Product classification
HS code for flax tow: 5301.30
Flax, tow and waste, including yarn waste and garnetted stock.
Classification of flax tow under HS 5301.30
Flax tow and waste are classified under HS code 5301.30. This code encompasses the shorter, coarser, and less desirable fibers that are separated from the long 'line' fibers during the processing of flax (specifically during scutching and hackling). The Harmonized System treats these materials as raw or semi-processed textile fibers rather than finished products. The classification includes 'tow,' which is the byproduct of combing flax, and 'waste,' which includes yarn waste (hard waste) and garnetted stock (fibers recovered from rags or ropes). Because these materials are often used for lower-grade yarns, paper production, or industrial padding, they are grouped together in this 'waste' category. The distinction between 5301.30 and other subheadings in 5301 is based on the length and cleanliness of the fiber. Tow is essentially the 'leftover' material that cannot be used for high-quality linen yarn but still holds significant industrial value. Understanding this classification is important for environmental regulations and waste management statistics in international trade.
- Covers
- Flax tow (short fibers from hackling)
- Flax scutching waste
- Flax yarn waste (including tangled threads)
- Garnetted stock of flax
- Flax fiber fragments from carding processes
- Also under 5301.30
- Flax tow for insulation panels
- flax waste for paper manufacturing
- garnetted flax for automotive composites
- flax shives for animal bedding
Codes often confused with 5301.30
Common mistake. Flax tow is frequently misclassified as 5301.29 (hackled flax). While tow is a byproduct of hackling, 5301.29 is reserved for the high-quality long fibers (line flax) resulting from the process. Another error involves 5301.21 (scutched flax); scutched flax is the primary fiber after the woody part is removed, whereas tow is the secondary, shorter fiber. Importers must also distinguish this from 'noils' of other fibers, which would fall under different headings like 5202 for cotton waste.
Top exporters and importers of HS 530130 (the code used for flax tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530130 (the code used for flax tow) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% 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 530130, not only flax tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $140M 46% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $81M 27% of world exports
- 3 Belarus* ~$28M 9.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $302M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $234M 60% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $75M 19% of world imports
- 3 France $31M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $392M 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 flax tow
Brazil classifies flax tow under NCM 5301.30.00: HS 5301.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flax tow
What is the HS code for flax tow?
The HS code for flax tow is 530130 (Flax; tow and waste, including yarn waste and garnetted stock). The HS code for flax tow and flax waste, including yarn waste, is 5301.30.
How do I classify flax tow for customs?
flax tow is classified under HS code 530130 — Flax; tow and waste, including yarn waste and garnetted stock. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can flax tow be used for spinning?
Yes, flax tow can be spun into 'tow yarn,' which is coarser than line linen yarn. However, for classification purposes, the raw tow remains under 5301.30 until it is actually spun.
Which countries are the top exporters of flax tow (HS 530130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530130 (the code used for flax tow) in UN Comtrade data were France ($140M, 46% of world exports), Belgium ($81M) and Belarus (about $28M). World exports came to about $302M, 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 flax tow (HS 530130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 530130 (the code used for flax tow) in UN Comtrade data were China ($234M, 60% of world imports), Belgium ($75M) and France ($31M). World imports came to about $392M, 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 flax tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 530130 for flax tow 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 flax tow in Brazil?
In Brazil, flax tow (HS 530130) is classified under NCM 5301.30.00.