HS Code 140420 — Cotton Linters

Cotton linters are the short, fuzzy fibres that remain on the cottonseed after the long staple cotton has been removed. They are used as a raw material in the manufacture of high-quality paper, explosives (nitrocellulose), and cellulose acetate.

What's included

Raw cotton linters
Cleaned cotton linters
Compressed cotton linters
Linters in sheets or pulp

What's excluded

Cotton waste → use 520200 (Refers to yarn or fabric waste rather than seed-adherent fibres.)
Raw cotton → use 520100 (Refers to the long staple fibres used for textiles.)

Common examples

Cotton linter pulp
First-cut cotton linters
Mill-run linters
Chemical grade linters

Frequently asked questions

Are cotton linters used for clothes?

No, they are too short to be spun into yarn. They are used for chemical processes or specialty papermaking.

Trade & shipping notes

Typical duty range: 0%
Documentation: Subject to agricultural inspections (Aphis in the US) to check for boll weevil or other pests.
Typical shipping mode: FCL
Top exporters: United States, Brazil, Turkey, India
Top importers: China, Japan, Germany

Key takeaway

A byproduct of the cotton industry vital for the chemical and paper sectors.

Cotton Linters