Raw Cotton Linters
Raw cotton linters are the short fuzz fibers adhering to cotton seeds after ginning, primarily used in cellulose derivative production. They are classified under tariff item 1404.20.00 as vegetable products not elsewhere specified, and are not suitable for textile use due to their short length.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the fibers are longer than 5 mm and suitable for spinning
Cotton fibers suitable for textile use are classified in chapter 52.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Document the source and ginning process to confirm the fibers are linters, not textile-grade cotton
• Provide a fiber length analysis to demonstrate they are unsuitable for textile manufacturing
• Check if the linters require a phytosanitary certificate if imported from countries with pest concerns
Related Products under Tariff item 1404.20.00
Bleached Cotton Linters
Bleached cotton linters are the short fuzz fibers removed from cotton seeds, which have been lightly bleached to remove impurities while preserving their fibrous structure. They are classified under tariff item 1404.20.00 as they are vegetable products not elsewhere specified, and the bleaching does not render them suitable for use only as textile materials.
Cotton Linters for Nitrocellulose Production
Cotton linters selected for nitrocellulose production are raw or lightly purified vegetable fibers with consistent fiber length and low impurities, making them ideal for nitration. They fall under tariff item 1404.20.00 as they are unprocessed vegetable linters, not yet converted into chemical derivatives.
Depitted Cotton Linters
Depitted cotton linters have seeds fully removed and fibers mechanically cleaned, retaining the short fuzz structure for further processing. They are classified under tariff item 1404.20.00 as processed but non-textile vegetable linters, per the chapter notes.
High-Purity Cotton Linters Pulp
High-purity cotton linters pulp is produced by alkali purification to achieve alpha-cellulose content over 95%, used in specialty applications like food additives or pharmaceuticals. Despite purification, it remains a vegetable product not elsewhere specified, as it has not been transformed into a chemical derivative.