HS Code 51.07 – Yarn of combed wool, not put up for retail sale

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.

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).

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.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5107 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($211M, 18% of world exports), China ($197M) and Germany ($112M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5107 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($235M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($123M) and the United Kingdom ($65M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.

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.