Product classification
HS code for Combed coarse animal hair: 5105.40
Hair, coarse animal hair, carded or combed.
Classification of combed coarse animal hair under HS 5105.40
The classification of combed coarse animal hair under HS code 5105.40 is determined by the specific mechanical processing the fibers have undergone and the biological origin of the hair. According to the Harmonized System's Chapter 51 notes, coarse animal hair refers to the hair of animals not defined as fine animal hair, such as horsehair (excluding mane and tail hair classified in heading 05.11), hair of the common goat, cattle, and other animals. The process of combing is a secondary mechanical step following carding; it involves the use of specialized machinery to align the fibers in a parallel fashion while simultaneously removing shorter fibers and any remaining vegetable matter or impurities. This process prepares the coarse hair for spinning into robust yarns used in industrial applications, interlinings, or heavy upholstery. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, the product is classified here because it meets the specific description of being both 'coarse animal hair' and 'combed' as per the heading 5105 and subheading 5105.40.
- Covers
- Combed horsehair slivers (excluding mane and tail)
- Combed hair from common goats
- Combed cattle hair prepared for textile use
- Combed hog or pig hair processed for spinning
- Combed hair of the dog or other coarse-haired mammals
- Also under 5105.40
- Horsehair for upholstery
- Camel hair for interlinings
- Goat hair for paint brushes
- Yak hair for traditional textiles
- Coarse wool for carpet backing
Codes often confused with 5105.40
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 5102.20, which covers coarse animal hair that has not yet been carded or combed. The distinction lies entirely in the stage of processing; once the hair is subjected to the combing machine, it must move to 5105.40. Additionally, it is often confused with HS code 5105.39, which is reserved for fine animal hair. If the hair originates from an alpaca, camel, or Angora rabbit, it must be classified as fine hair regardless of its perceived thickness. Finally, horsehair from the mane or tail is excluded from this chapter and should be classified under HS code 0511.99.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510540 (the code used for combed coarse animal hair), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510540 (the code used for combed coarse animal hair) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% 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 510540, not only combed coarse animal hair.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.9M 66% of world exports
- 2 Mongolia* ~$639K 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Africa $512K 8.8% of world exports
World total: $5.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.5M 39% of world imports
- 2 Norway $1.0M 26% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $577K 15% of world imports
World total: $3.9M 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 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 coarse animal hair
Brazil classifies combed coarse animal hair under NCM 5105.40.00: HS 5105.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about combed coarse animal hair
What is the HS code for Combed coarse animal hair?
The HS code for Combed coarse animal hair is 510540 (Hair; coarse animal hair, carded or combed). The HS code for combed coarse animal hair is 5105.40, which falls under the category of wool and animal hair that has been carded or combed.
How do I classify Combed coarse animal hair for customs?
Combed coarse animal hair is classified under HS code 510540 — Hair; coarse animal hair, carded or combed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is coarse hair distinguished from fine hair in the HS?
The distinction is based on the animal species. Fine hair includes alpaca, llama, vicuna, camel, yak, and Angora goat hair, while coarse hair includes almost all other animal hairs not specifically defined as fine or wool.
Which countries are the top exporters of combed coarse animal hair (HS 510540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510540 (the code used for combed coarse animal hair) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.9M, 66% of world exports), Mongolia (about $639K) and South Africa ($512K). World exports came to about $5.8M, 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 coarse animal hair (HS 510540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510540 (the code used for combed coarse animal hair) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5M, 39% of world imports), Norway ($1.0M) and South Korea ($577K). World imports came to about $3.9M, 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 Combed coarse animal hair the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510540 for Combed coarse animal 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 combed coarse animal hair in Brazil?
In Brazil, combed coarse animal hair (HS 510540) is classified under NCM 5105.40.00.