Product classification
HS code for hackled flax: 5301.29
Flax, hackled or otherwise processed, but not spun.
Classification of hackled flax under HS 5301.29
Hackled flax is classified under HS code 5301.29. This stage of flax processing occurs after scutching and involves combing the flax fibers through a series of 'hackles' (metal combs) to align the fibers and remove any remaining impurities or short fibers (tow). The result is 'line flax,' which consists of long, parallel, and clean fibers ready for the spinning process. The HS code 5301.29 is a specific sub-category for flax that has been 'hackled or otherwise processed, but not spun.' This means the fiber has undergone significant mechanical refinement but has not yet been transformed into yarn. The classification is part of the 5301 heading, which covers raw or processed flax but excludes finished textiles. Hackled flax is a high-value commodity in the textile supply chain, as it represents the premium fiber used for fine linen yarns. Customs authorities look for the absence of twist (which would indicate yarn) and the high degree of fiber alignment to verify this classification. It is the penultimate stage of flax fiber preparation before it enters the spinning mill.
- Covers
- Hackled flax (line flax)
- Combed flax fibers in bundles
- Flax sliver (if produced by combing and not yet spun)
- Refined flax fibers ready for spinning
- Long-staple flax fibers separated from tow
- Also under 5301.29
- High-grade hackled flax for luxury linen
- flax sliver for spinning mills
- flax for fine apparel fabrics
- premium flax fiber for composites
Codes often confused with 5301.29
Common mistake. Hackled flax is often confused with 5301.21 (scutched flax). Scutched flax is the fiber after the woody core (shives) has been removed but before it has been combed/hackled. Another common error is 5301.30 (tow), which is the byproduct of the hackling process itself. Finally, if the hackled flax has been twisted into a continuous strand for sewing or weaving, it must be classified as yarn under 5306 rather than 5301.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 530129 (the code used for hackled flax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530129 (the code used for hackled flax) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 35% 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 530129, not only hackled flax.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $186M 39% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $132M 28% of world exports
- 3 Egypt $54M 11% of world exports
World total: $472M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $95M 35% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $39M 14% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $21M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $269M 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 codes for hackled flax
Brazil splits HS 5301.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5301.29.10Hackled flax, not spun
- 5301.29.90Otherwise processed flax, not spun
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hackled flax
What is the HS code for hackled flax?
The HS code for hackled flax is 530129 (Flax; hackled or otherwise processed, but not spun). The HS code for hackled or otherwise processed (but not spun) flax is 5301.29.
How do I classify hackled flax for customs?
hackled flax is classified under HS code 530129 — Flax; hackled or otherwise processed, but not spun. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between scutched and hackled flax?
Scutched flax (5301.21) is the raw fiber after the first mechanical cleaning. Hackled flax (5301.29) has undergone an additional combing process to align the long fibers and remove the short tow fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of hackled flax (HS 530129)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530129 (the code used for hackled flax) in UN Comtrade data were France ($186M, 39% of world exports), Belgium ($132M) and Egypt ($54M). World exports came to about $472M, 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 hackled flax (HS 530129)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 530129 (the code used for hackled flax) in UN Comtrade data were India ($95M, 35% of world imports), Belgium ($39M) and Türkiye ($21M). World imports came to about $269M, 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 hackled flax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 530129 for hackled flax 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 hackled flax in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 530129 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hackled flax depends on the product's details: 5301.29.10 (Hackled flax, not spun), 5301.29.90 (Otherwise processed flax, not spun).