HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5101.11 – Wool; (not carded or combed), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), shorn
HS code 5101.11 is the 6-digit subheading for wool, (not carded or combed), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), shorn. It is used for merino greasy wool, lambswool (greasy), crossbred greasy wool, fine greasy wool and medium greasy wool.
What HS 5101.11 covers
This HS code specifically covers raw, shorn wool that is still in its "greasy" state, meaning it has not been carded or combed, and retains its natural lanolin, dirt, and vegetable matter. This includes wool that has undergone a basic fleece-washing process but is not yet fully scoured. This raw material is the initial stage in the wool processing pipeline, destined for further cleaning, spinning, and eventual use in textiles. International trade in greasy shorn wool is dominated by major sheep-farming nations exporting to countries with significant textile manufacturing industries. Importers are typically textile mills and processors in Asia and Europe, which transform the raw wool into yarns and fabrics. Exporters are primarily Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, renowned for their high-quality wool production. Key factors in trade include wool micron count, staple length, strength, and contamination levels, which dictate its suitability for various end products.
- Covers
- Merino greasy wool
- Lambswool (greasy)
- Crossbred greasy wool
- Fine greasy wool
- Medium greasy wool
- Strong greasy wool
- Fleece-washed shorn wool
- Examples
- Australian Merino wool (raw)
- New Zealand Crossbred wool (greasy)
- South African Mohair (greasy)
- Patagonia (sources raw wool)
- Smartwool (sources raw wool)
Codes often confused with 5101.11
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 510119 (other greasy wool, not shorn) if the "shorn" aspect is overlooked, or with 510121 (carded or combed wool) if the wool has undergone initial processing beyond basic washing.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 510111, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 510111 in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 72% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 83% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $1.6B 72% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $272M 12% of world exports
- 3 New Zealand $125M 5.8% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.8B 83% of world imports
- 2 Italy $119M 5.4% of world imports
- 3 India $103M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 5101.11 2
Brazil splits HS 5101.11 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 5101.11.10 Greasy shorn wool, 22.05–32.6 micronsDe finura igual ou superior 22,05 micrômetros (mícrons), mas inferior ou igual a 32,6 micrômetros (mícrons)
- 5101.11.90 Other greasy shorn woolOutra
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 51.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5101.11
What is HS code 510111?
HS code 510111 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wool; (not carded or combed), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), shorn. This HS code specifically covers raw, shorn wool that is still in its "greasy" state, meaning it has not been carded or combed, and retains its natural lanolin, dirt, and vegetable matter. This includes wool that has undergone a basic fleece-washing process but is not yet fully scoured. This raw material is the initial stage in the wool processing pipeline, destined for further cleaning, spinning, and eventual use in textiles. International trade in greasy shorn wool is dominated by major sheep-farming nations exporting to countries with significant textile manufacturing industries. Importers are typically textile mills and processors in Asia and Europe, which transform the raw wool into yarns and fabrics. Exporters are primarily Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, renowned for their high-quality wool production. Key factors in trade include wool micron count, staple length, strength, and contamination levels, which dictate its suitability for various end products.
What products fall under HS code 510111?
Merino greasy wool, Lambswool (greasy), Crossbred greasy wool, Fine greasy wool, Medium greasy wool, Strong greasy wool, Fleece-washed shorn wool
What are common misclassifications for HS code 510111?
This code can be confused with 510119 (other greasy wool, not shorn) if the "shorn" aspect is overlooked, or with 510121 (carded or combed wool) if the wool has undergone initial processing beyond basic washing.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 510111?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 510111 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($1.6B, 72% of world exports), South Africa ($272M) and New Zealand ($125M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 510111?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 510111 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 83% of world imports), Italy ($119M) and India ($103M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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.
How is HS code 510111 structured?
HS code 510111 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (51) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 510111?
Brazil splits HS code 510111 into 2 NCM codes: 5101.11.10 (Greasy shorn wool, 22.05–32.6 microns), 5101.11.90 (Other greasy shorn wool). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.