Product classification
HS code for Greasy wool: 5101.19
Wool, (other than shorn), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), not carded or combed.
Classification of greasy wool under HS 5101.19
HS code 5101.19 is a residual category for greasy wool that does not meet the criteria for being \"shorn.\" While heading 5101 covers all wool that is not carded or combed, subheading 5101.19 specifically captures wool obtained from the skins of slaughtered sheep, commonly referred to as \"pulled wool,\" \"slipe wool,\" or \"skin wool.\" Unlike shorn wool, which is cut from live animals, this wool is removed using various processes such as sweating, painting the skin with depilatory substances (like sodium sulfide or lime), or mechanical pulling. The \"greasy\" designation implies that the wool still contains its natural fats and has not undergone a scouring process to remove lanolin or impurities. This classification is essential for distinguishing between the higher-quality shorn fibers used in premium textiles and the skin-derived fibers often used in different industrial or lower-grade textile applications. The classification remains valid even if the wool has been washed with water (fleece-washed) provided it has not been degreased. The distinction between shorn and non-shorn wool is a fundamental aspect of Chapter 51. Non-shorn wool is often shorter and may contain traces of the chemicals used in the de-hairing process. This affects its spinning properties and its suitability for certain types of yarn. Subheading 5101.19 serves as the \"other\" category for greasy wool, ensuring that all raw sheep's wool is accounted for regardless of the harvesting method. It is important to distinguish this from wool waste, which is classified under 5103. The presence of the natural wool grease is the defining characteristic here; once that grease is removed through scouring or carbonization, the product moves to different subheadings. Importers must provide documentation regarding the method of extraction to justify the use of 5101.19 over 5101.11.
- Covers
- Pulled wool from sheep skins
- Slipe wool obtained via chemical treatment
- Skin wool from slaughtered animals
- Greasy wool not harvested by shearing
- Also under 5101.19
- Australian Merino wool
- New Zealand Crossbred wool
- South African fine wool
- Patagonia wool (raw material)
- Zegna wool (raw material)
Codes often confused with 5101.19
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 5101.11, which is strictly for shorn greasy wool. It may also be confused with 5105.10 if the wool has already undergone carding. Additionally, if the wool has been scoured or degreased, it must be moved to 5101.29 rather than remaining under the greasy classification of 5101.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510119 (the code used for greasy wool), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510119 (the code used for greasy wool) in UN Comtrade data was Lesotho, with about 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 66% 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 510119, not only greasy wool.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Lesotho* ~$40M 50% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Uruguay $10M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $10M 13% of world exports
World total: $81M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Africa $40M 66% of world imports
- 2 India $17M 29% of world imports
- 3 Spain $866K 1.4% of world imports
World total: $61M 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 greasy wool
Brazil classifies greasy wool under NCM 5101.19.00: HS 5101.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about greasy wool
What is the HS code for Greasy wool?
The HS code for Greasy wool is 510119 (Wool; (other than shorn), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), not carded or combed). The HS code for greasy wool (other than shorn), not carded or combed, is 5101.19.
How do I classify Greasy wool for customs?
Greasy wool is classified under HS code 510119 — Wool; (other than shorn), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), not carded or combed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is slipe wool?
Slipe wool is a type of wool removed from sheepskins using a lime or sulfide treatment, and it is classified under HS code 5101.19 if it remains in a greasy state.
Which countries are the top exporters of greasy wool (HS 510119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510119 (the code used for greasy wool) in UN Comtrade data were Lesotho (about $40M, 50% of world exports), Uruguay ($10M) and the United States ($10M). World exports came to about $81M, 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 greasy wool (HS 510119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510119 (the code used for greasy wool) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($40M, 66% of world imports), India ($17M) and Spain ($866K). World imports came to about $61M, 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 Greasy wool the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510119 for Greasy 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 greasy wool in Brazil?
In Brazil, greasy wool (HS 510119) is classified under NCM 5101.19.00.