HS Code for Carded cashmere

Carded cashmere is classified under HS code 5105.31. This specific subheading is reserved for the fine hair of the Kashmir (cashmere) goat that has undergone mechanical preparation. Carding is a crucial step in the textile manufacturing process where the fibers are opened, cleaned, and aligned to form a continuous web or sliver. This process removes residual vegetable matter and short fibers, ensuring the material is suitable for spinning into high-quality yarn. The classification is strictly governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, which prioritize the specific nomenclature of the subheading. Because cashmere is a high-value luxury fiber, the distinction between raw hair and processed fiber is essential for customs valuation and trade statistics. The carding process transforms the raw, tangled mass into a uniform state, which is the primary criteria for moving the product from heading 5102 (raw) to 5105 (processed).

Products Included

• Carded cashmere fiber
• Combed cashmere tops
• Dehaired cashmere slivers
• Prepared cashmere for spinning
• Cashmere laps

Common Misclassification

This product is frequently confused with HS code 5102.11, which covers raw or washed cashmere that has not yet been carded or combed. Another common error is using HS code 5105.39, which is a residual category for other fine animal hairs like alpaca or camel. Importers must ensure the fiber is specifically from the Kashmir goat to use 5105.31. Additionally, if the cashmere has already been spun into thread, it must be classified under heading 5108 rather than 5105.

FAQ

What is the HS code for carded cashmere?

The specific HS code for carded or combed cashmere is 5105.31.

What is the difference between carded and combed cashmere?

Carding is the initial process of untangling fibers into a web, while combing is a subsequent, more refined process that removes shorter fibers (noils) and aligns the long fibers perfectly parallel for high-end worsted spinning.