HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 5301.29 – Flax; hackled or otherwise processed, but not spun
HS code 5301.29 is the 6-digit subheading for flax, hackled or otherwise processed, but not spun. It is used for hackled flax line, flax sliver, combed flax, refined flax fibers and long-staple flax.
What HS 5301.29 covers
This HS code covers flax that has undergone more advanced processing, specifically hackling or similar refining methods, but is still not spun. Hackling is a combing process that separates the long, fine 'line' fibers from the shorter, coarser 'tow' fibers, and aligns them in parallel. This results in a high-quality, uniform fiber ideal for spinning into fine linen yarns. Importers are typically high-end textile mills specializing in linen fabrics, while exporters are countries with sophisticated flax processing capabilities. The quality of hackled flax is paramount, as it dictates the fineness and strength of the resulting yarn. This stage represents a significant value-add in the flax supply chain, preparing the fiber for premium textile applications.
- Covers
- Hackled flax line
- Flax sliver
- Combed flax
- Refined flax fibers
- Long-staple flax
- Prepared flax for spinning
- Examples
- High-grade hackled flax for luxury linen
- flax sliver for spinning mills
- flax for fine apparel fabrics
- premium flax fiber for composites
Codes often confused with 5301.29
Common mistake. Can be mistaken for 530121 (broken or scutched flax) if the degree of processing isn't clearly defined, or even 530610 (flax yarn) if it's very finely prepared and bundled for spinning.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 530129, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 530129 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 35% 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 France $186M 39% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $132M 28% of world exports
- 3 Egypt $54M 11% of world exports
World total: $472M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $95M 35% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $39M 14% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $21M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $269M 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 codes for 5301.29 2
Brazil splits HS 5301.29 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
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 5301.29
What is HS code 530129?
HS code 530129 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Flax; hackled or otherwise processed, but not spun. This HS code covers flax that has undergone more advanced processing, specifically hackling or similar refining methods, but is still not spun. Hackling is a combing process that separates the long, fine 'line' fibers from the shorter, coarser 'tow' fibers, and aligns them in parallel. This results in a high-quality, uniform fiber ideal for spinning into fine linen yarns. Importers are typically high-end textile mills specializing in linen fabrics, while exporters are countries with sophisticated flax processing capabilities. The quality of hackled flax is paramount, as it dictates the fineness and strength of the resulting yarn. This stage represents a significant value-add in the flax supply chain, preparing the fiber for premium textile applications.
What products fall under HS code 530129?
Hackled flax line, flax sliver, combed flax, refined flax fibers, long-staple flax, prepared flax for spinning
What are common misclassifications for HS code 530129?
Can be mistaken for 530121 (broken or scutched flax) if the degree of processing isn't clearly defined, or even 530610 (flax yarn) if it's very finely prepared and bundled for spinning.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 530129?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 530129 in UN Comtrade data were France ($186M, 39% of world exports), Belgium ($132M) and Egypt ($54M). World exports came to about $472M, 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 530129?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 530129 in UN Comtrade data were India ($95M, 35% of world imports), Belgium ($39M) and Türkiye ($21M). World imports came to about $269M, 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 530129 structured?
HS code 530129 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 (29) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 530129?
Brazil splits HS code 530129 into 2 NCM codes: 5301.29.10 (Hackled flax, not spun), 5301.29.90 (Otherwise processed flax, not spun). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.