The HS code for cotton yarn falls in headings 5205 to 5207, for denim fabric mostly in heading 5209, and for non-woven fabric in heading 5603. The first six digits are shared worldwide; the remaining digits are set by each country.
Treat the codes below as a starting point for a conversation with your customs broker, not as the final answer. A single wrong digit can change the duty, the paperwork and any anti-dumping exposure.
What is the HS code for cotton yarn?
Cotton yarn is classified by how much cotton it contains and how it is presented. The main headings are:
- Heading 5205 covers yarn of 85% or more cotton by weight, other than sewing thread and yarn put up for retail sale.
- Heading 5206 covers yarn of less than 85% cotton, again not put up for retail sale.
- Heading 5207 covers cotton yarn put up for retail sale.
How are the yarn subheadings chosen?
Within these headings, the subheadings split by single or multiple (folded) yarn, carded or combed, and by metric count. So your yarn count, ply and combing method must be on the specification. Our guides on carded versus combed yarn and yarn count explain those terms.
What is the HS code for denim fabric?
Denim is a woven cotton fabric, so it sits in Chapter 52. Heavier denim of 85% or more cotton and above 200 grams per square metre is generally classified in heading 5209, often in the subheading for denim itself. Lighter weights fall under 5208, and blends with man-made fibres fall under 5211 or 5212.
The deciding facts are cotton percentage, weight in grams per square metre, weave and whether the yarn is dyed. Stretch denim with elastane still usually follows the same chapter if cotton predominates, but the exact line depends on the tariff of the importing country.
What is the HS code for non-woven fabric?
Non-woven fabric is made by bonding fibres rather than weaving or knitting them. It is classified in heading 5603, with subheadings that depend on whether it is made of man-made filaments or other material, and on its weight per square metre.
Be careful with coated, laminated or printed non-wovens, and with finished articles made from them. Those can move into other headings, so describe the material and its end use on the invoice.
How should you use these codes on documents?
Use the same code on the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading data wherever your country requires one. India lists exports with eight digits, but your import tariff may use eight or ten digits that differ after the sixth.
Ask your broker to confirm the full code before shipment, and match it to the pack described in the export document checklist for textiles and the document pack your broker will ask for. Duty rates change, so check them in your national tariff database.
Next step
We prepare a written specification for each order so that the classification is clear before goods ship. To get this right for your product, book a free sourcing review.