USDA APHIS regulates the importation of raw cotton as a plant product subject to quarantine requirements. Depending on the country of origin, an import permit, phytosanitary certificate, or specific treatment may be required to prevent the introduction of cotton boll weevil and other regulated pests. Importers should consult APHIS regulations and the applicable permit conditions before shipment.

Raw cotton under this heading has been ginned to remove seeds but has not undergone carding or combing. Once the fiber has been processed through a card or comb to align and clean it, it moves to the heading for carded or combed cotton. The processing stage at the time of importation controls classification.