Product classification
HS code for Combed cashmere yarn (bulk): 5108.20
Yarn, of fine animal hair, combed, not put up for retail sale.
Classification of combed cashmere yarn (bulk) under HS 5108.20
Cashmere yarn that has been combed and is intended for industrial use is classified under HS code 5108.20. This heading covers yarn made of fine animal hair that is not put up for retail sale. The "not put up for retail sale" designation generally refers to yarn wound on large cones, bobbins, or other supports intended for use in industrial knitting or weaving machines, rather than small balls or skeins intended for individual consumers. Subheading 5108.20 specifically identifies yarn made from combed fibers, which produces a smoother, stronger, and more consistent thread compared to carded yarn. Because the yarn is made from the fine hair of the cashmere goat, it is distinguished from sheep's wool, which would be classified under headings 5106 or 5107. The classification depends on both the fiber origin and the specific mechanical processing the fiber underwent before spinning. This code is essential for textile manufacturers who import bulk yarn for the production of luxury garments, as it distinguishes the high-value cashmere content and the combed quality from lesser animal hairs or carded varieties.
- Covers
- Bulk combed cashmere yarn
- Industrial cashmere yarn on cones
- Combed fine animal hair yarn (bulk)
- Cashmere yarn for weaving or machine knitting
- Also under 5108.20
- Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia (combed yarns)
- Biella Yarn (luxury combed yarns)
- Johnstons of Elgin (cashmere yarns)
Codes often confused with 5108.20
Common mistake. This product is often misclassified under HS code 5109.90, which covers yarn of wool or fine animal hair put up for retail sale. It is also frequently confused with HS code 5108.10, which is for carded (rather than combed) fine animal hair yarn. Another error is using 5107.10, which is for combed wool yarn, not cashmere.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510820 (the code used for combed cashmere yarn (bulk)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510820 (the code used for combed cashmere yarn (bulk)) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% 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 510820, not only combed cashmere yarn (bulk).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $52M 35% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $21M 14% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$20M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $149M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $16M 11% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $14M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 United States $13M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $138M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 combed cashmere yarn (bulk)
Brazil classifies combed cashmere yarn (bulk) under NCM 5108.20.00: HS 5108.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about combed cashmere yarn (bulk)
What is the HS code for Combed cashmere yarn (bulk)?
The HS code for Combed cashmere yarn (bulk) is 510820 (Yarn; of fine animal hair, combed, not put up for retail sale).
How do I classify Combed cashmere yarn (bulk) for customs?
Combed cashmere yarn (bulk) is classified under HS code 510820 — Yarn; of fine animal hair, combed, not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for bulk combed cashmere yarn?
The HS code for combed cashmere yarn not put up for retail sale is 5108.20.
What does "not put up for retail sale" mean?
In the context of HS codes, this usually means the yarn is on large industrial packages (like cones) exceeding certain weight limits (typically 125g or 500g depending on the fiber) or intended for industrial use rather than individual sale.
Which countries are the top exporters of combed cashmere yarn (bulk) (HS 510820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510820 (the code used for combed cashmere yarn (bulk)) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($52M, 35% of world exports), Hong Kong ($21M) and Peru (about $20M). World exports came to about $149M, 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 combed cashmere yarn (bulk) (HS 510820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510820 (the code used for combed cashmere yarn (bulk)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($16M, 11% of world imports), Hong Kong ($14M) and the United States ($13M). World imports came to about $138M, 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 Combed cashmere yarn (bulk) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510820 for Combed cashmere yarn (bulk) 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 combed cashmere yarn (bulk) in Brazil?
In Brazil, combed cashmere yarn (bulk) (HS 510820) is classified under NCM 5108.20.00.