HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5301.10 – Flax; raw or retted, but not spun
HS code 5301.10 is the 6-digit subheading for flax, raw or retted, but not spun. It is used for raw flax stalks, retted flax bundles, flax straw, unprocessed flax fiber and field-retted flax.
What HS 5301.10 covers
This HS code covers flax in its most primary forms: raw, straight from the field, or after retting. Retting is a crucial natural process where moisture and microbes break down the pectin binding the fibers to the woody stalk, making the fibers easier to extract. This stage represents the very beginning of the flax processing chain. Major importers are typically textile mills or specialized fiber processors in countries with established linen industries, while exporters are often agricultural nations where flax is cultivated. Key things to know include the retting method (dew retting, water retting) which impacts fiber quality, and the importance of moisture content for storage and transport. This raw material is the foundation for all subsequent flax products, from fine linen to industrial composites.
- Covers
- Raw flax stalks
- Retted flax bundles
- Flax straw
- Unprocessed flax fiber
- Field-retted flax
- Water-retted flax
- Examples
- Linum usitatissimum (botanical name)
- French dew-retted flax
- Belgian water-retted flax
- Canadian flax straw
Codes often confused with 5301.10
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 530121 (broken or scutched flax) if some initial mechanical separation has occurred, or 530129 (hackled flax) if the fibers are more refined. The key is the minimal processing beyond retting.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 530110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 530110 in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 69% 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 Egypt $43M 80% of world exports
- 2 France $4.2M 7.9% of world exports
- 3 India $2.1M 3.9% of world exports
World total: $53M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $26M 69% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $2.9M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Italy $2.1M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $38M 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 5301.10
Brazil does not split HS 5301.10: its NCM code is 5301.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 53.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 5301.10
What is HS code 530110?
HS code 530110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Flax; raw or retted, but not spun. This HS code covers flax in its most primary forms: raw, straight from the field, or after retting. Retting is a crucial natural process where moisture and microbes break down the pectin binding the fibers to the woody stalk, making the fibers easier to extract. This stage represents the very beginning of the flax processing chain. Major importers are typically textile mills or specialized fiber processors in countries with established linen industries, while exporters are often agricultural nations where flax is cultivated. Key things to know include the retting method (dew retting, water retting) which impacts fiber quality, and the importance of moisture content for storage and transport. This raw material is the foundation for all subsequent flax products, from fine linen to industrial composites.
What products fall under HS code 530110?
Raw flax stalks, retted flax bundles, flax straw, unprocessed flax fiber, field-retted flax, water-retted flax
What are common misclassifications for HS code 530110?
This code is often confused with 530121 (broken or scutched flax) if some initial mechanical separation has occurred, or 530129 (hackled flax) if the fibers are more refined. The key is the minimal processing beyond retting.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 530110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 530110 in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($43M, 80% of world exports), France ($4.2M) and India ($2.1M). World exports came to about $53M, 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 530110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 530110 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($26M, 69% of world imports), Egypt ($2.9M) and Italy ($2.1M). World imports came to about $38M, 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 530110 structured?
HS code 530110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (53) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 530110?
In Brazil, HS code 530110 is NCM 5301.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.