HS 520210 Yarn waste (including thread waste)
Quick Answer: Cotton yarn waste (including thread waste) imported under HS 520210 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers waste arising from the spinning of cotton, such as unraveled yarn or thread fragments. Importers should ensure that the material is indeed waste and not usable yarn to avoid misclassification. According to CustomTariffs data, these duty rates are consistent across these major markets, simplifying trade for this commodity.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5202100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5202100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5202100000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 520210 cover?
This subheading covers yarn waste, including thread waste, originating from cotton. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes residual materials generated during the spinning, weaving, or knitting of cotton yarns and threads. Official definitions from sources like the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to unusable remnants, clippings, and broken threads of cotton, often baled or otherwise prepared for further processing or disposal.
What falls outside HS 520210?
The following products are excluded from HS 520210: finished yarns or threads that are merely damaged or imperfect, as these would typically be classified under their respective finished product headings. Also excluded are waste from synthetic or artificial fibers, which fall under different chapters of the Harmonized System. For instance, textile waste from polyester or nylon would not be classified here. Furthermore, rags or used garments, even if composed of cotton, are generally classified under HS 6310.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520210?
A common error is misclassifying finished or semi-finished cotton products that are merely of inferior quality or have minor defects as waste. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify cotton waste that has undergone significant processing or treatment beyond simple collection, which could alter its classification based on the nature of the new product formed.
How should importers classify products under HS 520210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520210 involves a thorough examination of the material's origin and form. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the waste is derived from cotton and that it represents residual material from yarn or thread production, not a usable finished product. Reviewing the product's composition, processing history, and intended use is crucial. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes provides definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520210?
A shipment of cotton yarn waste weighing 1,000 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is because the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 520210 in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) is 0.0% ad valorem. Therefore, the duty calculation is 0.0% × $500 USD = $0.00 USD. This rate is published by the USITC and applies to goods from countries not covered by specific preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) also allows for duty-free entry for eligible products from designated African countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific AGOA certificate of origin, depending on the agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 520210, 'Yarn waste (including thread waste)', in major markets like the US, EU, and UK?
For HS code 520210, the import duty rates are generally favorable. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is Free. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also Free. Similarly, the UK Trade Tariff lists a duty rate of Free for this classification. Always verify the specific rates applicable to your country of import and consider any potential preferential agreements.
What specific criteria define 'yarn waste' and 'thread waste' under HS code 520210?
HS code 520210 covers waste resulting from the spinning of cotton or man-made fibers into yarn, or from the working up of such yarn into fabrics, or from the making-up of such yarn into retail packages. This includes threads, cords, ropes, or fabrics that are cut up, frayed, or otherwise reduced to a state of waste. The key is that the material is a byproduct of yarn or thread production or use and is no longer suitable for its original purpose. It is distinct from 'garnetted stock' (HS 520291), which is specifically prepared for re-spinning.
How is the import duty for HS code 520210 calculated, and can you provide an example?
Since the duty rate for HS code 520210 is typically Free in many major markets, the calculation often results in $0.00 duty. However, if a specific country or trade agreement imposes a duty, it is usually calculated on an ad valorem basis (a percentage of the value of the goods) or sometimes on a specific duty basis (per unit of weight or measure). For example, if a country applied a hypothetical 2% ad valorem duty on yarn waste valued at $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: 2% of $10,000 = $200. In practice, for the US, EU, and UK, the duty is Free, meaning the duty amount is $0.00.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 520210?
Standard import documentation is generally required for HS code 520210. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, and value of the yarn waste; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin might be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Customs authorities may also request samples or further information to verify the classification.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 520210, and how can importers benefit?
While HS code 520210 often carries a Free duty rate under standard MFN tariffs in major economies like the US, EU, and UK, trade agreements can still be relevant for other countries or for specific types of waste. For instance, agreements between the EU and certain partner countries, or within frameworks like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), could potentially offer duty-free treatment or simplified procedures. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement schedules for their destination country and the origin of the goods. To benefit, importers typically need to provide a valid certificate of origin demonstrating that the waste meets the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement.