Product classification
HS code for Brush making hair: 0502.90
Animal products, badger hair and other brush making hair and waste of such bristles or hair, n.e.c. in heading no. 0502 (excluding horsehair).
Classification of brush making hair under HS 0502.90
The classification of brush making hair under HS code 0502.90 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the specific notes of Chapter 5, which covers products of animal origin not elsewhere specified or included. Heading 0502 specifically addresses pigs', hogs', or boars' bristles and hair, as well as badger hair and other hair used in the manufacture of brushes. While subheading 0502.10 is reserved for the bristles of pigs, hogs, or boars, subheading 0502.90 serves as the residual category for other animal hairs suitable for brush making. This classification applies to raw, cleaned, bleached, or dyed hair, provided it has not been further worked or bundled into finished brush heads. The essential character of the product is its biological origin and its industrial suitability for the production of brushes, excluding hair that is primarily used for textile spinning or other purposes.
- Covers
- Badger hair for shaving brushes
- Squirrel hair for fine art brushes
- Goat hair intended for cosmetic brushes
- Waste of animal bristles or hair
- Unworked animal hair for industrial brushes
- Also under 0502.90
- Mühle shaving brushes (using badger hair)
- Kent brushes (various natural hairs)
- Da Vinci artist brushes
- Omega brush company
Codes often confused with 0502.90
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 0511.99, which covers animal products not elsewhere specified. However, because 0502 specifically names brush-making hair, it takes precedence. Another common error is classifying these hairs under 5102, which covers fine or coarse animal hair intended for textile use. If the hair is prepared for use in spinning or weaving, Chapter 51 is appropriate, but if it is intended for brushes, 0502.90 is correct. Additionally, horsehair is specifically excluded from 0502 and is classified under 0511 or 0503 depending on its preparation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050290 (the code used for brush making hair), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050290 (the code used for brush making hair) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 40% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 050290, not only brush making hair.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.0M 52% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.1M 20% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.0M 18% of world exports
World total: $5.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $5.5M 40% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $1.5M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $1.4M 10% of world imports
World total: $14M 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 brush making hair
Brazil splits HS 0502.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0502.90.10Badger and other brush-making hair
- 0502.90.20Waste of badger and brush-making hair
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about brush making hair
What is the HS code for Brush making hair?
The HS code for Brush making hair is 050290 (Animal products; badger hair and other brush making hair and waste of such bristles or hair, n.e.c. in heading no. 0502 (excluding horsehair)). The primary HS code for brush making hair (other than pigs, hogs, or boars) is 0502.90.
How do I classify Brush making hair for customs?
Brush making hair is classified under HS code 050290 — Animal products; badger hair and other brush making hair and waste of such bristles or hair, n.e.c. in heading no. 0502 (excluding horsehair). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is horsehair included in this HS code?
No, horsehair is specifically excluded from heading 0502. It is typically classified under HS code 0511.99 or 0503.00, depending on the specific nature and preparation of the hair.
Which countries are the top exporters of brush making hair (HS 050290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050290 (the code used for brush making hair) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.0M, 52% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($1.1M) and Germany ($1.0M). World exports came to about $5.7M, 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 brush making hair (HS 050290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050290 (the code used for brush making hair) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($5.5M, 40% of world imports), the Netherlands ($1.5M) and Japan ($1.4M). World imports came to about $14M, 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.
Is the HS code for Brush making hair the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050290 for Brush making hair is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for brush making hair in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 050290 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for brush making hair depends on the product's details: 0502.90.10 (Badger and other brush-making hair), 0502.90.20 (Waste of badger and brush-making hair).