HS 520541 Multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of combed fibres
Quick Answer: Cotton yarn of combed fibres, multiple or cabled, imported under HS 520541 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 11.9% ad valorem depending on the country of origin. This classification specifically covers yarn spun from combed cotton fibres, where the yarn is either folded (twisted together) or cabled (multiple folded yarns twisted together). Importers should verify the specific US duty rate based on the origin of the goods, as preferential trade agreements significantly impact the US tariff. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate duty assessment and cost planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5205410000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5205410000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52054100 | 5% | Free (14 programs) | — |
| 5205410020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 5205410090 | — | — | ["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 5205.41?
Imports of Multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of combed fibres 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 520541 cover?
This subheading covers multiple (folded) or cabled yarn of cotton, specifically those spun from combed cotton fibres. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes yarns where individual strands have been twisted together to form a stronger, thicker thread. The key characteristic is that the cotton fibres used in the spinning process have undergone combing, a process that aligns the fibres and removes shorter ones, resulting in a smoother, stronger, and more lustrous yarn. This is further detailed in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database.
What falls outside HS 520541?
The following products are excluded from HS 520541: single (unfolded or uncabled) yarns of combed cotton, yarns of carded cotton fibres (which are less refined), and yarns made from other textile materials such as synthetic or artificial fibres. Also excluded are yarns that are put up for retail sale in a manner that suggests they are for direct use by consumers, unless they meet the specific criteria of being multiple or cabled. For instance, single yarns of combed cotton would fall under HS 520511 or 520512, depending on their fineness.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520541?
A common error is misinterpreting the term "multiple (folded) or cabled." Importers may incorrectly classify single yarns of combed cotton under this subheading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. It is crucial to distinguish between a single yarn and a yarn formed by twisting two or more single yarns together. Another mistake involves confusing combed cotton with carded cotton, which has different properties and is classified elsewhere.
How should importers classify products under HS 520541?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520541 involves a multi-step verification process. First, confirm that the yarn is made of cotton. Second, determine if the yarn is "multiple (folded) or cabled," meaning it consists of two or more single yarns twisted together. Third, verify that the cotton fibres used in the spinning process were combed, not merely carded. Importers and customs brokers should consult official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and potentially the WCO's Explanatory Notes for definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520541?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of combed cotton cabled yarn, 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, applied to the customs value. The calculation is: $5,000 USD (customs value) × 0.03 (duty rate) = $150.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 5205.41.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520541?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520541, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), where originating goods can be admitted duty-free. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the duty rate can be reduced to Free. For example, cotton yarn from India, a GSP beneficiary, may enter the US duty-free. Documentation required to claim preference under USMCA typically involves a self-certified origin statement, while GSP requires a GSP Form A. The EU's TARIC system also lists preferential rates for various partner countries.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 520541 (multiple, folded, or cabled yarn of combed cotton)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 520541 is typically 5%. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, under the US-Australia FTA, the rate is Free (0.00%). Under the US-Korea FTA, the rate is also Free (0.00%). Always verify the specific origin of the goods and consult the relevant trade agreement or the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most accurate and up-to-date rates applicable to your import. For example, if importing $10,000 worth of goods with a 5% MFN duty rate, the duty would be $500 (5% of $10,000).
What specific criteria define 'multiple (folded) or cabled yarn' under HS code 520541?
HS code 520541 applies to cotton yarn that is either folded (two or more single yarns twisted together) or cabled (three or more single yarns twisted together). The yarn must also be made from combed cotton fibers, which means the fibers have undergone a combing process to remove short fibers and align the longer ones, resulting in a smoother, stronger, and more uniform yarn. The yarn's fineness (measured in metric count) is also a key differentiator within Chapter 52. For 520541, the yarn must have a single yarn fineness of more than 833.33 decitex (i.e., not finer than 12 metric count).
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 520541?
Standard import documentation for HS code 520541 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under FTAs, a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin from the exporter is mandatory, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement. For cotton products, documentation verifying the cotton content and origin may also be requested by customs authorities.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 520541, and what are their typical rates?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 520541. 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), Singapore (SG), and others may benefit from a Free (0.00%) duty rate under their respective FTAs with the importing country (e.g., the US). It is essential to confirm the specific origin of the yarn and the applicable FTA to determine eligibility and the exact preferential rate. Always consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country for precise details.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 520541 if the MFN rate is 5% and the value of the imported yarn is $5,000?
The duty calculation for HS code 520541, using an ad valorem rate, is based on the declared customs value of the imported goods. If the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 5% and the customs value of the yarn is $5,000, the duty amount is calculated as follows: Duty = Customs Value × Duty Rate. In this example: Duty = $5,000 × 5% = $5,000 × 0.05 = $250. Therefore, the import duty would be $250. Note that some tariffs may also include specific duties based on weight or other units, but for 520541, the primary duty is typically ad valorem.