About HS Code 5107
Heading 5107 is designated for yarn made from combed wool, specifically when it is not put up for retail sale. This classification signifies a higher quality, more refined yarn compared to its carded counterpart (5106). Combing is a process that removes shorter fibers and aligns the remaining longer fibers parallel, resulting in a smoother, stronger, and more lustrous yarn known as worsted yarn. This type of yarn is highly prized for fine worsted fabrics, high-end apparel, luxury knitwear, and durable suiting materials. The 'not put up for retail sale' clause is paramount, indicating that the yarn is intended for industrial use, typically supplied in bulk on cones, large bobbins, or in substantial hanks to textile manufacturers. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying yarn under 5107 is crucial for determining correct duties, ensuring eligibility for trade preferences, and adhering to import/export regulations, particularly concerning fiber content and origin. This heading represents a key intermediate product in the premium textile value chain, transitioning highly processed wool fibers (from 5105) into a refined form ready for advanced weaving or knitting, thereby forming a core part of Chapter 51's scope.
Products Under This Code
Combed merino wool yarn on cones, industrial worsted wool yarn, fine gauge knitting yarn (combed wool), suiting fabric yarn (combed wool), luxury apparel yarn (combed wool, industrial), cashmere-blend worsted yarn (wool predominates), fine lamb's wool yarn (combed, industrial), superwash combed wool yarn (bulk), dyed combed wool yarn for weaving mills, undyed combed wool yarn for high-end textiles, high-twist combed wool yarn for gabardine, crepe combed wool yarn, tropical wool yarn (combed), combed wool yarn for hosiery, blend of combed wool and silk (wool predominates), fine worsted yarn for scarves, combed wool yarn for technical wear, mercerized combed wool yarn, ultra-fine combed wool yarn, brushed combed wool yarn (industrial), compact spun combed wool yarn, zero-twist combed wool yarn, combed wool yarn for shirting fabrics, wool-polyester worsted yarn (wool predominates).
Real World Examples
An Italian luxury fashion brand imports vast quantities of super-fine combed merino wool yarn from Australia for weaving into premium suiting fabrics, with shipments typically routed through the Suez Canal. A high-end knitwear producer in Germany sources combed cashmere-wool blend yarn (wool predominating) from China for sophisticated sweaters and cardigans, often utilizing a combination of sea and rail freight. A Japanese textile manufacturer imports high-twist combed wool yarn from the UK for producing durable and elegant gabardine fabrics for raincoats, with goods shipped via major sea lanes. An American company imports fine combed wool yarn from Uruguay for specialty worsted knitwear, often by sea freight to East Coast ports.
Common Misclassification
The primary misclassification for 5107 is with **5106 (Yarn of carded wool, not put up for retail sale)**. The distinction is the *combed* versus *carded* wool origin, with combed yarns being smoother, more uniform, and superior in quality due to the removal of short fibers. Another common error is classifying it under **5109 (Yarn of wool or of fine animal hair, put up for retail sale)**; 5107 is strictly for industrial use and not packaged for individual consumers. Furthermore, it's sometimes confused with **5105 (Carded or combed wool)**, which refers to the unspun fiber, not the twisted yarn.
Subheadings 2
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Leading exporters of combed wool yarn include Australia and New Zealand (for fine wool), the UK, Italy, and China (for processing and export). Major importers are countries with advanced textile industries such as Italy, Japan, Germany, and the USA, which demand high-quality yarns for luxury goods. Trade agreements often provide favorable tariff rates for these premium yarns, especially from major wool-producing nations to key manufacturing hubs, facilitating global supply chains for high-value textiles. Labeling requirements for fiber content are strictly enforced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 5107?
HS code 5107 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yarn of combed wool, not put up for retail sale. Heading 5107 is designated for yarn made from combed wool, specifically when it is not put up for retail sale. This classification signifies a higher quality, more refined yarn compared to its carded counterpart (5106). Combing is a process that removes shorter fibers and aligns the remaining longer fibers parallel, resulting in a smoother, stronger, and more lustrous yarn known as worsted yarn. This type of yarn is highly prized for fine worsted fabrics, high-end apparel, luxury knitwear, and durable suiting materials. The 'not put up for retail sale' clause is paramount, indicating that the yarn is intended for industrial use, typically supplied in bulk on cones, large bobbins, or in substantial hanks to textile manufacturers. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying yarn under 5107 is crucial for determining correct duties, ensuring eligibility for trade preferences, and adhering to import/export regulations, particularly concerning fiber content and origin. This heading represents a key intermediate product in the premium textile value chain, transitioning highly processed wool fibers (from 5105) into a refined form ready for advanced weaving or knitting, thereby forming a core part of Chapter 51's scope.
What products fall under HS code 5107?
Combed merino wool yarn on cones, industrial worsted wool yarn, fine gauge knitting yarn (combed wool), suiting fabric yarn (combed wool), luxury apparel yarn (combed wool, industrial), cashmere-blend worsted yarn (wool predominates), fine lamb's wool yarn (combed, industrial), superwash combed wool yarn (bulk), dyed combed wool yarn for weaving mills, undyed combed wool yarn for high-end textiles, high-twist combed wool yarn for gabardine, crepe combed wool yarn, tropical wool yarn (combed), combed wool yarn for hosiery, blend of combed wool and silk (wool predominates), fine worsted yarn for scarves, combed wool yarn for technical wear, mercerized combed wool yarn, ultra-fine combed wool yarn, brushed combed wool yarn (industrial), compact spun combed wool yarn, zero-twist combed wool yarn, combed wool yarn for shirting fabrics, wool-polyester worsted yarn (wool predominates).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5107?
The primary misclassification for 5107 is with **5106 (Yarn of carded wool, not put up for retail sale)**. The distinction is the *combed* versus *carded* wool origin, with combed yarns being smoother, more uniform, and superior in quality due to the removal of short fibers. Another common error is classifying it under **5109 (Yarn of wool or of fine animal hair, put up for retail sale)**; 5107 is strictly for industrial use and not packaged for individual consumers. Furthermore, it's sometimes confused with **5105 (Carded or combed wool)**, which refers to the unspun fiber, not the twisted yarn.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 5107?
Leading exporters of combed wool yarn include Australia and New Zealand (for fine wool), the UK, Italy, and China (for processing and export). Major importers are countries with advanced textile industries such as Italy, Japan, Germany, and the USA, which demand high-quality yarns for luxury goods. Trade agreements often provide favorable tariff rates for these premium yarns, especially from major wool-producing nations to key manufacturing hubs, facilitating global supply chains for high-value textiles. Labeling requirements for fiber content are strictly enforced.
How is HS code 5107 structured?
HS code 5107 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 51 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (51) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.