Product classification
HS code for Industrial rags: 6310.90
Rags, used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials, other than sorted.
Classification of industrial rags under HS 6310.90
Industrial rags are classified under HS code 6310.90 because they consist of used or new textile scraps, twine, cordage, or worn-out articles that are no longer fit for their original purpose. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 63 covers other made-up textile articles, and heading 6310 specifically addresses rags. The subheading 6310.90 is applied when the materials are not sorted by color, material type, or size. These items are typically utilized in industrial settings for cleaning machinery, absorbing spills, or as raw material for fiber recovery. The classification depends on the item being recognizable as scrap or waste textile material rather than a functional garment or household linen. Furthermore, the rags must show signs of wear or be small pieces of fabric resulting from the manufacture of garments. If the fabric is in large, clean, usable bolts, it would likely be classified under the respective fabric headings in Chapters 50 through 55 rather than as rags. The global trade of these materials is significant for the recycling industry, and accurate classification ensures that waste management and textile recovery regulations are properly followed.
- Covers
- Unsorted cotton wiping rags
- Mixed textile scrap for industrial cleaning
- Worn-out cordage and rope scraps
- Used textile pieces for machinery maintenance
- Non-sorted factory textile offcuts
- Also under 6310.90
- Mixed textile waste from garment factories
- unsorted municipal textile collections
- discarded fishing nets
- bulk bales of unsorted rags from donation centers
- landfill-bound textile waste
Codes often confused with 6310.90
Common mistake. Industrial rags are frequently misclassified under HS code 6310.10, which is reserved for "sorted" rags. Sorting implies a process where the rags have been graded by specific criteria such as material composition (e.g., 100% cotton) or color. Another common error is using HS code 6307.10, which covers floorcloths, dishcloths, dusters, and similar cleaning cloths. The distinction lies in whether the item is a "made-up" article specifically manufactured for cleaning (6307) or if it is simply scrap/waste material (6310).
Top exporters and importers of HS 631090 (the code used for industrial rags), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 631090 (the code used for industrial rags) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 40% 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 631090, not only industrial rags.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $46M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $26M 12% of world exports
- 3 India $14M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $220M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $157M 40% of world imports
- 2 Dominican Republic $49M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $27M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $390M 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 industrial rags
Brazil classifies industrial rags under NCM 6310.90.00: HS 6310.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial rags
What is the HS code for Industrial rags?
The HS code for Industrial rags is 631090 (Rags; used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials; other than sorted). The HS code for unsorted industrial rags is 6310.90, while sorted rags fall under 6310.10.
How do I classify Industrial rags for customs?
Industrial rags is classified under HS code 631090 — Rags; used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials; other than sorted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the material type affect the classification of unsorted rags?
No, if the rags are unsorted and intended for industrial waste or cleaning use, they remain under 6310.90 regardless of whether they are cotton, synthetic, or blended fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial rags (HS 631090)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 631090 (the code used for industrial rags) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($46M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($26M) and India ($14M). World exports came to about $220M, 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 industrial rags (HS 631090)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 631090 (the code used for industrial rags) in UN Comtrade data were India ($157M, 40% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($49M) and the United States ($27M). World imports came to about $390M, 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 Industrial rags the same in all countries?
The base HS code 631090 for Industrial rags 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 industrial rags in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial rags (HS 631090) is classified under NCM 6310.90.00.