Product classification
HS code for Raw silk: 5002.00
Silk, raw silk (not thrown).
Classification of raw silk under HS 5002.00
Raw silk is classified under HS code 5002.00. This code is situated within Chapter 50, which is dedicated to silk and silk-related products. The classification 5002.00 specifically refers to raw silk that has not been \"thrown.\" In the context of the textile industry, \"throwing\" refers to the process of twisting or doubling silk filaments into yarn to give them strength and direction. Therefore, 5002.00 covers silk in its primary state after it has been reeled from the cocoons but before it undergoes significant mechanical twisting. This material consists of silk filaments that are held together by natural sericin (silk gum). The classification applies regardless of whether the silk has been degummed or bleached, provided the essential character of \"not thrown\" remains. This code is vital for manufacturers who import the raw material for further processing into various silk yarns or fabrics. The silk must be in the form of continuous filaments; if the silk has been processed into short fibers or waste, it falls under a different heading within the same chapter.
- Covers
- Reeled raw silk
- Mulberry silk in raw filament form
- Non-thrown silk filaments
- Raw silk in hanks or skeins
- Undyed raw silk filaments
- Also under 5002.00
Zhejiang Cathaya International Co. Ltd. raw silk, Anhui Silk Co. Ltd. raw silk, Sichuan Nanchong Silk raw silk
Codes often confused with 5002.00
Common mistake. Raw silk is often confused with HS code 5001.00, which is specifically for silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling. Another common misclassification is HS code 5004.00, which applies to silk yarn that has been thrown or otherwise processed for retail or industrial use. Furthermore, silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling and pulled or garnetted rags) is classified under 5003.00 and should not be entered under the raw silk code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 500200 (the code used for raw silk), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 500200 (the code used for raw silk) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 38% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 19% of its imports here ($6.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 500200, not only raw silk.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $225M 58% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$104M 27% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Italy $42M 11% of world exports
World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $139M 38% of world imports
- 2 Romania $85M 23% of world imports
- 3 Italy $48M 13% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 19% of its imports here ($6.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $368M 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 silk
Brazil classifies raw silk under NCM 5002.00.00: HS 5002.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about raw silk
What is the HS code for Raw silk?
The HS code for Raw silk is 500200 (Silk; raw silk (not thrown)). The HS code for raw silk (not thrown) is 5002.00.
How do I classify Raw silk for customs?
Raw silk is classified under HS code 500200 — Silk; raw silk (not thrown). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does \"not thrown\" mean in silk classification?
\"Not thrown\" means the silk filaments have not been twisted or doubled to create a finished yarn, remaining in their primary reeled state.
Which countries are the top exporters of raw silk (HS 500200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 500200 (the code used for raw silk) in UN Comtrade data were China ($225M, 58% of world exports), Vietnam (about $104M) and Italy ($42M). World exports came to about $391M, 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 silk (HS 500200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 500200 (the code used for raw silk) in UN Comtrade data were India ($139M, 38% of world imports), Romania ($85M) and Italy ($48M). World imports came to about $368M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 19% of its imports here ($6.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Raw silk the same in all countries?
The base HS code 500200 for Raw silk 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 silk in Brazil?
In Brazil, raw silk (HS 500200) is classified under NCM 5002.00.00.