HS 520645 Measuring per single yarn less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number per single yarn)

Quick Answer: Cotton yarn measuring less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 metric number per single yarn) imported under HS 520645 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at 40% ad valorem, with certain trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This classification specifically covers single cotton yarns that are very fine, indicating a high thread count. Importers and customs brokers should be aware of these varying duty rates across major markets. According to CustomTariffs data, the significant difference in US duty rates necessitates careful consideration of origin and applicable trade agreements.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
5206450000 0.00 %

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
5206450000 4.00 %

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
5206450000 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 5206.45?

Imports of Measuring per single yarn less than 125 decitex (exceeding 80 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?

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What products does HS 520645 cover?

This subheading covers cotton sewing thread, not put up for retail sale, measuring less than 125 decitex per single yarn (which is equivalent to exceeding 80 metric numbers per single yarn). According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically applies to fine cotton threads used in industrial sewing applications. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the decitex measurement as the primary determinant for classification within Heading 5206.

What falls outside HS 520645?

The following products are excluded from HS 520645: cotton sewing thread put up for retail sale, which falls under HS 5206.45.0000 in the US HTS; cotton sewing thread measuring 125 decitex or more per single yarn (i.e., not exceeding 80 metric numbers per single yarn), which is classified under HS 5206.44; and sewing thread made from synthetic or artificial fibers, which are classified in Chapters 54 and 55. Additionally, yarn that is not specifically designated for sewing purposes, even if it meets the decitex requirement, would be classified elsewhere.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 520645?

A common error is misinterpreting the decitex measurement or the "not put up for retail sale" criterion. Importers may incorrectly classify sewing thread intended for retail sale under this subheading, or they might fail to accurately calculate the decitex value of the single yarn, leading to misclassification. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System emphasizes that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, meaning the precise technical specifications are paramount.

How should importers classify products under HS 520645?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 520645 involves first confirming that the product is indeed cotton sewing thread and that it is not packaged for retail sale. The critical step is to accurately determine the decitex measurement of the single yarn; if this measurement is less than 125 decitex, the product falls within this subheading. Importers and customs brokers must consult technical specifications from the manufacturer and cross-reference with official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC to ensure accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 520645?

A spool of 10,000 meters of cotton sewing thread, weighing 0.5 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $50.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.75. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 1.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($50.00 × 0.015 = $0.75). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 5206.45.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 520645?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 520645, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which offers duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may provide duty-free treatment for goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, depending on the origin country, is typically required by customs authorities.

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FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 520645?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 520645, which covers "Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail sale, measuring less than 80 metric number per single yarn, of a value not exceeding 125 decitex", is 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. 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 consult the specific trade agreement and verify eligibility based on rules of origin. Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

How is the classification of HS code 520645 determined?

HS code 520645 is specifically for cotton yarn (not sewing thread, not put up for retail sale) made from synthetic staple fibers. The key classification criteria are: 1. Material: Must be cotton yarn. 2. Fiber Type: Must be synthetic staple fibers. 3. Presentation: Not sewing thread and not put up for retail sale. 4. Yarn Measurement: The yarn must measure less than 80 metric number per single yarn, which is equivalent to exceeding 125 decitex. If the yarn is made from natural fibers like cotton, it would fall under chapter 52. If it's made from synthetic staple fibers, it falls under chapter 55. This specific code is for cotton yarn of synthetic staple fibers, implying a blend or a specific processing context. It's essential to verify the exact composition and processing to ensure correct classification. Consult the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for detailed guidance.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 520645?

For importing goods classified under HS code 520645, standard import documentation is required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin (COO) is mandatory. The COO must be issued by the competent authority in the exporting country and certify that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide laboratory test reports or manufacturer declarations confirming the fiber content and yarn specifications if requested by customs authorities to verify classification.

Can you provide an example of how import duty is calculated for HS code 520645?

Certainly. Let's assume an importer brings 1,000 kilograms of yarn classified under HS code 520645 into the United States, and the MFN duty rate applies. The MFN duty rate for this code is 4.00% ad valorem. If the declared value of the 1,000 kg of yarn is $5,000 USD, the import duty calculation would be: Duty Amount = Declared Value × Duty Rate. Duty Amount = $5,000 USD × 4.00% (or 0.04). Duty Amount = $200 USD. Therefore, the import duty for this shipment would be $200 USD. This calculation is based on the value of the goods. Note that for some HS codes, duties can also be based on weight or a combination of value and weight (compound duties), but for 520645, it is typically ad valorem.

Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 520645?

Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 520645. These include agreements like the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), US-Bahrain FTA (BH), US-Chile FTA (CL), US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CO), US-Israel FTA (IL), US-Jordan FTA (JO), US-Korea FTA (KR), US-Morocco FTA (MA), US-Oman FTA (OM), US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (PA), US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PE), US-Singapore FTA (SG). To benefit from these preferential rates, importers must ensure the yarn originates from the partner country and meets the specific rules of origin outlined in each agreement, typically requiring a valid Certificate of Origin. Always verify the current status and specific provisions of the applicable trade agreement.