HS 520642 Measuring per single yarn less than 714,29 decitex but not less than 232,56 decitex (exceeding 14 metric number but not exceeding 43 metric number per single yarn)
Quick Answer: Cotton yarn, measuring less than 714.29 decitex but not less than 232.56 decitex (equivalent to exceeding 14 metric number but not exceeding 43 metric number per single yarn), enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at 9.2% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. Preferential rates may apply for certain trading partners in the US. This classification specifically applies to single cotton yarns within a defined fineness range. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific preferential rates and any potential non-tariff requirements. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff information for global trade.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5206420000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5206420000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5206420000 | 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 5206.42?
Imports of Measuring per single yarn less than 714,29 decitex but not less than 232,56 decitex (exceeding 14 metric number but not exceeding 43 metric number per single yarn) 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 520642 cover?
This subheading covers single cotton yarns, not put up for retail sale, where the linear density of each single yarn is less than 714.29 decitex but not less than 232.56 decitex. This range corresponds to a metric number exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43 per single yarn, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. For instance, a single yarn with a metric count of 20 (meaning 20,000 meters weigh 1 kilogram) falls within this decitex range and would be classified here, provided it is 100% cotton and not intended for retail sale. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database provide detailed specifications for this classification.
What falls outside HS 520642?
The following products are excluded from HS 520642: single cotton yarns with a linear density outside the specified decitex range (either finer than 232.56 decitex or coarser than 714.29 decitex), cotton yarns put up for retail sale (which are classified under different subheadings), and yarns made from cotton blends where cotton is not the predominant fiber by weight. For example, a single cotton yarn with a metric count of 10 (coarser than 714.29 decitex) would be classified under a different subheading within heading 5206, and a sewing thread made from cotton would fall under heading 5207.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 520642?
A common error is miscalculating or misinterpreting the linear density (decitex) or metric number of the single yarn. Importers may confuse the count of a single yarn with that of a plied yarn or fail to account for the "not put up for retail sale" condition. 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. Incorrectly applying these rules, such as classifying a blended yarn as pure cotton or a retail-packaged thread under this subheading, leads to misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 520642?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520642 involves first confirming that the yarn is made of cotton and is not put up for retail sale. Subsequently, the linear density of each single yarn must be accurately determined in decitex. This can be calculated from the metric number (metric number = 1,000,000 / decitex). If the decitex falls between 232.56 and 714.29, the product is correctly classified here. Importers and customs brokers should consult technical specifications from the manufacturer and cross-reference with official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520642?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of single cotton yarn, with a linear density of 333.33 decitex (equivalent to a metric number of 30), declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,000.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 20% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 20% = $1,000.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5206.42.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520642?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520642, 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 benefits, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 520642, specifically for cotton yarn measuring less than 714.29 decitex but not less than 232.56 decitex?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 520642 is 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for imports from certain countries under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 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 (Free). It is crucial to verify the specific origin and eligibility for preferential treatment with the relevant customs authority, such as the US International Trade Commission (USITC) for US imports or the EU's TARIC database for EU imports, as these rates can change.
How is the classification of cotton yarn under HS code 520642 determined, considering the decitex and metric number specifications?
HS code 520642 specifically covers 'Cotton sewing thread, of multiple or cabled yarn' where the single yarn measures less than 714.29 decitex but not less than 232.56 decitex. This decitex range corresponds to a metric number per single yarn exceeding 14 but not exceeding 43. Decitex is a measure of linear density, representing the mass in grams per 10,000 meters of yarn. The metric number is the reciprocal, indicating the length in kilometers per kilogram of yarn. Importers must ensure their product's yarn count falls within this precise range to qualify for this classification. Verification often requires a yarn count certificate from the manufacturer.
What documentation is typically required for importing cotton yarn classified under HS code 520642?
When importing cotton yarn under HS code 520642, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, a certificate of origin is essential to claim preferential duty rates under applicable trade agreements. For this specific HS code, a yarn count certificate or manufacturer's declaration specifying the decitex or metric number of the single yarn is highly recommended to substantiate the classification and ensure compliance with the classification criteria. This documentation should be readily available for customs inspection.
Can you provide an example of how the 4.00% MFN duty is calculated for an import of cotton yarn under HS code 520642?
Certainly. If a shipment of cotton yarn classified under HS code 520642 has a declared customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable duty rate is the MFN rate of 4.00% ad valorem, the duty calculation would be as follows: Duty Amount = Customs Value × Duty Rate. In this case, Duty Amount = $10,000 USD × 0.04 = $400 USD. This ad valorem duty is calculated based on the value of the imported goods. If preferential rates apply, the duty could be significantly lower or even zero, provided all eligibility requirements are met.
Which major trade agreements commonly provide preferential duty rates for HS code 520642, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 520642. For imports into the United States, agreements like the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) or bilateral agreements with countries such as Chile, South Korea, and Colombia can provide reduced or zero duties. For imports into the European Union, the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and various Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) or Association Agreements may apply. For the UK, the UK Global Tariff and specific trade agreements are relevant. Importers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and present a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the exporter in the partner country to claim preferential treatment. Verification of the specific terms and origin rules for each agreement is paramount.