HS Code Heading

Woven fabrics of coarse animal hair or of horsehair

51.13 Heading
Section XI — Textiles and textile articles

About HS Code 5113

Heading 5113 of the Harmonized System specifically covers 'Woven fabrics of coarse animal hair or of horsehair.' This classification is essential for distinguishing fabrics made from these specialized, often durable and stiff, fibers from more common wool or fine animal hair fabrics. Coarse animal hair typically includes fibers from animals such as common goats (not cashmere or mohair), camels, yaks, llamas, and alpacas when their hair is not considered 'fine.' Horsehair, known for its unique stiffness, resilience, and natural sheen, is a key component under this heading. These fabrics possess distinct textural and functional properties, often characterized by their strength, durability, and sometimes a coarse hand-feel. They are typically used in specialized applications where these characteristics are advantageous, such as upholstery, interlinings, stiffening materials, or traditional artisan products. This classification is vital for accurate customs duties, trade statistics, and compliance with specific regulations related to these unique animal fibers. Historically, such fabrics have served niche markets, reflecting their specialized uses and the unique properties derived from their fiber source. This heading is part of Chapter 51, which encompasses 'Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric,' thus precisely situating these specialized fabrics within the broader textile framework.

Products Under This Code

Woven fabric of coarse goat hair, Horsehair upholstery fabric, Yak hair woven fabric for durable goods, Llama coarse hair woven fabric, Camel coarse hair woven fabric for industrial use, Horsehair fabric for interlinings, Coarse angora rabbit hair woven fabric, Horsehair fabric for stiffening garments, Blended coarse animal hair and horsehair woven fabric, Woven fabric of coarse animal hair for carpet manufacturing, Horsehair fabric for furniture frames, Coarse goat hair fabric for traditional rugs, Horsehair fabric for decorative screens, Woven fabric of coarse animal hair for military applications, Horsehair fabric for hat construction, Coarse alpaca hair woven fabric for specialized outerwear, Blended coarse animal hair fabric for robust bags, Horsehair fabric for violin bow grips, Coarse animal hair fabric for sound insulation, Horsehair fabric for art installations, Woven fabric of coarse animal hair for automotive interiors, Horsehair fabric for traditional horse tack, Coarse animal hair fabric for durable workwear, Horsehair fabric for shoe stiffeners, Coarse camel hair fabric for heavy-duty tents

Real World Examples

An upholstery company in the United Kingdom imports rolls of durable horsehair fabric from China for use in high-end furniture and antique restoration, often via sea freight through the Suez Canal. Separately, a manufacturer of traditional Japanese tatami mats in Japan sources coarse yak hair woven fabric from Mongolia to create resilient and natural floor coverings, utilizing sea routes across the East China Sea. A specialized apparel brand in Canada imports woven fabric of coarse alpaca hair from Peru for heavy-duty, weather-resistant outerwear, typically transported by air cargo for faster delivery. Furthermore, an interior design firm in Germany procures woven fabrics of coarse goat hair from Turkey for unique wall coverings and decorative panels, often utilizing road and rail transport within Europe.

Common Misclassification

Common misclassifications for HS 5113 involve confusing these fabrics with woven fabrics of fine animal hair (e.g., cashmere, mohair, under 5111 or 5112) or even wool fabrics (5111 or 5112). The key is the 'coarse' nature of the animal hair, which requires careful fiber analysis. Another mistake is classifying fabrics made from synthetic coarse fibers (e.g., polypropylene, nylon, under Chapter 55) or vegetable fibers (e.g., jute, sisal, under Chapter 53) under this heading, due to similar texture or intended use. Furthermore, non-woven materials or felts (Chapter 59) made from coarse animal hair are sometimes incorrectly classified here, overlooking the 'woven' requirement. Accurate classification hinges on precise identification of the fiber type and the fabric's construction method.

Subheadings 1

Industry

This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.

