HS Code 63.10 – Rags; used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials

HS code 6310 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Rags; used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials. Heading 6310 of the Harmonized System (HS) is a critical classification for textile waste and worn-out textile articles, primarily encompassing 'Rags; used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials'. This heading serves as a catch-all for various forms of textile waste that are no longer fit for their original purpose but retain value for recycling, reprocessing, or industrial applications. Its scope is broad, covering both new textile offcuts and scraps generated during manufacturing processes, as well as used or worn-out items like rags, ropes, and cables made from any textile material (cotton, wool, synthetic fibers, etc.). Key sub-categories often include sorted rags by material type or color, textile clippings, thread waste, and discarded marine or industrial ropes. The classification explicitly excludes new textile fabrics (which fall under Chapters 50-60) and worn clothing that is still recognizable as clothing and suitable for further use, even if worn (which typically falls under 6309). This distinction is vital for trade compliance, as the duties, import restrictions, and environmental regulations for waste materials differ significantly from those for new goods or usable second-hand clothing. Proper classification under 6310 is essential for countries aiming to manage textile waste streams, promote circular economy initiatives, and ensure accurate valuation for customs purposes. Historically, rags have been a valuable commodity for paper making and industrial wiping, a role that continues today alongside their use in fiber recycling for new textile products or insulation materials. This heading sits within Chapter 63, which covers 'Other made up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags', positioning it as the final destination for textile articles at the end of their lifecycle.

Cotton wiping rags, mixed textile rags for recycling, denim fabric scraps, polyester thread waste, used jute ropes, worn out nylon fishing nets, textile factory floor sweepings, shredded cotton fabric, industrial wiping cloths, wool yarn waste, synthetic fiber offcuts, discarded sisal twine, worn out polypropylene cables, old textile packaging materials, cut pieces of non-woven fabric, used textile felts, worn canvas tarpaulins, medical textile waste (non-hazardous), upholstery fabric remnants, recycled textile fibers for stuffing, pre-consumer textile waste, post-consumer textile waste (shredded), textile waste for shoddy production, used abaca cordage, worn out mooring lines.

Common misclassifications under 6310 often occur when traders confuse 'rags' with 'worn clothing' (6309) or 'new textile fabrics' (Chapters 50-60). Worn clothing that is still wearable, even if damaged, should be classified under 6309. New textile offcuts that are large enough to be cut into useful articles might be considered new fabrics, depending on the specific size and utility. Another mistake is classifying textile waste containing hazardous materials or municipal solid waste, which would fall under different waste management codes (e.g., Chapter 38 for chemical waste or specific environmental codes). The key distinction for 6310 is that the textile articles are no longer fit for their original purpose and are primarily intended for recycling, reprocessing, or use as wiping material.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 6310 in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $117M, 21% of world exports), Pakistan ($57M) and the United States ($47M). World exports came to about $561M, 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 6310 in UN Comtrade data were India ($269M, 34% of world imports), the United States ($108M) and the Dominican Republic ($57M). World imports came to about $796M, 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 6310 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 63 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (63) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.