HS 520291 Other
Quick Answer: Cotton waste, including yarn waste and fabric waste, imported under HS 520291 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 4.3%, with preferential rates available from various Free Trade Agreement partners. This classification is for cotton waste not specified in other headings within Chapter 52, often arising from manufacturing processes. Importers should verify specific preferential eligibility and consult the relevant national tariff schedules for precise duty application. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5202910000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5202910000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5202910000 | 4.3% | Free (16 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 5202.91?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 520291 cover?
This subheading covers cotton waste, other than that falling under 5202.10 (i.e., cotton linters). According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes garnetted cotton waste, which is essentially fibers that have been re-spun or re-processed from used textiles or other cotton waste. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system align with this definition, encompassing all forms of cotton waste not explicitly defined as linters or yarn waste.
What falls outside HS 520291?
The following products are excluded from HS 520291: cotton linters (HS 5202.10), which are the short fibers remaining on the seed after the first ginning. Also excluded are finished cotton products like rags for industrial use (often classified under Chapter 63), or any cotton waste that has undergone significant processing to become a new yarn or fabric, which would be classified according to its new form. For instance, re-spun yarn would not be considered waste.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520291?
A common error is misclassifying processed cotton waste. If cotton waste has been significantly re-worked to form a new yarn or fabric, it may no longer qualify as "waste" under this heading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also mistakenly classify cotton rags for industrial cleaning under this subheading when they should be classified elsewhere based on their specific use and form.
How should importers classify products under HS 520291?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520291 involves a thorough examination of the material's origin and processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed cotton waste and not linters or a more processed textile article. Consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or UK Trade Tariff, is crucial. Documentation detailing the waste's composition and any prior processing is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520291?
A bale of garnetted cotton waste weighing 200 kg and declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.03 = $15.00). It is important to note that specific duty rates can vary significantly by country and trade agreement status.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520291?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520291, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer "Free" duty for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also provide reduced or "Free" duty rates for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For GSP, a Form A certificate of origin is generally needed.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the import duty for HS code 520291?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 520291, which covers 'Cotton waste and rags; yarn and thread waste, of cotton', is 4.3%. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with agreements such as the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (BH), or US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KR) may receive duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to verify the specific origin of the goods and the applicable trade agreement to determine the correct duty rate.
How is the import duty for HS 520291 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 520291 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. Using the MFN rate of 4.3%, if imported cotton waste valued at $10,000, the calculated duty would be $10,000 \times 0.043 = $430. If a specific duty rate based on weight (e.g., per kilogram) were applicable, the calculation would be rate per unit × quantity. Always refer to the specific tariff schedule for the country of import for the exact calculation method.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 520291?
HS code 520291 falls under Chapter 52 of the Harmonized System, which pertains to 'Cotton'. Specifically, it covers 'Cotton waste and rags; yarn and thread waste, of cotton'. This classification applies to materials that are derived from cotton but are no longer in a form suitable for spinning into new yarn or weaving into new fabric. This includes fibers that are too short, tangled, or contaminated for reprocessing into standard textile products, as well as discarded pieces of fabric or thread made from cotton.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 520291?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry for HS code 520291. These include agreements with countries such as Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others designated with specific codes (E, P, S). Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 520291?
When importing cotton waste and rags under HS code 520291, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) is mandatory. The COO must be issued by the competent authority of the exporting country and certified by the importing country's customs authority or designated body, confirming that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement.