HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5101.21 – Wool; (not carded or combed), degreased, (not carbonised), shorn
HS code 5101.21 is the 6-digit subheading for wool, (not carded or combed), degreased, (not carbonised), shorn. It is used for raw merino wool, crossbred wool, fine shorn wool, medium shorn wool and coarse shorn wool.
What HS 5101.21 covers
This code covers raw, shorn wool that has been degreased but not carbonised. It's a primary commodity in the global textile supply chain, traded extensively by countries with large sheep populations and robust wool industries. Major exporters include Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, known for their high-quality merino and crossbred wools. Importers are typically textile manufacturing hubs in China, India, and European nations like Italy, where it's processed into yarns and fabrics. Key things to know involve the various grades and micron counts of wool, which dictate its end-use, from fine apparel to carpets. The trade often involves futures contracts and quality certifications, as the natural properties of wool (e.g., crimp, strength, color) are crucial for downstream processing. Environmental and animal welfare standards are also increasingly important considerations in this sector, influencing sourcing decisions and market access.
- Covers
- Raw merino wool
- Crossbred wool
- Fine shorn wool
- Medium shorn wool
- Coarse shorn wool
- Greasy shorn wool
- Scoured shorn wool
- Examples
- Australian Merino wool
- New Zealand Strong Wool
- South African Cape Wool
- Patagonia (for sourcing)
- Zegna (for sourcing)
Codes often confused with 5101.21
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 510129 (other degreased, non-carbonised wool) if the "shorn" characteristic is not clearly distinguished, or with 510130 if the wool has undergone carbonisation.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 510121, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 510121 in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 New Zealand $155M 51% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $35M 12% of world exports
- 3 Uruguay $23M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $306M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $80M 27% of world imports
- 2 Lithuania $32M 11% of world imports
- 3 India $30M 10% of world imports
World total: $296M 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 code for 5101.21
Brazil does not split HS 5101.21: its NCM code is 5101.21.00.
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 5101.21
What is HS code 510121?
HS code 510121 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wool; (not carded or combed), degreased, (not carbonised), shorn. This code covers raw, shorn wool that has been degreased but not carbonised. It's a primary commodity in the global textile supply chain, traded extensively by countries with large sheep populations and robust wool industries. Major exporters include Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, known for their high-quality merino and crossbred wools. Importers are typically textile manufacturing hubs in China, India, and European nations like Italy, where it's processed into yarns and fabrics. Key things to know involve the various grades and micron counts of wool, which dictate its end-use, from fine apparel to carpets. The trade often involves futures contracts and quality certifications, as the natural properties of wool (e.g., crimp, strength, color) are crucial for downstream processing. Environmental and animal welfare standards are also increasingly important considerations in this sector, influencing sourcing decisions and market access.
What products fall under HS code 510121?
Raw merino wool, Crossbred wool, Fine shorn wool, Medium shorn wool, Coarse shorn wool, Greasy shorn wool, Scoured shorn wool
What are common misclassifications for HS code 510121?
This code can be confused with 510129 (other degreased, non-carbonised wool) if the "shorn" characteristic is not clearly distinguished, or with 510130 if the wool has undergone carbonisation.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 510121?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 510121 in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($155M, 51% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($35M) and Uruguay ($23M). World exports came to about $306M, 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 510121?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 510121 in UN Comtrade data were China ($80M, 27% of world imports), Lithuania ($32M) and India ($30M). World imports came to about $296M, 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 510121 structured?
HS code 510121 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 510121?
In Brazil, HS code 510121 is NCM 5101.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.