Product classification
HS code for Combed wool: 5105.29
Wool, wool tops and other combed wool, other than in fragments.
Classification of combed wool under HS 5105.29
Combed wool, specifically in the form of wool tops or other continuous forms, is classified under HS code 5105.29. This classification is part of Chapter 51, which covers wool and animal hair. The term 'combed wool' refers to wool that has undergone a rigorous mechanical process to remove short fibers (noils) and impurities, leaving only the long, straight fibers aligned in a parallel fashion. This resulting product is typically called a 'wool top.' The subheading 5105.29 is a residual category for combed wool that is not in 'fragments' (which are covered by 5105.21). This distinction is vital for the textile industry, as wool tops are the primary raw material for worsted spinning, leading to high-quality, smooth fabrics. Under GRI 1 and 6, the product is classified here because it is sheep's wool, it has been combed, and it is presented in a continuous form rather than broken pieces or fragments.
- Covers
- Wool tops (continuous slivers of combed wool)
- Combed wool slivers for worsted yarn production
- Combed wool in the form of continuous laps
- De-haired and combed sheep's wool
- Gilled wool slivers
- Also under 5105.29
- Australian Merino Wool Tops
- New Zealand Crossbred Wool Tops
- South African Mohair Tops
- Italian Worsted Wool Slivers
- Südwolle Group Wool Tops
Codes often confused with 5105.29
Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 5105.10, which covers wool that has only been carded. Carded wool is loftier and less aligned than combed wool and is used for woolen rather than worsted spinning. Another frequent error is using HS code 5105.21, which is specifically for combed wool in fragments. If the wool top is continuous and intact, it must stay in 5105.29. Furthermore, combed fine animal hair (like alpaca) is often mistaken for combed wool, but it must be classified under 5105.31 or 5105.39 depending on the species, as Chapter 51 distinguishes strictly between sheep's wool and other animal hairs.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510529 (the code used for combed wool), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510529 (the code used for combed wool) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 25% 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 510529, not only combed wool.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $364M 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $132M 14% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $127M 13% of world exports
World total: $944M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $239M 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $115M 12% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$97M 10.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $971M 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 codes for combed wool
Brazil splits HS 5105.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5105.29.10Wool tops
- 5105.29.91Other combed wool, under 22.5 microns
- 5105.29.99Other combed wool, 22.5 microns or more
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about combed wool
What is the HS code for Combed wool?
The HS code for Combed wool is 510529 (Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, other than in fragments). The HS code for combed wool in continuous form (tops) is 5105.29.
How do I classify Combed wool for customs?
Combed wool is classified under HS code 510529 — Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, other than in fragments. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between carded and combed wool in the HS?
Carded wool (5105.10) is the initial stage of disentangling fibers, while combed wool (5105.29) is a further refined stage where fibers are aligned and short hairs are removed.
Which countries are the top exporters of combed wool (HS 510529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510529 (the code used for combed wool) in UN Comtrade data were China ($364M, 39% of world exports), Germany ($132M) and Czechia ($127M). World exports came to about $944M, 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 (HS 510529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510529 (the code used for combed wool) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($239M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($115M) and Vietnam (about $97M). World imports came to about $971M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510529 for Combed wool 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 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 510529 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for combed wool depends on the product's details: 5105.29.10 (Wool tops), 5105.29.91 (Other combed wool, under 22.5 microns), 5105.29.99 (Other combed wool, 22.5 microns or more).