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HSChapter 52
U.S. imports of cotton sewing thread, not for retail sale, ≥85% cotton by weight (HS 520411) totaled $161K in April 2026, traded with 24 countries.
Importers of Cotton Sewing Thread, Not for Retail Sale, ≥85% Cotton by Weight paid $33K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 21% on $161K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataIndustrial cotton sewing thread containing at least 85% cotton by weight and sold in bulk form — on cones, tubes, or large spools not configured for retail — is the primary input for garment and home-textile manufacturing operations. Italy and India are the leading US suppliers under this heading, with Egypt also a significant source. The single 10-digit line (5204110000) covers the full range of thread counts and finishes within this weight threshold, so classification disputes typically arise at the boundary with the sub-85% line (520419) rather than within the heading itself.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
CBP may require a fiber content analysis conducted by an accredited textile testing laboratory, typically using AATCC or ISO fiber identification methods, to confirm that cotton constitutes 85% or more of the thread's total weight. The manufacturer's specification sheet or a certificate of composition from the mill is standard supporting documentation, but physical testing may be requested during examination.
Thread 'not put up for retail sale' is presented in industrial packaging — large cones, tubes, or cheeses intended for use in manufacturing — rather than in small consumer spools with retail labeling. The key factors are package size, labeling, and the intended distribution channel. Thread on small spools with consumer-facing labels and retail pricing would classify under heading 520420 instead. Importers should retain packaging specifications and commercial invoices that clearly identify the industrial nature of the packaging.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5204110000 | COTTON SEWING THREAD, NOT RETAIL, >=85% BY WT CTTN | $161K | 20.56% | $33K |
COTTON SEWING THREAD, NOT RETAIL, >=85% BY WT CTTN
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5204110000 | COTTON SEWING THREAD, NOT RETAIL, >=85% BY WT CTTN | $53K |
COTTON SEWING THREAD, NOT RETAIL, >=85% BY WT CTTN
13.1K kg
WOV COT FAB, PR PL WV NUN 85% COT OV100NOV200G/M2
HS 520852
COTTON YARN (N SWG THD) RETAIL SALE 85% OR > WT CO
HS 520710
WOVEN COTTON FABRICS, DENIM, 85% COT OVER 200 G/M2
HS 520942
WOV COT FAB, DYE PL W NUN 85% COT OV100NOV200G/M2
HS 520832
WOV COT FAB, UNBL PL WV UN85%COT MMF NOV200G/M2
HS 521011
WOV COT FAB, DENIM, UN 85% COT MMF OVER 200 G/M2
HS 521142
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $42K | $30K | -$12K |
| South Carolina | $61K | -- | -$61K |
| New York | $36K | -- | -$36K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAVANNAH, GA | $61K | -- | -$61K |
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $49K | -- | -$49K |
| JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, NY | $36K | $9K | -$27K |