What is HTS code 5203?

HTS heading 5203 covers cotton, carded or combed. It sits in Chapter 52 (cotton) of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule and contains 4 tariff lines.

What is the duty rate for HTS 5203?

General duty rates from 4.3% to 5%; 1 line carries a specific or compound duty. The general rate applies to most-favoured-nation trading partners; goods from countries with a free trade agreement may qualify for a reduced or duty-free special rate.

How many digits does a full HTS code have?

US import entries require the full 10-digit HTS code. Heading 5203 is the first four digits — the remaining six narrow it down to the specific product, which is what determines the duty rate you actually pay.

Heading 5203

HTS code 5203 — Cotton, carded or combed

Chapter: 52 — Cotton
Tariff lines: 4
General duty: General duty rates from 4.3% to 5%; 1 line carries a specific or compound duty

Tariff lines under heading 5203

Full 10-digit codes with their general (MFN) duty rates. The correct line depends on the product's material, construction, and use.

HTS code	Description	General rate	Unit
5203.00.0500	Described in general note 15 of the tariff schedule and entered pursuant to its provisions (Cotton, carded or combed > Fibers of cotton processed but not spun)	5%	kg
5203.00.1000	Described in additional U.S. note 10 to this chapter and entered pursuant to its provisions (Cotton, carded or combed > Fibers of cotton processed but not spun)	5%	kg
5203.00.3000	Other (Cotton, carded or combed > Fibers of cotton processed but not spun)	31.4¢/kg	kg
5203.00.5000	Other (Cotton, carded or combed)	4.3%	kg

Documents required to import under 5203

Customs paperwork typically required to import these goods into the United States. Conditional items depend on shipment value, transport mode, or origin.

Commercial InvoiceRequired
Packing ListRequired
Bill of Lading / Airway BillRequired
CBP Entry Summary (7501)Required
Prepared and filed by your customs broker
CBP Entry / Release (3461)Required
Prepared and filed by your customs broker
Customs Bond (CBP 301)Conditional
Required for formal entries — generally shipments valued over $2,500
Single-entry or continuous bond, obtained through your broker or a surety
Importer Security Filing (ISF "10+2")Conditional
Required for ocean freight only
Filed electronically at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port
Importer ID Input Record (CBP 5106)Conditional
Required to establish or update your importer-of-record number with CBP
One-time setup for a new importer; not filed per shipment
Entry Manifest (CBP 7533)Conditional
Alternative to the 3461 for informal, low-value, or contiguous-country entries
Textile DeclarationRequired
CBP Form 3311 — declares fiber content, country of origin, manufacturer
Visa / Export LicenseConditional
Required for shipments from quota-restricted countries

Common questions

What is HTS code 5203?: HTS heading 5203 covers cotton, carded or combed. It sits in Chapter 52 (cotton) of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule and contains 4 tariff lines.
What is the duty rate for HTS 5203?: General duty rates from 4.3% to 5%; 1 line carries a specific or compound duty. The general rate applies to most-favoured-nation trading partners; goods from countries with a free trade agreement may qualify for a reduced or duty-free special rate.
How many digits does a full HTS code have?: US import entries require the full 10-digit HTS code. Heading 5203 is the first four digits — the remaining six narrow it down to the specific product, which is what determines the duty rate you actually pay.

Tariff lines under heading 5203

Documents required to import under 5203

Common questions

Related headings in Chapter 52