Product classification
HS code for Horsehair yarn: 5110.00
Yarn, of coarse animal hair or of horsehair (including gimped horsehair yarn), whether or not put up for retail sale.
Classification of horsehair yarn under HS 5110.00
Horsehair yarn is classified under HS code 5110.00. This code is part of Chapter 51, which deals with wool and animal hair products. Heading 5110 specifically addresses yarn made from coarse animal hair or horsehair, including gimped horsehair yarn. The classification is determined by the level of processing; once raw horsehair (from 5102) has been spun or otherwise formed into a continuous strand suitable for weaving or knitting, it moves to this heading. This includes single yarns and multiple (folded) or cabled yarns. A unique aspect of this code is the inclusion of "gimped" horsehair yarn, which consists of a core (often of another textile material) wrapped with horsehair. This material is historically significant in tailoring for providing structure to garments and in upholstery for its extreme durability. The classification applies regardless of whether the yarn is put up for retail sale or intended for industrial use. Because horsehair is relatively stiff and difficult to spin using traditional methods, the resulting yarn is distinct from the softer yarns found in other parts of Chapter 51.
- Covers
- Single horsehair yarn
- Multiple or cabled horsehair yarn
- Gimped horsehair yarn
- Yarn of coarse animal hair
- Horsehair yarn for upholstery weaving
- Also under 5110.00
- John Boyd Textiles (horsehair fabrics)
- specialized brush manufacturers
- traditional rug makers
Codes often confused with 5110.00
Common mistake. This product is often confused with HS code 5108.00, which covers yarn of fine animal hair. Horsehair is strictly defined as coarse animal hair, so it cannot be classified under 5108. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 5109.90, which is for yarn of wool or fine animal hair put up for retail sale. Since horsehair is neither wool nor fine hair, 5110.00 remains the only valid code regardless of the packaging.
Top exporters and importers of HS 511000 (the code used for horsehair yarn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 511000 (the code used for horsehair yarn) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 30% 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 511000, not only horsehair yarn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $886K 44% of world exports
- 2 Italy $547K 27% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $169K 8.3% of world exports
World total: $2.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $1.8M 30% of world imports
- 2 China $958K 16% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $928K 16% of world imports
World total: $5.9M 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 horsehair yarn
Brazil classifies horsehair yarn under NCM 5110.00.00: HS 5110.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about horsehair yarn
What is the HS code for Horsehair yarn?
The HS code for Horsehair yarn is 511000 (Yarn; of coarse animal hair or of horsehair (including gimped horsehair yarn), whether or not put up for retail sale). The HS code for horsehair yarn, including gimped varieties, is 5110.00.
How do I classify Horsehair yarn for customs?
Horsehair yarn is classified under HS code 511000 — Yarn; of coarse animal hair or of horsehair (including gimped horsehair yarn), whether or not put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is yarn made from the mane and tail both covered here?
Yes, any yarn produced from the hair of the mane or tail of equine animals is classified under 5110.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of horsehair yarn (HS 511000)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 511000 (the code used for horsehair yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($886K, 44% of world exports), Italy ($547K) and South Africa ($169K). World exports came to about $2.0M, 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 horsehair yarn (HS 511000)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 511000 (the code used for horsehair yarn) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($1.8M, 30% of world imports), China ($958K) and Belgium ($928K). World imports came to about $5.9M, 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 Horsehair yarn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 511000 for Horsehair yarn 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 horsehair yarn in Brazil?
In Brazil, horsehair yarn (HS 511000) is classified under NCM 5110.00.00.