Product classification
HS code for hemp tow: 5302.90
Hemp (cannabis sativa L.), processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock).
Classification of hemp tow under HS 5302.90
HS code 5302.90 is a broad category covering true hemp that has been processed beyond the raw or retted stage, but has not yet been spun into yarn. This includes hemp tow, which consists of the shorter, coarser fibers removed during the scutching or combing of long hemp fibers. This code also encompasses various forms of hemp waste. The processing involved typically includes mechanical actions like breaking, scutching, or hackling to prepare the fibers for industrial use or spinning. Because this code covers "other" hemp products within the 5302 heading, it is the standard classification for refined but unspun hemp materials used in textiles, paper, or composite manufacturing. Tow is particularly valued for its use in non-woven applications, specialty paper production, and as a reinforcement in bio-composites. The distinction between tow and raw fiber is the degree of mechanical cleaning and fiber separation that has occurred.
- Covers
- Hemp tow (short fibers)
- Scutched hemp fiber
- Combed hemp fiber (hackled)
- Garnetted hemp stock
- Hemp sliver (unspun)
- Hemp fiber prepared for spinning
- Also under 5302.90
- Hemp fiber for automotive panels
- hemp tow for insulation
- hemp yarn waste for paper
- hemp for sustainable clothing
- hemp for geotextiles
Codes often confused with 5302.90
Common mistake. Confused with 5302.10, which is reserved only for raw or retted hemp. It is also confused with 5305.00, which covers other vegetable textile fibers like coconut, abaca, or ramie. If the hemp is already spun into yarn, it must be classified under 5308.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 530290 (the code used for hemp tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530290 (the code used for hemp tow) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% 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 530290, not only hemp tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $39M 40% of world exports
- 2 France $32M 33% of world exports
- 3 Italy $7.4M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $96M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $10M 23% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $5.0M 11% of world imports
- 3 France $4.9M 11% of world imports
World total: $46M 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 hemp tow
Brazil classifies hemp tow under NCM 5302.90.00: HS 5302.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hemp tow
What is the HS code for hemp tow?
The HS code for hemp tow is 530290 (Hemp (cannabis sativa L.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)). Hemp tow is classified under HS code 5302.90.
How do I classify hemp tow for customs?
hemp tow is classified under HS code 530290 — Hemp (cannabis sativa L.); processed (other than retted) (but not spun), true hemp tow and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between hemp tow and hemp fiber?
Hemp fiber (5302.10) is raw or retted, while hemp tow (5302.90) consists of the shorter fibers separated during processing and cleaning.
Which countries are the top exporters of hemp tow (HS 530290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530290 (the code used for hemp tow) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($39M, 40% of world exports), France ($32M) and Italy ($7.4M). World exports came to about $96M, 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 hemp tow (HS 530290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 530290 (the code used for hemp tow) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($10M, 23% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($5.0M) and France ($4.9M). World imports came to about $46M, 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 hemp tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 530290 for hemp 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 hemp tow in Brazil?
In Brazil, hemp tow (HS 530290) is classified under NCM 5302.90.00.