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HS Heading 5204 : Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale

HEADING DEFINITION & DISAMBIGUATION

HS Heading 5204 encompasses cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale. It classifies 3 6-digit WCO subheadings within Chapter 52 under the Harmonized System [USITC HTS 2026].

Chapter

Ch 52

Heading

5204

Subheadings

3 HS6

Status

Verified 2026

Subheadings Under Heading 5204

HS Code	WCO 6-Digit Subheading Description	Chapter	Operational Package
5204.11	Not put up for retail sale, Containing 85 percent or more by weight of cotton (200)	52	View 5204.11 Package →
5204.19	Not put up for retail sale, Other (200)	52	View 5204.19 Package →
5204.20	Put up for retail sale (200)	52	View 5204.20 Package →

DISAMBIGUATION & CLASSIFICATION GUIDE

How to Select the Correct Subheading Under Heading 5204

Commercial shipments must be declared under the exact 6-digit WCO subheading that matches physical, chemical, or processing characteristics. Review the subheading descriptions above and verify against binding CBP CROSS rulings prior to entry filing.

Official Primary Sources & Authority References

USITC HTS Heading 5204 ↗

United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

CBP CROSS Rulings ↗

CBP e-Rulings database for Heading 5204 precedent rulings.

WCO Nomenclature ↗

World Customs Organization Harmonized System 2022 nomenclature standard.

U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗

U.S. Census Bureau HTS-to-NAICS concordance and Schedule B export database.

Heading 5204 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What commercial articles are grouped under HS Heading 5204?

HS Heading 5204 covers Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale, grouping 3 6-digit WCO subheadings.

How are 6-digit subheadings structured under Heading 5204?

Subheadings under Heading 5204 range from 5204.11 to 5204.90, classifying goods by processing state, origin, or material composition.

What is the representative US import duty rate for Heading 5204?

US MFN general duty rates for Heading 5204 commodities range from Duty-Free up to representative ad valorem percentages under the 2026 US HTS.

Are Section 301 tariffs applicable to goods under Heading 5204?

Section 301 additional tariffs depend on the specific 8-digit or 10-digit US HTS code and country of origin (e.g. China Lists 1–4A).

What PGA message set flags apply to Heading 5204?

Partner Government Agency flags (FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA) apply depending on the specific commodity sub-classification.

How do I distinguish between subheadings under Heading 5204?

Review WCO subheading terms and candidate descriptions. For example, unroasted vs. roasted or decaffeinated vs. non-decaffeinated.

Can goods under Heading 5204 enter duty-free under USMCA?

Yes. Goods originating in USMCA territories (US, Mexico, Canada) enter duty-free under SPI code P with a valid Certificate of Origin.

What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Heading 5204?

Eligible import shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.

What documents are required for formal customs entry of Heading 5204?

Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.

How can an importer get a binding CBP classification ruling for Heading 5204?

Importers may apply for a binding ruling via CBP National Commodity Specialist Division under 19 CFR Part 177.