HTSBase
Heading 5201

Cotton, not carded or combed

12 declarable lines

Heading 5201 covers cotton that is not carded or combed. It is split first by staple length: under 28.575 mm, 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, and 34.925 mm or more. Within each length range, the lines separate harsh or rough cotton, cotton entered under specific tariff schedule notes, and residual Other cotton.

Products in this heading

  • Raw cotton lint in bales for spinning
  • Uncarded cotton fiber
  • Uncombed cotton fiber
  • Short staple cotton under 28.575 mm
  • Harsh or rough cotton under 19.05 mm
  • White cotton with staple length 29.36875 mm or more
  • Long staple cotton 34.925 mm or more
  • Ginned cotton not yet carded or combed

How to choose the right subheading

  • Confirm the cotton is not carded or combed; carded or combed cotton goes to heading 5203.
  • Measure staple length in millimeters and choose the length band: under 28.575 mm, 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, or 34.925 mm or more.
  • For length under 28.575 mm, check whether it is harsh or rough with staple under 19.05 mm, whether a general note 15 or additional U.S. note 5 entry applies, or whether it is Other.
  • For length 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, check harsh or rough white cotton details and whether additional U.S. note 6, 7, or general note 15 applies.
  • For length 34.925 mm or more, check general note 15, additional U.S. note 8, or use the Other line.

Often confused with

  • Cotton carded or combed

    Carding and combing move the cotton out of heading 5201.

    Heading 5203
  • Cotton waste, including yarn waste and garnetted stock

    Waste and garnetted stock are classified in heading 5202.

    Heading 5202
  • Cotton sewing thread

    Sewing thread is a made-up thread product, not raw cotton.

    Heading 5204
  • Cotton yarn not put up for retail sale

    Yarn is spun cotton, not raw cotton fiber.

    Heading 5205
  • Woven cotton fabric

    Fabric is woven from yarn and is not classified as raw cotton.

    Heading 5208

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for raw cotton with a staple length under 28.575 mm?

For other cotton under 28.575 mm, use 5201.00.18.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 31.4¢/kg. Harsh or rough cotton under 19.05 mm uses 5201.00.05.00, with a general (MFN) rate of Free.

What is the duty on cotton with a staple length of 34.925 mm or more?

The residual Other line for cotton 34.925 mm or more is 5201.00.80.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 31.4¢/kg. Cotton entered under general note 15 provisions is 5201.00.55.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 1.5¢/kg.

How do I classify cotton that has been carded or combed?

Heading 5201 does not cover carded or combed cotton; that cotton goes to heading 5203. Do not use a 5201 line such as 5201.00.38.00, which has a general (MFN) rate of 31.4¢/kg, for carded or combed cotton.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.

All lines in heading 5201

HTS heading 5201: Cotton, not carded or combed | HTSBase