HS 520513 Measuring less than 232,56 decitex but not less than 192,31 decitex (exceeding 43 metric number but not exceeding 52 metric number)
Quick Answer: Cotton yarn, measuring less than 232.56 decitex but not less than 192.31 decitex (exceeding 43 metric number but not exceeding 52 metric number), enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 13.9% ad valorem, with preferential rates available for certain trade partners. This specific classification pertains to single, unbleached cotton yarn of medium fineness. Importers and customs brokers should verify the exact duty rate applicable based on the country of origin and any applicable trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5205130000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5205130000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520513 | — | — | — |
| 5205131000 | 6.5% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 5205132000 | 7.3% | 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 5205.13?
Imports of Measuring less than 232,56 decitex but not less than 192,31 decitex (exceeding 43 metric number but not exceeding 52 metric number) 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 520513 cover?
This subheading covers single, unbleached cotton sewing thread, measuring less than 232,56 decitex but not less than 192,31 decitex. This decitex range corresponds to a metric number exceeding 43 but not exceeding 52, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. For instance, a single yarn of cotton with a linear density of 200 decitex falls within this classification. Official sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope for single cotton sewing threads meeting these specific decitex parameters.
What falls outside HS 520513?
The following products are excluded from HS 520513: cotton sewing thread that is bleached, dyed, or made up of multiple plies (e.g., two-ply or three-ply threads). Also excluded are single cotton threads with a decitex outside the specified range of 192,31 to 232,56 decitex. For example, a single cotton thread measuring 180 decitex would be classified under a different subheading, likely 520512, while a thread measuring 250 decitex would fall under 520514. Multi-ply threads, regardless of their decitex, are classified under heading 520520.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520513?
A common error is misinterpreting the decitex measurement or confusing single threads with multi-ply threads. Importers may incorrectly apply the decitex range or fail to account for whether the thread is unbleached, which is a specific requirement for this subheading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Failing to verify the thread's construction (single vs. ply) and its unbleached state can lead to misclassification under headings like 520520 for multi-ply threads.
How should importers classify products under HS 520513?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520513 involves a meticulous examination of the product's physical characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the product is a single yarn of cotton and that it is unbleached. Subsequently, the linear density must be precisely measured in decitex, ensuring it falls within the range of 192,31 to 232,56 decitex. This decitex range is equivalent to a metric number exceeding 43 but not exceeding 52. Verification of these parameters against the WCO HS Nomenclature and relevant national tariff schedules is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520513?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of unbleached, single cotton sewing thread, measuring 210 decitex (equivalent to approximately 47.6 metric number), declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.035 = $175.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5205.13.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520513?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520513, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may provide duty-free treatment for eligible goods from certain developing countries, such as Bangladesh or Vietnam. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a compliant origin declaration is required, while for GSP, a GSP Form A is typically mandated by the importing jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the standard import duty rate for HS code 520513 in the US?
The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 520513, which covers single, multiple (folded) or cabled cotton yarn, measuring less than 232.56 decitex but not less than 192.31 decitex (exceeding 43 metric number but not exceeding 52 metric number), is 3.7% ad valorem. This information is based on the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and can be verified with the US International Trade Commission (USITC).
How is the import duty for HS 520513 calculated with a concrete example?
The duty is calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if a shipment of cotton yarn classified under HS 520513 has a declared customs value of $10,000 and the MFN duty rate is 3.7%, the import duty would be $10,000 \times 0.037 = $370.00.
Are there preferential duty rates available for HS code 520513 under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates may be available for HS code 520513 under various trade agreements. For instance, under the US Free Trade Agreements, 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) may benefit from duty-free (Free) entry for goods classified under this HS code, provided all rules of origin and other requirements of the respective agreements are met. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement and the HTSUS for definitive eligibility and requirements.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 520513?
The primary classification criteria for HS code 520513 are: 1. Material: The yarn must be cotton. 2. Construction: It must be single, multiple (folded), or cabled yarn. 3. Decitex Measurement: The yarn must measure less than 232.56 decitex but not less than 192.31 decitex. 4. Metric Number Equivalent: This decitex range corresponds to exceeding 43 metric number but not exceeding 52 metric number. Accurate measurement and verification of these parameters are crucial for correct classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 520513?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS code 520513 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and any claimed preferential treatment, a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin may be required. For cotton products, documentation verifying the cotton content and potentially compliance with specific quality or origin standards might also be necessary. Customs brokers should verify specific requirements with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) based on the shipment's details.