Cotton Lint Waste
Cotton lint waste comprises loose lint fibres from ginning byproducts that are not suitable for staple fibre use. These short, tangled fibres are often used for padding or insulation. As a byproduct of ginning, it is classified as 'other' cotton waste under tariff item 5202.99.00.
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 |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the lint is unprocessed and not waste
Raw cotton, not carded or combed, is classified under heading 52.01.
If the material is cotton linters
Cotton linters are excluded from Section XI by Note 1(c) and fall under Chapter 14.
If the lint has been carded or combed
Carded or combed cotton is classified under heading 52.03.
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
• Distinguish this waste from raw cotton lint (heading 52.01) by documenting its processing history
• Ensure the waste is free of seeds or other plant matter, which may affect classification
• Review Canadian import regulations for agricultural byproducts
Related Products under Tariff item 5202.99.00
1-Inch Staple Cotton Sliver Waste
Sliver waste generated from drawing frames processing cotton staple fibers shorter than 30.1625 mm. This waste occurs after carding in yarn production and is collected for recycling. It is classified under tariff item 5202.99.00 as other cotton waste.
Belgian Short-Fiber Card Strip Bales
Baled card strips from Belgian recycling operations using cotton staple under 1-3/16 inches. These strips are processed for purity before export and are ideal for blended yarn production. They fall under tariff item 5202.99.00 as other cotton waste.
Brazilian Short Cotton Roving Waste
Roving waste from Brazilian mills using cotton staple under 1-3/16 inches. This waste is generated during the roving process and supports regional textile recycling. It is classified under tariff item 5202.99.00 as other cotton waste.
Canadian Mill Roving and Card Waste
Combined roving and card waste from Canadian mills with cotton staple under 30.1625 mm. This waste has low contamination levels and is a reliable supply for recyclers. It falls under tariff item 5202.99.00 as other cotton waste.
Chinese Cotton Sliver Lap Waste Mix
Mixed sliver and lap waste from Chinese short-staple cotton processing. This waste is collected from high-volume spinning operations and is used in paper and board manufacturing. It is classified under tariff item 5202.99.00 as other cotton waste.
Cotton Blowroom Waste
Cotton blowroom waste is the residue collected during the initial opening and cleaning of raw cotton in textile mills. It contains dust, trash, and short fibres, making it unsuitable for spinning but useful for applications like biofuel or mulch. As a byproduct of yarn production, it qualifies as 'other' cotton waste under tariff item 5202.99.00.