed1 code
- 5202Cotton waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)3 codes
- 5203Cotton, carded or combed1 code
- 5205Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of…24 codes
- 5206Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of…20 codes
- 5207Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale2 codes
- 5208Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing…19 codes
- 5209Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing…16 codes
- 5210Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed…11 codes
- 5211Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed…14 codes
- 5212Other woven fabrics of cotton, n.e.c. in chapter 5210 codes
Who ships under 5204?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 3 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section XI: Textiles and Textile Articles, chapters 50–63.
HS Code 5204: common questions
What is HS code 5204?
It sits in Chapter 52, Cotton.
What products are classified under HS 5204?
These are 520411, 520419 and 520420.
Which HS code is cotton sewing thread for retail sale?
Use 520420.
What is the difference between sewing thread 5204 and cotton yarn 5205?
Sewing thread stays in 5204, so the two never overlap.
What is the parent category of 5204?
The parent is Chapter 52, Cotton.
How can I find importers and exporters of cotton sewing thread?
Use the section above on finding importers and exporters. You can also open the import data and export data pages linked below.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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