HS 520611 Single yarn, of uncombed fibres
Quick Answer: Cotton yarn of single ply, made from uncombed cotton fibres, enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US with a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 9.2% ad valorem, though preferential rates apply for certain trade partners. This classification specifically covers single yarns spun from cotton where the fibres have not undergone a combing process, resulting in a less refined yarn. Importers should be aware of the varying duty rates across major markets, as highlighted by CustomTariffs data, which can significantly impact landed costs. Careful consideration of the specific cotton fibre characteristics and the intended destination market's tariff schedule is crucial for accurate declaration and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5206110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5206110000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5206110000 | 9.2% | 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 5206.11?
Imports of Single yarn, of uncombed 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 520611 cover?
This subheading covers single yarn of cotton, not put up for retail sale, made from uncombed cotton fibres. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to single yarns where the staple length of the cotton fibres is less than 28 mm. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system align with this definition, specifying that the yarn must be composed of cotton and consist of a single strand, without being combed, and not intended for direct consumer sale.
What falls outside HS 520611?
The following products are excluded from HS 520611: yarns made from combed cotton fibres (classified under 520612), multiple or cabled yarns of cotton (classified under 5207), yarns of other textile fibres such as linen or polyester, and cotton yarn put up for retail sale (classified under 5208). Additionally, yarns with a staple length of 28 mm or more, even if uncombed, would fall under a different classification within heading 5206.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520611?
A common error is misinterpreting the "uncombed fibres" requirement. Importers may incorrectly classify combed cotton yarn under this subheading, failing to adhere to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) which prioritizes essential character. Another mistake involves confusing single yarns with multiple or cabled yarns, which are classified under heading 5207. The distinction between yarn for industrial use and yarn for retail sale is also critical, with the latter falling under heading 5208.
How should importers classify products under HS 520611?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520611 involves a multi-step process. First, confirm the material is 100% cotton. Second, verify that the yarn is a single strand and not cabled or multiple. Third, ascertain that the cotton fibres used were uncombed and have a staple length less than 28 mm. Finally, ensure the yarn is not put up for retail sale. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes and specific national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520611?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of uncombed cotton single 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 declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 3.0% = $150.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5206.11.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520611?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520611, 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 reduced or duty-free access for eligible goods from designated developing countries, such as Bangladesh or Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a valid origin declaration or certificate, such as a USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, is typically required by customs authorities.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard import duty rates for HS code 520611, 'Single yarn, of uncombed fibres'?
For imports into the United States, the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 520611 is 3.5% ad valorem. For imports into the European Union, the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) rate is 0.00% ad valorem. In the United Kingdom, the duty rate is also 0.00% ad valorem. It is crucial to verify the specific rate applicable to your country of import, as rates can change and vary significantly. Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC Database, UK Trade Tariff.
What specific criteria define 'single yarn, of uncombed fibres' under HS code 520611?
HS code 520611 covers single yarn spun from cotton fibers that have not undergone the combing process. 'Single yarn' refers to a yarn made from a single strand. 'Uncombed fibres' (also known as carded fibres) means the cotton has been carded but not combed. Combing is an additional process that aligns the fibres and removes shorter ones, resulting in a smoother, stronger, and more lustrous yarn. If the yarn is made from combed fibres, it would fall under a different HS code (e.g., 5205 series for single yarn of combed cotton). Source: World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 520611 if the duty rate is 3.5% ad valorem?
The duty is calculated based on the 'ad valorem' method, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if you import 1,000 kilograms of single yarn of uncombed cotton valued at $2,500 USD, and the duty rate is 3.5% ad valorem, the duty calculation would be: $2,500 (value) × 0.035 (duty rate) = $87.50 USD. This amount is the import duty payable. It's important to ensure the customs value is correctly declared according to international valuation rules (e.g., WTO Agreement on the Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994).
What preferential duty rates are available for HS code 520611 under common trade agreements?
Many trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry for goods originating from partner countries. For instance, under agreements like the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), US-Bahrain (BH), US-Chile (CL), US-Colombia (CO), US-Israel (IL), US-Jordan (JO), US-Korea (KR), US-Morocco (MA), US-Oman (OM), US-Peru (PE), US-Singapore (SG), and others, imports of HS code 520611 may be eligible for a 0.00% duty rate, provided the goods meet the rules of origin specified in the respective agreement. Importers must obtain a Certificate of Origin from the exporter to claim these preferential rates. Always consult the specific trade agreement and the importing country's customs authority for eligibility and documentation requirements.
What documentation is typically required for importing single yarn of uncombed fibres (HS 520611) and claiming preferential duty rates?
Standard import documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a Certificate of Origin (COO) is generally mandatory. The COO must be issued by the competent authority of the exporting country or completed by the exporter, as per the specific FTA's requirements. It certifies that the goods meet the stipulated rules of origin. Some FTAs may allow for origin declarations on the commercial invoice or a self-certification format. Importers and customs brokers should verify the exact documentation requirements with the customs authority of the importing country and the terms of the relevant trade agreement.