Product classification
HS code for Carbonized wool: 5101.30
Wool, (not carded or combed), carbonised.
Classification of carbonized wool under HS 5101.30
Carbonized wool is classified under HS code 510130 because it represents wool that has undergone a specific chemical cleaning process to remove vegetable impurities. Unlike greasy wool or simply scoured wool, carbonized wool is treated with a dilute acid (usually sulfuric acid) and then heated. This process chars vegetable matter like burrs and seeds, making them brittle so they can be mechanically crushed and removed. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 51, wool remains under heading 5101 as long as it has not been carded or combed. Subheading 510130 is specifically reserved for this carbonized state. The classification is determined by the fact that carbonization is a cleaning step rather than a mechanical preparation for spinning. This wool is typically used in high-end textile manufacturing where a high degree of purity is required to prevent defects in the final fabric. The moisture content and residual grease levels are also factors that customs authorities may examine to verify the classification, though the primary determinant is the chemical removal of vegetable matter.
- Covers
- Carbonized sheep wool in bulk
- Carbonized fleece locks
- Acid-treated wool for vegetable matter removal
- Carbonized wool not carded or combed
- Also under 5101.30
- Australian carbonised wool
- European carbonised wool
- Chinese carbonised wool
- Woolmark certified carbonised wool
Codes often confused with 5101.30
Common mistake. Carbonized wool is frequently confused with scoured wool under HS code 510121 or 510129. While both are cleaned, scoured wool has only been washed to remove grease (lanolin) and dirt, whereas carbonized wool has undergone acid treatment. Another common error is classifying it under 5105.10 or 5105.29, which are for carded or combed wool. If the wool has been mechanically aligned into slivers or tops, it must be moved to heading 5105 regardless of whether it was carbonized.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510130 (the code used for carbonized wool), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510130 (the code used for carbonized wool) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 36% 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 510130, not only carbonized wool.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $35M 51% of world exports
- 2 China $29M 42% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.9M 2.7% of world exports
World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $24M 36% of world imports
- 2 Italy $13M 20% of world imports
- 3 Japan $6.9M 10% 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.
Brazil NCM code for carbonized wool
Brazil classifies carbonized wool under NCM 5101.30.00: HS 5101.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbonized wool
What is the HS code for Carbonized wool?
The HS code for Carbonized wool is 510130 (Wool; (not carded or combed), carbonised). The HS code for carbonized wool that has not been carded or combed is 510130.
How do I classify Carbonized wool for customs?
Carbonized wool is classified under HS code 510130 — Wool; (not carded or combed), carbonised. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does carbonized wool include wool tops?
No, wool tops are considered combed wool and are classified under heading 5105, specifically 510529, even if they were carbonized prior to combing.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbonized wool (HS 510130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510130 (the code used for carbonized wool) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($35M, 51% of world exports), China ($29M) and Germany ($1.9M). World exports came to about $69M, 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 carbonized wool (HS 510130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510130 (the code used for carbonized wool) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($24M, 36% of world imports), Italy ($13M) and Japan ($6.9M). 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.
Is the HS code for Carbonized wool the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510130 for Carbonized wool 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 carbonized wool in Brazil?
In Brazil, carbonized wool (HS 510130) is classified under NCM 5101.30.00.