Product classification
HS code for Coarse animal hair yarn: 5110.00
Yarn, of coarse animal hair or of horsehair (including gimped horsehair yarn), whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of coarse animal hair yarn under HS 5110.00
Coarse animal hair yarn is classified under HS code 5110.00. This heading is unique because it covers yarn made of coarse animal hair or of horsehair, including gimped horsehair yarn, regardless of whether it is put up for retail sale. Chapter 51 of the Harmonized System governs wool and animal hair products. Heading 5110 is a single-level heading that does not differentiate between retail and non-retail packaging, which is a departure from the classification rules for wool or fine animal hair yarns (found in 5106 through 5109). The classification is determined by the fiber content; if the yarn consists predominantly of coarse animal hair (such as that from common goats or camels) or horsehair, it must be placed here. These yarns are typically used in industrial applications, upholstery, or for providing stiffness in garment interlinings.
- Covers
- Single yarn of coarse animal hair
- Multiple (folded) or cabled yarn of coarse animal hair
- Horsehair yarn
- Gimped horsehair yarn
- Yarn of camel hair (coarse variety)
- Yarn of common goat hair
- Also under 5110.00
- John Boyd Textiles (horsehair fabrics)
- specialized brush manufacturers
- traditional rug makers
Codes often confused with 5110.00
Common mistake. Coarse animal hair yarn is often misclassified under HS code 5108, which is reserved for yarn of fine animal hair (like mohair or cashmere). Another common error is attempting to classify it under HS code 5109, which covers wool or fine animal hair yarn put up for retail sale. Because 5110.00 is an omnibus code for coarse hair yarn, it overrides the retail sale distinction. It should also not be confused with vegetable fiber yarns like jute (5307) or sisal (5304), despite similar coarse textures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 511000 (the code used for coarse animal hair yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 511000 (the code used for coarse animal hair yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 30% 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 511000, not only coarse animal hair yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $886K 44% of world exports
- 2 Italy $547K 27% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $169K 8.3% of world exports
World total: $2.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $1.8M 30% of world imports
- 2 China $958K 16% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $928K 16% of world imports
World total: $5.9M 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 coarse animal hair yarn
Brazil classifies coarse animal hair yarn under NCM 5110.00.00: HS 5110.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about coarse animal hair yarn
What is the HS code for Coarse animal hair yarn?
The HS code for Coarse animal hair yarn is 511000 (Yarn; of coarse animal hair or of horsehair (including gimped horsehair yarn), whether or not put up for retail sale). The HS code for yarn made of coarse animal hair or horsehair is 5110.00.
How do I classify Coarse animal hair yarn for customs?
Coarse animal hair yarn is classified under HS code 511000 — Yarn; of coarse animal hair or of horsehair (including gimped horsehair yarn), whether or not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 5110.00 include yarn for retail sale?
Yes, unlike wool or fine animal hair yarns which change codes when packaged for retail, coarse animal hair yarn remains under 5110.00 regardless of its packaging.
Which countries are the top exporters of coarse animal hair yarn (HS 511000)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 511000 (the code used for coarse animal hair yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($886K, 44% of world exports), Italy ($547K) and South Africa ($169K). World exports came to about $2.0M, 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 coarse animal hair yarn (HS 511000)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 511000 (the code used for coarse animal hair yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($1.8M, 30% of world imports), China ($958K) and Belgium ($928K). World imports came to about $5.9M, 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 Coarse animal hair yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 511000 for Coarse animal hair yarn 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 coarse animal hair yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, coarse animal hair yarn (HS 511000) is classified under NCM 5110.00.00.