Cotton, carded or combed

HS v2017 Code: 5203

About cotton, carded or combed

HS code 5203 covers cotton that has been carded or combed, a crucial intermediate product in the textile industry. This process prepares the cotton fibers for spinning, making them suitable for use in a wide range of textile applications, from clothing and home furnishings to industrial textiles. The global cotton carding and combing industry plays a vital role in the broader textile supply chain, supporting economic activity and employment in both developed and developing countries.

Production process

The production of carded or combed cotton (HS 5203) involves several key steps. First, raw cotton is fed into a carding machine, which disentangles, cleans, and aligns the fibers. The carded cotton is then passed through a combing machine, which further straightens and removes any remaining impurities, producing a high-quality, uniform fiber. This processed cotton can then be spun into yarn for use in textile manufacturing.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of carded or combed cotton (HS 5203) are raw cotton, as well as specialized machinery such as carding and combing machines. Cotton is the primary raw material, and its quality and characteristics can significantly impact the final product. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce to operate the processing equipment and ensure consistent quality.

Production outputs

The primary output of the carded or combed cotton (HS 5203) industry is the processed cotton fiber, which is then used as an input for 5205 Cotton yarn, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale and 5206 Cotton yarn, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale. These cotton yarns are further processed into a wide range of textile products, including clothing, home textiles, and industrial applications.

Family tree for cotton, carded or combed

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/52'>52: Cotton</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5203'>5203: Cotton, carded or combed</a>"]

    A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5201'>5201: Cotton; not carded or combed</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5202'>5202: Cotton waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5204'>5204: Cotton sewing thread, whether or not put up for retail sale</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5205'>5205: Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale</a>"]
A --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5206'>5206: Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale</a>"]
A --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5207'>5207: Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail sale</a>"]
A --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5208'>5208: Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m2</a>"]
A --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5209'>5209: Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing more than 200g/m2</a>"]
A --> K["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5210'>5210: Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing not more than 200 g/m2</a>"]
A --> L["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5211'>5211: Woven fabrics of cotton, containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2</a>"]
A --> M["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/5212'>5212: Other woven fabrics of cotton, n.e.c. in chapter 52</a>"]

    B --> N["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/520300'>520300: Cotton; carded or combed</a>"]


    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level4
class D level4
class E level4
class F level4
class G level4
class H level4
class I level4
class J level4
class K level4
class L level4
class M level4
class N level6

  class B highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class B highlight