HS 520522 Measuring less than 714,29 decitex but not less than 232,56 decitex (exceeding 14 metric number but not exceeding 43 metric number)
Quick Answer: Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), measuring less than 714.29 decitex but not less than 232.56 decitex, enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US with a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 7.3%. This classification specifically applies to single or multiple yarns of cotton, not put up for retail sale, with a specific fineness range equivalent to exceeding 14 metric number but not exceeding 43 metric number. Importers should note that preferential rates may apply in the US for certain trading partners. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff information for compliance planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5205220000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5205220000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5205220090 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 52052200 | 7.3% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5205220020 | — | — | ["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 5205.22?
Imports of Measuring less than 714,29 decitex but not less than 232,56 decitex (exceeding 14 metric number but not exceeding 43 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 520522 cover?
This subheading covers single, multiple (folded) or cabled cotton yarn, not put up for retail sale, measuring less than 714,29 decitex but not less than 232,56 decitex. This range corresponds to exceeding 14 metric number but not exceeding 43 metric number, as per the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) nomenclature. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the yarn's linear density and construction.
What falls outside HS 520522?
The following products are excluded from HS 520522: cotton yarn with a linear density outside the specified range (i.e., finer than 232,56 decitex or coarser than 714,29 decitex), yarn not made of cotton (e.g., synthetic or wool yarns), and cotton yarn put up for retail sale, which is classified under different subheadings. Additionally, sewing thread of cotton, even if within the decitex range, is typically classified separately under HS 5204.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520522?
A common error is miscalculating or misinterpreting the linear density (decitex) or the corresponding metric number. Importers may also incorrectly classify multiple or cabled yarns if they do not properly account for the ply or twist. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and GRI 6 is crucial, ensuring classification is based on the precise wording of the headings and subheadings, and that the specific decitex range is accurately determined from product specifications.
How should importers classify products under HS 520522?
The correct procedure for classifying cotton yarn under HS 520522 involves first confirming the material is 100% cotton and that it is not put up for retail sale. Next, the linear density must be precisely measured or obtained from the manufacturer's specifications, ensuring it falls within the 232,56 to 714,29 decitex range. This decitex value can then be converted to the metric number (grams per kilometer) to verify it exceeds 14 and does not exceed 43.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520522?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of single cotton yarn, measuring 400 decitex (approximately 25 metric number) and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem (0.03 × $5,000 USD = $150.00). The weight is not directly used for ad valorem duties but is important for other potential charges or for calculating specific duties if applicable.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520522?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520522, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) may also offer duty-free access for qualifying goods from eligible African countries. Documentation typically required includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific AGOA certificate of origin.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the standard import duty rates for HS code 520522?
For HS code 520522, which covers cotton yarn (measuring less than 714.29 decitex but not less than 232.56 decitex, exceeding 14 metric number but not exceeding 43 metric number) and not put up for retail sale, the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. This rate is applied to the customs value of the imported goods. For example, if the customs value of a shipment is $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 * 4.00% = $400.
Are there preferential duty rates available for HS code 520522 under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are available for HS code 520522 under various trade agreements. For instance, imports from 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 be eligible for duty-free entry (Free). Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin requirements for the specific trade agreement and provide the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
How is the classification of cotton yarn under HS 520522 determined?
The classification under HS 520522 is determined by two primary criteria: the decitex measurement and the metric number of the yarn. This specific subheading applies to single, unbleached cotton yarns of carded staple fibres, measuring less than 714.29 decitex but not less than 232.56 decitex. This decitex range corresponds to yarns exceeding 14 metric number but not exceeding 43 metric number. The metric number is defined as the number of 1-gram, 1,000-meter lengths in one kilogram of yarn. Accurate measurement and calculation of these parameters are crucial for correct classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing cotton yarn under HS 520522?
When importing cotton yarn classified under HS 520522, 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 Certificate of Origin or other acceptable proof of origin, as stipulated by the relevant agreement, must be provided. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations, laboratory test reports confirming the cotton content and yarn specifications might be requested to verify compliance with the HS code definition.
Can you provide an example of duty calculation for HS 520522 if preferential rates do not apply?
Certainly. If a shipment of cotton yarn classified under HS 520522 has a customs value of $5,000 and does not qualify for any preferential duty rates, the standard MFN duty of 4.00% ad valorem would apply. The duty calculation would be: Customs Value × Duty Rate = Duty Amount. In this case, $5,000 × 4.00% = $200. This $200 would be the amount of import duty payable.