Product classification
HS code for Raw human hair: 0501.00
Animal products, hair, human, unworked, whether or not washed or scoured, and waste of human hair.
Classification of raw human hair under HS 0501.00
HS code 0501.00 is the primary classification for human hair that remains in its natural, unworked state. This classification is strictly reserved for hair that has not undergone any significant processing such as thinning, bleaching, dyeing, or curling, which are typical steps in the preparation of hair for the manufacture of wigs, hairpieces, or similar articles. The Harmonized System distinguishes between raw materials and semi-processed goods; therefore, 0501.00 only applies to hair that is either in its original state as cut or has undergone basic cleaning processes. Washing and scouring are explicitly permitted under this heading, as these actions are considered necessary for hygiene and preservation during transport rather than "working" the hair. Additionally, this code encompasses waste of human hair, which includes hair that is no longer suitable for primary use but still retains its raw material characteristics. The classification is essential for tracking the global trade of raw biological materials used in various industries, including medical research, high-end cosmetic manufacturing, and the production of amino acids. It is important to note that once the hair is sorted by length or oriented so that the root ends and tip ends are aligned, it is no longer considered "unworked" and must be classified elsewhere. The global market for raw human hair is highly specialized, with significant trade flows from Asia and Eastern Europe. Customs officials look for evidence of "working" such as the alignment of cuticles (remy hair) or chemical treatments. If any such processing is detected, the shipment is reclassified to 6703.00, which often carries higher import duties. Furthermore, raw hair must be free from parasites and meet health safety standards, often requiring a certificate of disinfection.
- Covers
- Unwashed human hair
- Scoured human hair
- Washed human hair
- Waste of human hair
- Also under 0501.00
- Indian Temple Hair
- Brazilian Virgin Hair
- Peruvian Remy Hair
- Collected Salon Hair Waste
- Washed Human Hair for Wigs
Codes often confused with 0501.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 6703.00. This code is used for human hair that has been dressed, thinned, bleached, or otherwise worked for use in making wigs. Another common error involves HS code 0502, which covers pigs', hogs', or boars' bristles and hair, which are distinct from human hair.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050100 (the code used for raw human hair), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050100 (the code used for raw human hair) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 96% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Myanmar, with 54% 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 050100, not only raw human hair.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $269M 96% of world exports
- 2 Pakistan $6.2M 2.2% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.6M 0.6% of world exports
World total: $281M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Myanmar $26M 54% of world imports
- 2 Austria $8.8M 18% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$4.3M 9.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $48M 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 code for raw human hair
Brazil classifies raw human hair under NCM 0501.00.00: HS 0501.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about raw human hair
What is the HS code for Raw human hair?
The HS code for Raw human hair is 050100 (Animal products; hair, human, unworked, whether or not washed or scoured, and waste of human hair). The HS code for raw human hair is 0501.00, provided it is unworked and not prepared for wig making.
How do I classify Raw human hair for customs?
Raw human hair is classified under HS code 050100 — Animal products; hair, human, unworked, whether or not washed or scoured, and waste of human hair. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can raw hair be dyed or bleached under this code?
No, any chemical treatment such as dyeing or bleaching classifies the hair as "worked," moving it to HS code 6703.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of raw human hair (HS 050100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050100 (the code used for raw human hair) in UN Comtrade data were India ($269M, 96% of world exports), Pakistan ($6.2M) and the United States ($1.6M). World exports came to about $281M, 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 raw human hair (HS 050100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050100 (the code used for raw human hair) in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($26M, 54% of world imports), Austria ($8.8M) and Bangladesh (about $4.3M). World imports came to about $48M, 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 Raw human hair the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050100 for Raw human hair 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 raw human hair in Brazil?
In Brazil, raw human hair (HS 050100) is classified under NCM 0501.00.00.