HS 520419 Other
Quick Answer: Cotton sewing thread, not put up for retail sale, imported under HS 520419 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US with a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 4.4% ad valorem, though preferential rates may apply. This classification specifically covers cotton sewing thread that is not packaged for direct sale to consumers, such as bulk industrial thread. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on origin and specific trade agreements. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to the specific form and packaging of the thread is crucial for accurate classification and duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5204190000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5204190000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5204190000 | 4.4% | Free (14 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 5204.19?
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 12 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 520419 cover?
This subheading covers sewing thread of cotton, not put up for retail sale, which is not bleached or dyed, and also not put up for retail sale. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 5204 specifically pertains to cotton sewing thread. Subheading 5204.19, as defined by official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, encompasses all cotton sewing thread not put up for retail sale that does not fall under the categories of bleached or dyed, and is not otherwise specified. This typically includes natural, unbleached, undyed cotton sewing thread in bulk form.
What falls outside HS 520419?
The following products are excluded from HS 520419: cotton sewing thread that is bleached or dyed, cotton sewing thread that is put up for retail sale (which would fall under 5204.20 or 5204.30), and sewing thread made from other textile materials such as synthetic or artificial fibers (which are classified in Chapter 54 or 55). Additionally, embroidery thread, even if made of cotton, is typically classified elsewhere based on its specific characteristics and presentation, often under Chapter 50 or 58 depending on the material and ornamentation.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520419?
A common error is misinterpreting "put up for retail sale." If cotton sewing thread, even if unbleached and undyed, is packaged in small spools or skeins intended for direct consumer purchase, it should not be classified under 5204.19. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) and Rule 3(b) are crucial here; the classification is determined by the most specific heading and note, and by the essential character of the good. Importers may also incorrectly classify thread intended for industrial use but presented in a manner that could be construed as retail packaging.
How should importers classify products under HS 520419?
The correct procedure for classifying cotton sewing thread under HS 520419 involves a multi-step verification process. First, confirm the material is 100% cotton. Second, ascertain if the thread is intended for sewing. Third, determine if it is "put up for retail sale"; if not, it may fall under this subheading. Fourth, check if it is bleached or dyed; if it is, it will be classified elsewhere. Importers and customs brokers should consult the relevant chapter and heading notes of the official tariff schedule for their importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm the precise scope.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520419?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of unbleached, undyed cotton sewing thread, not put up for retail sale, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem (Rate: 3.0% × $5,000 USD = $150.00). This calculation is based on the ad valorem duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 5204.19.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520419?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520419, 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. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free entry for qualifying goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific requirements of the importing jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for cotton sewing thread, not put up for retail sale, classified under HS code 5204.19?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for cotton sewing thread not put up for retail sale, classified under HS code 5204.19, is 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, imports from Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and the United States (US) may be eligible for duty-free entry (0.00%). It is crucial to verify eligibility and required documentation for each specific trade agreement. Always consult the latest tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
How is the import duty for HS code 5204.19 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 5204.19 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of cotton sewing thread (not put up for retail sale) valued at $10,000 USD is imported and subject to the MFN duty rate of 4.00%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 USD * 0.04 = $400 USD. In some cases, specific weight-based duties might apply, but for 5204.19, ad valorem is the standard. Always ensure accurate valuation and correct application of the duty rate.
What specific criteria distinguish cotton sewing thread under HS 5204.19 from other classifications within Chapter 52?
HS code 5204.19 specifically covers cotton sewing thread that is not put up for retail sale. This means the thread is intended for industrial or commercial use and is typically packaged in larger spools, cones, or skeins, rather than small, consumer-ready packages. Chapter 52 covers cotton and articles thereof. Within 5204, subheadings differentiate based on whether the thread is put up for retail sale (5204.11) or not (5204.19), and whether it's made from cotton waste (5204.20). Key classification factors include the material composition (predominantly cotton), its form (sewing thread), and its presentation (not for retail sale).
What documentation is typically required when importing cotton sewing thread under HS code 5204.19, especially when claiming preferential duty rates?
Standard import documentation for HS code 5204.19 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. When claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement (e.g., USMCA, AU-US Free Trade Agreement), a Certificate of Origin (COO) is usually mandatory. The specific format and content of the COO will depend on the trade agreement. Importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement and that the COO is properly completed by the exporter. Consult the relevant trade agreement text and the importing country's customs regulations for precise documentation requirements.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 5204.19, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 5204.19. Examples include agreements between the US and countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). To verify eligibility, importers must first confirm that their goods meet the 'rules of origin' defined within the specific trade agreement. This often involves ensuring the cotton used in the thread was grown or processed in the partner country. A valid Certificate of Origin issued by the exporter and accepted by the importing country's customs authority is essential. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official text of each trade agreement and the customs regulations of the importing country for detailed eligibility criteria and required documentation.