Product classification
HS code for Pig bristles: 0502.10
Animal products, hair and bristles, of pigs, hogs or boars, and waste thereof.
Classification of pig bristles under HS 0502.10
Pig bristles are classified under HS code 050210, which falls within Chapter 5 of the Harmonized System, covering products of animal origin not elsewhere specified or included. This specific subheading is dedicated to the hair and bristles of pigs, hogs, or boars, as well as the waste resulting from the processing of these materials. The classification is determined by the biological origin of the fiber and its primary state. To fall under this code, the bristles are typically in their raw state, cleaned, disinfected, or sorted, but not yet incorporated into finished manufactured goods like brushes. The Harmonized System distinguishes these animal fibers based on their stiffness and durability, which makes them suitable for industrial and grooming applications. The inclusion of \"waste\" in this heading ensures that by-products from the cleaning and sorting process, which may still have industrial value for lower-grade brushes or upholstery stuffing, are captured under the same tariff structure. Proper classification requires that the bristles have not undergone significant transformation into a finished article, maintaining their identity as a raw or semi-processed animal product.
- Covers
- Raw pig bristles
- Cleaned or bleached hog hair
- Sorted boar bristles in bundles (not yet mounted)
- Waste of pig or boar bristles
- Disinfected animal hair from the porcine family
- Also under 0502.10
- Da Vinci Hog Bristle Brushes
- Kent Brushes Boar Bristle Hairbrushes
- Omega Boar Bristle Shaving Brushes
- Winsor & Newton Hog Bristle Brushes
- Industrial Pig Hair for Filtration
Codes often confused with 0502.10
Common mistake. Pig bristles are frequently misclassified under HS code 9603. This code refers to finished brushes, such as paintbrushes or grooming brushes. If the bristles are already mounted in a head or handle, they must be classified under 9603 rather than 050210. Additionally, confusion sometimes arises with HS code 0511, which is a general category for animal products not elsewhere specified. However, because 0502 specifically names pig and boar bristles, it takes precedence over the more general 0511. Another potential error involves HS code 5102, which covers fine or coarse animal hair used in textiles; however, pig bristles are specifically excluded from Chapter 51 due to their stiffness and primary use in brush-making rather than spinning or weaving.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050210 (the code used for pig bristles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050210 (the code used for pig bristles) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 84% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 26% 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 050210, not only pig bristles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $27M 84% of world exports
- 2 Germany $2.6M 8.3% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.5M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $32M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Portugal $8.7M 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $5.0M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $2.6M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $34M 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 codes for pig bristles
Brazil splits HS 0502.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0502.10.11Washed, bleached or degreased pig bristles
- 0502.10.19Pig bristles, not washed, bleached or degreased
- 0502.10.90Other pig, hog or boar bristles, hair and waste
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pig bristles
What is the HS code for Pig bristles?
The HS code for Pig bristles is 050210 (Animal products; hair and bristles, of pigs, hogs or boars, and waste thereof). The HS code for pig bristles, hog hair, and boar bristles, including their waste, is 050210.
How do I classify Pig bristles for customs?
Pig bristles is classified under HS code 050210 — Animal products; hair and bristles, of pigs, hogs or boars, and waste thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include bristles already set in brushes?
No, bristles that have been manufactured into finished brushes are classified under heading 9603. HS code 050210 is reserved for the raw or semi-processed material.
Which countries are the top exporters of pig bristles (HS 050210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050210 (the code used for pig bristles) in UN Comtrade data were China ($27M, 84% of world exports), Germany ($2.6M) and the United States ($1.5M). World exports came to about $32M, 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 pig bristles (HS 050210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050210 (the code used for pig bristles) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($8.7M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($5.0M) and Italy ($2.6M). World imports came to about $34M, 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 Pig bristles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050210 for Pig bristles 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 pig bristles in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 050210 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for pig bristles depends on the product's details: 0502.10.11 (Washed, bleached or degreased pig bristles), 0502.10.19 (Pig bristles, not washed, bleached or degreased), 0502.10.90 (Other pig, hog or boar bristles, hair and waste).