HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5105.21 – Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments
HS code 5105.21 is the 6-digit subheading for wool, wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments. It is used for combed wool fragments, wool top waste, short-staple combed wool pieces, merino wool top fragments and crossbred wool top fragments.
What HS 5105.21 covers
This HS code specifically targets wool tops and other combed wool that are presented in fragments. Combing is a more intensive process than carding, aligning fibers parallel and removing short fibers (noils), resulting in a smoother, stronger yarn. "In fragments" implies smaller, broken pieces of these combed wool preparations, which might be by-products or intended for specific applications where continuous slivers are not required. These fragments are traded internationally as raw materials for specialized textile applications, often blended with other fibers or used in non-woven textiles. Importers are typically textile mills looking for specific fiber characteristics or cost-effective inputs, while exporters are wool processors in major wool-producing or processing countries. The trade volume for fragments is generally smaller than for continuous tops, but it represents a niche market for specific manufacturing needs.
- Covers
- Combed wool fragments
- Wool top waste
- Short-staple combed wool pieces
- Merino wool top fragments
- Crossbred wool top fragments
- Alpaca combed wool fragments
- Examples
- Australian Merino Wool Top Fragments
- New Zealand Crossbred Wool Top Waste
- Italian Combed Wool By-products
- Chinese Wool Top Remnants
Codes often confused with 5105.21
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 510529 (combed wool, other than in fragments) because the "in fragments" aspect is crucial for classification, indicating a different physical form and potentially different end-uses. It could also be confused with 510510 (carded wool) if the distinction between carded and combed processing is not clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 510521, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 510521 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 24% 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 China $7.2M 46% of world exports
- 2 Italy $2.2M 14% of world exports
- 3 Poland $1.9M 12% of world exports
World total: $16M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $4.5M 24% of world imports
- 2 Italy $3.8M 21% of world imports
- 3 Lithuania $1.7M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $19M 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 5105.21
Brazil does not split HS 5105.21: its NCM code is 5105.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 51.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5105.21
What is HS code 510521?
HS code 510521 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments. This HS code specifically targets wool tops and other combed wool that are presented in fragments. Combing is a more intensive process than carding, aligning fibers parallel and removing short fibers (noils), resulting in a smoother, stronger yarn. "In fragments" implies smaller, broken pieces of these combed wool preparations, which might be by-products or intended for specific applications where continuous slivers are not required. These fragments are traded internationally as raw materials for specialized textile applications, often blended with other fibers or used in non-woven textiles. Importers are typically textile mills looking for specific fiber characteristics or cost-effective inputs, while exporters are wool processors in major wool-producing or processing countries. The trade volume for fragments is generally smaller than for continuous tops, but it represents a niche market for specific manufacturing needs.
What products fall under HS code 510521?
Combed wool fragments, Wool top waste, Short-staple combed wool pieces, Merino wool top fragments, Crossbred wool top fragments, Alpaca combed wool fragments
What are common misclassifications for HS code 510521?
This code is distinct from 510529 (combed wool, other than in fragments) because the "in fragments" aspect is crucial for classification, indicating a different physical form and potentially different end-uses. It could also be confused with 510510 (carded wool) if the distinction between carded and combed processing is not clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 510521?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 510521 in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.2M, 46% of world exports), Italy ($2.2M) and Poland ($1.9M). World exports came to about $16M, 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 510521?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 510521 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($4.5M, 24% of world imports), Italy ($3.8M) and Lithuania ($1.7M). World imports came to about $19M, 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 510521 structured?
HS code 510521 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (51) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) 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 510521?
In Brazil, HS code 510521 is NCM 5105.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.