HS Code 05.01 – Human hair; unworked, whether or not washed or scoured; waste of human hair

HS code 0501 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Human hair; unworked, whether or not washed or scoured; waste of human hair. Heading 0501 encompasses human hair in its most basic, unworked state, whether it has been washed or scoured, and also includes waste derived from human hair. This classification is crucial for distinguishing raw material from processed hair products. The scope and boundaries are strictly defined by the term 'unworked'; any hair that has undergone processes like dressing, thinning, bleaching, dyeing, or arrangement into specific forms (e.g., wigs, hair extensions ready for wear) would fall under different HS headings, typically in Chapter 67. Key sub-categories within 0501 include virgin human hair (unprocessed, natural), washed human hair (cleaned but otherwise unworked), scoured human hair (more thoroughly cleaned, often to remove natural oils), and human hair waste (sweepings, tangled hair, or short pieces unsuitable for direct use). This classification matters profoundly for trade compliance due to varying customs duties, import restrictions, and health regulations that apply to raw biological materials. Historically, human hair has been a significant commodity, particularly for wig-making and extensions, with major sourcing countries often having cultural practices that facilitate its collection. In recent years, it has also found niche applications in environmental clean-ups (e.g., oil spills). This heading, being the first in Chapter 5, sets the precedent for classifying diverse products of animal origin that are not specified or included elsewhere, emphasizing their raw or minimally processed state.

Raw human hair bundles, uncleaned human hair, washed human hair for processing, scoured human hair, waste human hair from salons, tangled human hair, virgin human hair braids, chemically untreated human hair, naturally colored human hair, human hair for scientific research, bulk human hair for cosmetic formulations (unprocessed), hair collected from temples (unworked), fallen human hair, human hair sweepings, human hair for agricultural use (unworked), short human hair clippings, unprocessed collected human hair, human hair for bio-filters (unprocessed), human hair for artistic purposes (unworked), naturally shed human hair.

Traders often misclassify human hair based on the degree of processing. A common mistake is classifying hair that has been 'dressed, thinned, bleached, or otherwise worked' under 0501; this type of processed hair correctly falls under HS 6703. Another frequent error is classifying finished articles like wigs, false beards, or hairpieces under 0501, when these belong to HS 6704. The crucial distinction lies in the term 'unworked' in 0501. If the hair has undergone any significant preparation beyond simple washing or scouring, or if it's part of a finished article, it should be classified under Chapter 67, which deals with 'feathers, artificial flowers; articles of human hair'.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0501 in UN Comtrade data were India ($269M, 96% of world exports), Pakistan ($6.2M) and the United States ($1.6M). World exports came to about $281M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0501 in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($26M, 54% of world imports), Austria ($8.8M) and Bangladesh (about $4.3M). World imports came to about $48M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 0501 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 05 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (05) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.