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52079000
COTTONCotton yarn (other than sewing thread) put up for retail sale

Other

Standard EU duty
5%
VAT
23%
Additional duties / sanctions
0 rules
Docs required
7 docs
Y084N954U045U078U079Y997+1
Standard rates
Applies toTypeRateConditionsRegulation
ERGA OMNESThird country duty5%R1789/03
Preferences
ERGA OMNES 0%AD 0%AL 0%BA 0%CA 0%CAMER 0%CARI 0%CH 0%CI 0%CL 0%CM 0%CO 0%DZ 0%EBA 0%EC 0%EEA 0%EG 0%EH 0%ESA 0%EUCA 0%FJ 0%FO 0%GB 0%GE 0%GH 0%GSP 4%GSP+ 0%IL 0%JO 0%JP 0%KE 0%KR 0%KR 0%LB 0%LOMB 0%MA 0%MD 0%ME 0%MK 0%MX 0%NZ 0%PE 0%PG 0%PS 0%SADC EPA 0%SB 0%SG 0%SM 0%SWITZ 0%SY 0%TN 0%TR 0%UA 0%VN 0%WS 0%XC 0%XK 0%XL 0%XS 0%ZA 0%
Notes
CD605The benefit of this tariff quota is subject to the presentation of the outward processing authorisation, for the purpose of implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 32/2000, Annex II, footnote (1). This concerns goods resulting from processing work as provided for in the arrangements with Switzerland on processing traffic in textiles.
CD303The relief from or reduction of customs duties shall be subject to the specific request expressed by the declarant in box 44 "Additional information/Documents produced/Certificates and authorisations", of the Single Administrative Document (SAD)
TM904Preferences granted under the agreement between the European Union and Morocco in force from 19 July 2019.As of 3 October 2025, products originating in Western Sahara subject to controls by the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall benefit from trade preferences under the terms of the new Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and Morocco, The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to allow those products to be identified by reference to the region of origin to be included in the proof of origin and as provided for in Protocol 4.In view of the application of these measures, the origin certificates codes U179 and U180 must be declared.The country code to be entered in the origin declaration when these proofs of origin are used is “EH”.
CD727Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of an origin declaration stating the European Union origin of the goods, in the context of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
CD906The list of non-eligible locations and their postal codes is available at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/technical-arrangement_postal-codes.pdf
CD598Subject to the presentation of an origin declaration containing the following statement in English: "Derogation - Annex II(a) of Protocol concerning the definition of "originating products " and methods of administrative cooperation " (OJ L 127/2011, 14.5.2011).
CD500Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of a proof of origin stating the community origin of the goods, in the context of the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation.
5

Binding Tariff Information

BTI classification examples

DEgold461/25-1

Cotton-viscose yarn for retail sale

cottonGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold206/25-1

Mixed cotton yarn for retail sale

cottonGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold458/25-1

Cotton blend yarn for retail sale

cottonGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
FRgold23-08439

Cotton twine for food industry, retail packed

cottonGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DKgold-1586780

Cotton yarn skein for knitting

cottonGRI 1GRI 6

BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

Classification scope of blended retail cotton yarn

CN code 520790 covers cotton yarn containing less than 85 percent by weight of cotton, put up for retail sale. This subheading groups blended yarns where cotton is the predominant fibre by weight but with a significant share of synthetic or other fibres. Typical blends include cotton with polyester, polyamide, acrylic or viscose. These yarns are packaged in skeins, balls or on bobbins in quantities intended for end consumers. They are used in hand and machine knitting. Classification requires confirmation that cotton predominates by weight but accounts for less than 85 percent, and that the yarn is put up for retail sale.

Regulatory requirements for labelling and chemistry

Blended retail cotton yarn is subject to Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, requiring the label to show the percentage composition of each fibre in descending order. All components exceeding 5 percent must be named in accordance with Annex I. REACH Regulation restricts chemical substances in textiles, including azo dyes with a 30 mg/kg limit for aromatic amines, formaldehyde and PFAS substances. Blends with synthetic fibres may contain additional substances from chemical fibre manufacturing processes subject to REACH regulations. The GPSR Regulation (EU 2023/988) requires importers to ensure product safety.

Trade and customs documentation

Importing yarn under CN code 520790 requires a customs declaration with detailed fibre composition, linear density and packaging format. A certificate of origin enables tariff preferences under EU trade agreements. Blended retail cotton yarns are imported mainly from Turkey, China and India. Customs authorities may request additional documentation confirming composition, particularly where the cotton percentage approaches the 85 percent threshold that determines classification between 5207 10 and 5207 90. Importers should maintain laboratory reports confirming fibre composition.

Classification of cotton yarn by preparation type CN 5207 90

Cotton yarn CN 5207 90 is classified by preparation method (combed or uncombed), number of plies, and fineness. Import into the EU is subject to conventional customs duty and import VAT. Yarn for retail sale has separate subheadings. Fibre composition labelling is mandatory. Importers must ensure correct fibre composition labelling under EU Regulation 1007/2011. Current duty rates are available in the TARIC database for verification.

Frequently asked questions

How to distinguish code 520710 from 520790?
Code 520710 covers retail cotton yarn with 85 percent or more cotton. Code 520790 covers retail cotton yarn with less than 85 percent cotton. The decisive factor is the cotton percentage confirmed by laboratory testing. Both subheadings require the yarn to be put up for retail sale.
Is 50 percent cotton 50 percent acrylic yarn code 520790?
Yes, provided cotton is listed as the predominant or at least equal component. With equal shares of both fibres, cotton is treated as predominant under the classification rules of Section XI. The yarn must be put up for retail sale to qualify under heading 5207.
What labels must blended yarn carry in the EU market?
Labels must show the percentage of each fibre in descending order in the official language of the country of sale. For example cotton 60 percent polyester 40 percent. Each fibre above 5 percent must be named using designations from Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011. Labels must be durable and legible.
What is the EU duty on blended cotton yarn for retail CN 5207 90?
Blended cotton yarn for retail under CN 5207 90 is subject to conventional EU customs duty and import VAT. Check the rate in TARIC. Fibre composition labelling per EU 1007/2011 is mandatory.