Product classification
HS code for Raw wool: 5101.19
Wool, (other than shorn), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), not carded or combed.
Classification of raw wool under HS 5101.19
Raw wool that is not shorn and remains in a greasy state is classified under HS code 510119. This classification falls under Chapter 51, which covers wool, fine or coarse animal hair, and related woven fabrics. The distinction for 510119 is twofold: first, it must be "other than shorn," meaning the wool was typically removed from the skins of slaughtered sheep (often called pulled or slipe wool) rather than clipped from live animals. Second, it must be "greasy," meaning it has not been scoured, carbonized, or otherwise cleaned of the natural lanolin, suint, and environmental impurities. This state is often referred to as "wool in the grease." The classification is vital for the textile industry as it identifies the rawest form of animal fiber, which requires significant processing before it can be spun into yarn or used in felt production.
- Covers
- Greasy pulled wool from sheepskins
- Slipe wool (removed via chemical/lime process)
- Fleece-washed wool (not shorn)
- Raw wool containing natural lanolin and dirt
- Unprocessed dead wool
- Greasy wool not carded or combed
- Also under 5101.19
- Australian Merino wool
- New Zealand Crossbred wool
- South African fine wool
- Patagonia wool (raw material)
- Zegna wool (raw material)
Codes often confused with 5101.19
Common mistake. Raw wool is most commonly misclassified under 510111, which is the code for shorn wool (wool clipped from live sheep). While both are greasy, the method of harvest differentiates them. Another common error is using 510129, which is for wool that has been degreased or scoured but not carbonized. Once the wool has been cleaned of its natural grease, it can no longer be classified under 510119. Finally, if the wool has been carded or combed in preparation for spinning, it moves to heading 5105.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510119 (the code used for raw wool), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510119 (the code used for raw wool) in UN Comtrade data was Lesotho, with about 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 66% 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 510119, not only raw wool.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Lesotho* ~$40M 50% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Uruguay $10M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $10M 13% of world exports
World total: $81M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Africa $40M 66% of world imports
- 2 India $17M 29% of world imports
- 3 Spain $866K 1.4% of world imports
World total: $61M 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 wool
Brazil classifies raw wool under NCM 5101.19.00: HS 5101.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about raw wool
What is the HS code for Raw wool?
The HS code for Raw wool is 510119 (Wool; (other than shorn), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), not carded or combed). The HS code for raw, greasy, non-shorn wool is 510119.
How do I classify Raw wool for customs?
Raw wool is classified under HS code 510119 — Wool; (other than shorn), greasy (including fleece-washed wool), not carded or combed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does "greasy" mean in wool classification?
Greasy wool refers to wool that still contains its natural oils (lanolin) and has not yet undergone the scouring or cleaning process to remove impurities.
Which countries are the top exporters of raw wool (HS 510119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510119 (the code used for raw wool) in UN Comtrade data were Lesotho (about $40M, 50% of world exports), Uruguay ($10M) and the United States ($10M). World exports came to about $81M, 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 wool (HS 510119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510119 (the code used for raw wool) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($40M, 66% of world imports), India ($17M) and Spain ($866K). World imports came to about $61M, 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 wool the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510119 for Raw wool 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 wool in Brazil?
In Brazil, raw wool (HS 510119) is classified under NCM 5101.19.00.