HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 53.02 – True hemp (cannabis sativa L.), raw or processed but not spun; tow and waste of true hemp (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)
What HS 53.02 covers
Heading 5302 specifically classifies "True hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), raw or processed but not spun; tow and waste of true hemp (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)." This heading is critical for distinguishing industrial hemp fibre from other vegetable fibres and, crucially, from controlled substances derived from cannabis. The term "True hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)" refers to varieties of the cannabis plant cultivated for industrial purposes, typically having very low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. The scope covers the fibre in its raw state (e.g., retted, decorticated) or processed but not yet spun into yarn, including hackled or scutched forms. It also includes hemp tow, which consists of shorter, coarser fibres, and various forms of waste like yarn waste or garnetted stock. Accurate classification under this heading is paramount for trade compliance due to the sensitive nature of the plant's origin. Customs authorities worldwide often require strict documentation and testing to verify the low THC content, ensuring it is indeed industrial hemp and not a controlled narcotic. This ensures that the legitimate trade in hemp fibre for textiles, paper, construction materials, and composites can proceed while preventing illicit trafficking. Historically, hemp has been a versatile fibre, and its resurgence in sustainable industries makes this precise classification more relevant than ever.
- Covers
- Raw hemp fibre
- Decorticated hemp fibre
- Retted hemp fibre
- Scutched hemp fibre
- Hackled hemp fibre
- Hemp sliver
- Hemp roving
- Industrial hemp fibre
- Unspun hemp fibre
- Hemp tow
- Short hemp fibres
- Hemp noils
- Hemp waste
- Yarn waste of hemp
- Garnetted stock of hemp
- Bleached hemp fibre
- Unbleached hemp fibre
- Mechanically processed hemp fibre
- Chemically processed hemp fibre (not spun)
- Combed hemp fibres
- Carded hemp fibres
- Hemp for paper pulp
- Hemp for biocomposites
- Hemp for insulation materials.
- Examples
Decorticated industrial hemp fibre from China is frequently shipped to Germany, where it is used in the automotive industry for lightweight composites and interior panels, typically via intermodal freight combining sea and rail. Similarly, Canadian industrial hemp tow, known for its quality, is exported to manufacturers in the United States for use in construction materials like insulation and fibreboards, often transported by truck across the border. Another trade route sees raw hemp fibre from Eastern European countries like Romania being sent to textile mills in Turkey for processing into eco-friendly fabrics, usually by road or short-sea shipping across the Black Sea. Furthermore, specialized hemp fibres from France find their way to Japan for high-end paper products.
Subheadings under 53.02 2
Codes often confused with 53.02
Common mistake. The most critical misclassification risk for products under 5302 is confusing industrial hemp fibre with cannabis products containing higher THC levels, which are controlled substances and fall under completely different chapters (e.g., Chapter 30 for medicinal cannabis, Chapter 24 for cannabis-derived tobacco products, or Chapter 12 for seeds/plants with high THC). Traders must provide clear documentation of THC content to avoid severe penalties. Another common error is misclassifying hemp fibre as other bast fibres like flax (5301) or jute (5303), or even ramie (5305). While physically similar, their botanical origins are distinct, and HS classification requires this specificity. Also, spun hemp products (yarns) should be classified under 5308, not 5302. Strict adherence to the 'raw or processed but not spun' condition is essential.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 5302, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 5302 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% 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 Netherlands $49M 29% of world exports
- 2 France $34M 20% of world exports
- 3 Portugal $23M 14% of world exports
World total: $169M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $15M 23% of world imports
- 2 China $7.7M 12% of world imports
- 3 France $5.9M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $67M 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.
Questions about HS 53.02
What is HS code 5302?
HS code 5302 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: True hemp (cannabis sativa L.), raw or processed but not spun; tow and waste of true hemp (including yarn waste and garnetted stock). Heading 5302 specifically classifies "True hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), raw or processed but not spun; tow and waste of true hemp (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)." This heading is critical for distinguishing industrial hemp fibre from other vegetable fibres and, crucially, from controlled substances derived from cannabis. The term "True hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)" refers to varieties of the cannabis plant cultivated for industrial purposes, typically having very low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. The scope covers the fibre in its raw state (e.g., retted, decorticated) or processed but not yet spun into yarn, including hackled or scutched forms. It also includes hemp tow, which consists of shorter, coarser fibres, and various forms of waste like yarn waste or garnetted stock. Accurate classification under this heading is paramount for trade compliance due to the sensitive nature of the plant's origin. Customs authorities worldwide often require strict documentation and testing to verify the low THC content, ensuring it is indeed industrial hemp and not a controlled narcotic. This ensures that the legitimate trade in hemp fibre for textiles, paper, construction materials, and composites can proceed while preventing illicit trafficking. Historically, hemp has been a versatile fibre, and its resurgence in sustainable industries makes this precise classification more relevant than ever.
What products fall under HS code 5302?
Raw hemp fibre, decorticated hemp fibre, retted hemp fibre, scutched hemp fibre, hackled hemp fibre, hemp sliver, hemp roving, industrial hemp fibre, unspun hemp fibre, hemp tow, short hemp fibres, hemp noils, hemp waste, yarn waste of hemp, garnetted stock of hemp, bleached hemp fibre, unbleached hemp fibre, mechanically processed hemp fibre, chemically processed hemp fibre (not spun), combed hemp fibres, carded hemp fibres, hemp for paper pulp, hemp for biocomposites, hemp for insulation materials.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5302?
The most critical misclassification risk for products under 5302 is confusing industrial hemp fibre with cannabis products containing higher THC levels, which are controlled substances and fall under completely different chapters (e.g., Chapter 30 for medicinal cannabis, Chapter 24 for cannabis-derived tobacco products, or Chapter 12 for seeds/plants with high THC). Traders must provide clear documentation of THC content to avoid severe penalties. Another common error is misclassifying hemp fibre as other bast fibres like flax (5301) or jute (5303), or even ramie (5305). While physically similar, their botanical origins are distinct, and HS classification requires this specificity. Also, spun hemp products (yarns) should be classified under 5308, not 5302. Strict adherence to the 'raw or processed but not spun' condition is essential.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 5302?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5302 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($49M, 29% of world exports), France ($34M) and Portugal ($23M). World exports came to about $169M, 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 5302?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5302 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($15M, 23% of world imports), China ($7.7M) and France ($5.9M). World imports came to about $67M, 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 5302 structured?
HS code 5302 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 53 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (53) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.