Product classification
HS code for Natural fiber wadding: 5601.29
Wadding, other articles thereof, other than of cotton or man-made fibres.
Classification of natural fiber wadding under HS 5601.29
Natural fiber wadding is classified under HS code 5601.29. This heading covers wadding of textile materials and articles thereof. The classification logic follows a hierarchy based on the fiber type. While 5601.21 is dedicated to cotton and 5601.22 is dedicated to man-made fibers, 5601.29 serves as the residual category for wadding made from all other textile materials. This includes natural fibers such as wool, silk, flax, hemp, or jute that have been processed into a loose, bulky mass of fibers. Wadding is typically used for padding, stuffing, or as a base for surgical dressings (when not medicated). The classification depends on the material being 'wadding'—a soft, thick mass of fibers—rather than a bonded nonwoven or a felted fabric. The absence of chemical binders or thermal bonding that would turn the mass into a nonwoven is a key factor in maintaining this classification.
- Covers
- Wool wadding used for garment insulation
- Silk wadding for high-end bedding and quilts
- Flax or linen wadding for upholstery padding
- Hemp fiber wadding for industrial cushioning
- Animal hair wadding (other than wool) for specialized stuffing
- Also under 5601.29
- Holy Lamb Organics wool batting
- Mulberry silk floss
- Patagonia recycled fiber insulation
- Coyuchi organic kapok pillow fill
Codes often confused with 5601.29
Common mistake. Natural fiber wadding is often misclassified under 5601.21 if the customs agent assumes the material is cotton-based. It is also frequently confused with nonwovens under heading 5603. The primary difference is that wadding is a loose accumulation of fibers, whereas nonwovens have a more stable, bonded structure. Furthermore, if the wadding is impregnated with pharmaceutical substances or put up for retail sale for medical purposes, it should be classified under heading 3005 (Wadding, gauze, bandages, etc.) rather than Chapter 56.
Top exporters and importers of HS 560129 (the code used for natural fiber wadding), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 560129 (the code used for natural fiber wadding) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Myanmar, with 20% 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 560129, not only natural fiber wadding.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $7.1M 17% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $6.9M 16% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $5.0M 12% of world exports
World total: $43M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Myanmar $15M 20% of world imports
- 2 Poland $7.5M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $3.9M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $78M 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 natural fiber wadding
Brazil classifies natural fiber wadding under NCM 5601.29.00: HS 5601.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about natural fiber wadding
What is the HS code for Natural fiber wadding?
The HS code for Natural fiber wadding is 560129 (Wadding; other articles thereof, other than of cotton or man-made fibres). The HS code for wadding made of natural fibers (excluding cotton) is 5601.29.
How do I classify Natural fiber wadding for customs?
Natural fiber wadding is classified under HS code 560129 — Wadding; other articles thereof, other than of cotton or man-made fibres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is wool wadding classified under this code?
Yes, wool wadding is classified under 5601.29 as it is a natural fiber other than cotton or man-made filaments.
Which countries are the top exporters of natural fiber wadding (HS 560129)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 560129 (the code used for natural fiber wadding) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.1M, 17% of world exports), South Africa ($6.9M) and Singapore ($5.0M). World exports came to about $43M, 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 natural fiber wadding (HS 560129)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 560129 (the code used for natural fiber wadding) in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($15M, 20% of world imports), Poland ($7.5M) and Singapore ($3.9M). World imports came to about $78M, 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 Natural fiber wadding the same in all countries?
The base HS code 560129 for Natural fiber wadding 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 natural fiber wadding in Brazil?
In Brazil, natural fiber wadding (HS 560129) is classified under NCM 5601.29.00.