Product classification
HS code for Combed wool (fragments): 5105.21
Wool, wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments.
Classification of combed wool (fragments) under HS 5105.21
HS code 5105.21 is specifically allocated for combed wool in fragments. In the textile industry, during the production of wool tops (which are continuous slivers of combed wool), certain portions may become broken or are produced as shorter, non-continuous lengths. These are referred to as 'fragments.' While they have undergone the full combing process—meaning the fibers are aligned and the noils have been removed—they do not possess the continuous length required for standard top-to-yarn worsted spinning. The classification under 5105.21 is determined by the physical state of the combed wool. According to the Explanatory Notes to heading 5105, this subheading includes combed wool that is not in the form of continuous slivers but rather in pieces or fragments. This distinction is important for customs valuation and trade statistics, as fragments often command a different market price than intact, continuous wool tops.
- Covers
- Broken wool tops
- Combed wool in non-continuous pieces
- Fragments of combed wool slivers
- Combed wool 'open' fragments
- Short lengths of combed wool resulting from machine stoppages
- Also under 5105.21
- Australian Merino Wool Top Fragments
- New Zealand Crossbred Wool Top Waste
- Italian Combed Wool By-products
- Chinese Wool Top Remnants
Codes often confused with 5105.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for this product is HS code 5105.29, which is the code for 'other' combed wool, primarily continuous wool tops. If the wool is in broken pieces, it must be classified under 5105.21. Another common error is confusing fragments with wool waste (noils), which are classified under HS code 5103.10. Noils are the short fibers removed *during* the combing process, whereas fragments are pieces of the *actual* combed product that have simply been broken or cut. Finally, carded wool (5105.10) is sometimes confused with fragments, but carded wool has not yet reached the level of fiber alignment found in combed fragments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510521 (the code used for combed wool (fragments)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510521 (the code used for combed wool (fragments)) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 24% 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 510521, not only combed wool (fragments).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $7.2M 46% of world exports
- 2 Italy $2.2M 14% of world exports
- 3 Poland $1.9M 12% of world exports
World total: $16M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $4.5M 24% of world imports
- 2 Italy $3.8M 21% of world imports
- 3 Lithuania $1.7M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $19M 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 combed wool (fragments)
Brazil classifies combed wool (fragments) under NCM 5105.21.00: HS 5105.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about combed wool (fragments)
What is the HS code for Combed wool (fragments)?
The HS code for Combed wool (fragments) is 510521 (Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments). The HS code for combed wool in fragments is 5105.21.
How do I classify Combed wool (fragments) for customs?
Combed wool (fragments) is classified under HS code 510521 — Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are wool noils the same as combed wool fragments?
No, wool noils are waste products (short fibers removed during combing) classified in 5103, while fragments are pieces of the high-quality combed wool itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of combed wool (fragments) (HS 510521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510521 (the code used for combed wool (fragments)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.2M, 46% of world exports), Italy ($2.2M) and Poland ($1.9M). World exports came to about $16M, 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 wool (fragments) (HS 510521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510521 (the code used for combed wool (fragments)) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($4.5M, 24% of world imports), Italy ($3.8M) and Lithuania ($1.7M). World imports came to about $19M, 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 wool (fragments) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510521 for Combed wool (fragments) 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 wool (fragments) in Brazil?
In Brazil, combed wool (fragments) (HS 510521) is classified under NCM 5105.21.00.