Product classification
HS code for jute tow: 5303.90
Jute and other textile bast fibres, processed but not spun, tow and waste of these fibres, including yarn waste and garnetted stock (excluding flax, hemp (cannabis sativa L.), and ramie).
Classification of jute tow under HS 5303.90
Jute tow is classified under HS code 530390 because it consists of the shorter, coarser fibers separated from the long line fibers during the carding or combing processes. While raw jute is found in 530310, the mechanical action of cleaning and preparing the fiber for spinning transforms it into tow or processed fiber, necessitating a move to 530390. This subheading also includes waste of jute, but tow specifically refers to fibers that, while shorter, are often still used for spinning lower-quality yarns or for industrial applications like caulking and upholstery stuffing. The classification logic is based on the degree of processing; once the jute has been mechanically manipulated to align or separate fibers (but not yet spun into yarn), it falls under this category. It is a catch-all for jute that is no longer in its natural, retted state but has not yet become a finished textile product. This distinction is vital for customs authorities to differentiate between raw agricultural exports and semi-processed industrial inputs, which may carry different tariff rates or trade restrictions depending on the country of origin.
- Covers
- Carded jute tow
- Combed jute tow
- Short jute fibers for non-woven applications
- Processed bast fiber tow (excluding flax and hemp)
- Jute fiber prepared for low-count spinning
- Also under 5303.90
- Jute fiber for carpet backing
- jute tow for insulation
- processed kenaf for composites
- jute waste for paper
- jute for erosion control mats
Codes often confused with 5303.90
Common mistake. Jute tow is most commonly misclassified under HS code 530310 (raw jute) or HS code 5305 (other vegetable textile fibers). The error with 530310 usually stems from failing to recognize that carding or combing has occurred. The confusion with 5305 occurs when the fiber is not correctly identified as being from the Corchorus genus. Furthermore, if the tow is already spun into a loose roving, it might be incorrectly placed in 5307, which is reserved for yarn. Proper documentation of the mechanical processing steps is required to justify 530390.
Top exporters and importers of HS 530390 (the code used for jute tow), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 530390 (the code used for jute tow) in UN Comtrade data was Tanzania, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 530390, not only jute tow.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Tanzania $12M 41% of world exports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$9.6M 32% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Belgium $3.5M 12% of world exports
World total: $30M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $6.4M 27% of world imports
- 2 Spain $1.8M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $1.7M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $24M 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 codes for jute tow
Brazil splits HS 5303.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5303.90.10Jute, processed but not spun; tow and waste
- 5303.90.90Processed bast fibre/tow, not jute/flax/hemp/ramie
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about jute tow
What is the HS code for jute tow?
The HS code for jute tow is 530390 (Jute and other textile bast fibres; processed but not spun, tow and waste of these fibres, including yarn waste and garnetted stock (excluding flax, hemp (cannabis sativa L.), and ramie)). The HS code for jute tow, which is processed but not spun, is 530390.
How do I classify jute tow for customs?
jute tow is classified under HS code 530390 — Jute and other textile bast fibres; processed but not spun, tow and waste of these fibres, including yarn waste and garnetted stock (excluding flax, hemp (cannabis sativa L.), and ramie). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between jute fiber and jute tow?
Jute fiber (530310) is raw or retted, whereas jute tow (530390) has been mechanically processed through carding or combing to separate shorter fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of jute tow (HS 530390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 530390 (the code used for jute tow) in UN Comtrade data were Tanzania ($12M, 41% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $9.6M) and Belgium ($3.5M). World exports came to about $30M, 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 jute tow (HS 530390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 530390 (the code used for jute tow) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.4M, 27% of world imports), Spain ($1.8M) and Czechia ($1.7M). World imports came to about $24M, 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 jute tow the same in all countries?
The base HS code 530390 for jute 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 jute tow in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 530390 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for jute tow depends on the product's details: 5303.90.10 (Jute, processed but not spun; tow and waste), 5303.90.90 (Processed bast fibre/tow, not jute/flax/hemp/ramie).