Trade Overview

Major exporters of woven fabrics of coarse animal hair or horsehair often include countries with specific animal husbandry traditions or established textile industries capable of processing these unique fibers. China is a significant producer, as are countries like Mongolia (yak, camel hair), Peru (alpaca, llama), and Turkey (goat hair). Key importers are typically countries with specialized manufacturing sectors for high-end furniture, traditional crafts, durable textiles, and automotive interiors, such as the United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Trade policies, including specific tariffs and non-tariff barriers, can impact the competitiveness of these niche products. For instance, preferential trade agreements might offer duty reductions for these specialized fabrics from certain partner countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 5113?

HS code 5113 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Woven fabrics of coarse animal hair or of horsehair. Heading 5113 of the Harmonized System specifically covers 'Woven fabrics of coarse animal hair or of horsehair.' This classification is essential for distinguishing fabrics made from these specialized, often durable and stiff, fibers from more common wool or fine animal hair fabrics. Coarse animal hair typically includes fibers from animals such as common goats (not cashmere or mohair), camels, yaks, llamas, and alpacas when their hair is not considered 'fine.' Horsehair, known for its unique stiffness, resilience, and natural sheen, is a key component under this heading. These fabrics possess distinct textural and functional properties, often characterized by their strength, durability, and sometimes a coarse hand-feel. They are typically used in specialized applications where these characteristics are advantageous, such as upholstery, interlinings, stiffening materials, or traditional artisan products. This classification is vital for accurate customs duties, trade statistics, and compliance with specific regulations related to these unique animal fibers. Historically, such fabrics have served niche markets, reflecting their specialized uses and the unique properties derived from their fiber source. This heading is part of Chapter 51, which encompasses 'Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric,' thus precisely situating these specialized fabrics within the broader textile framework.

What products fall under HS code 5113?

Woven fabric of coarse goat hair, Horsehair upholstery fabric, Yak hair woven fabric for durable goods, Llama coarse hair woven fabric, Camel coarse hair woven fabric for industrial use, Horsehair fabric for interlinings, Coarse angora rabbit hair woven fabric, Horsehair fabric for stiffening garments, Blended coarse animal hair and horsehair woven fabric, Woven fabric of coarse animal hair for carpet manufacturing, Horsehair fabric for furniture frames, Coarse goat hair fabric for traditional rugs, Horsehair fabric for decorative screens, Woven fabric of coarse animal hair for military applications, Horsehair fabric for hat construction, Coarse alpaca hair woven fabric for specialized outerwear, Blended coarse animal hair fabric for robust bags, Horsehair fabric for violin bow grips, Coarse animal hair fabric for sound insulation, Horsehair fabric for art installations, Woven fabric of coarse animal hair for automotive interiors, Horsehair fabric for traditional horse tack, Coarse animal hair fabric for durable workwear, Horsehair fabric for shoe stiffeners, Coarse camel hair fabric for heavy-duty tents

What are common misclassifications for HS code 5113?

Common misclassifications for HS 5113 involve confusing these fabrics with woven fabrics of fine animal hair (e.g., cashmere, mohair, under 5111 or 5112) or even wool fabrics (5111 or 5112). The key is the 'coarse' nature of the animal hair, which requires careful fiber analysis. Another mistake is classifying fabrics made from synthetic coarse fibers (e.g., polypropylene, nylon, under Chapter 55) or vegetable fibers (e.g., jute, sisal, under Chapter 53) under this heading, due to similar texture or intended use. Furthermore, non-woven materials or felts (Chapter 59) made from coarse animal hair are sometimes incorrectly classified here, overlooking the 'woven' requirement. Accurate classification hinges on precise identification of the fiber type and the fabric's construction method.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 5113?

Major exporters of woven fabrics of coarse animal hair or horsehair often include countries with specific animal husbandry traditions or established textile industries capable of processing these unique fibers. China is a significant producer, as are countries like Mongolia (yak, camel hair), Peru (alpaca, llama), and Turkey (goat hair). Key importers are typically countries with specialized manufacturing sectors for high-end furniture, traditional crafts, durable textiles, and automotive interiors, such as the United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Trade policies, including specific tariffs and non-tariff barriers, can impact the competitiveness of these niche products. For instance, preferential trade agreements might offer duty reductions for these specialized fabrics from certain partner countries.

How is HS code 5113 structured?

HS code 5113 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 51 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (51) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.