Product classification
HS code for Scoured shorn wool: 5101.21
Wool, (not carded or combed), degreased, (not carbonised), shorn.
Classification of scoured shorn wool under HS 5101.21
HS code 5101.21 is designated for shorn wool that has undergone a scouring process but has not yet been carded, combed, or carbonized. The classification is determined by the state of the fiber and the method of its collection. Under General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, heading 51.01 covers wool that is not carded or combed. The subheading 5101.21 specifically targets wool that has been shorn, meaning it was harvested from a live sheep using shears or clippers. The term degreased or scoured refers to wool that has undergone a washing process to remove lanolin, suint, and environmental contaminants. This process is distinct from greasy wool (5101.11), which remains in its natural state. The scouring process typically involves hot water and detergents or organic solvents to strip the natural oils. It is important to note that for classification under 5101.21, the wool must not have reached the carbonized stage, where acid is used to remove vegetable matter. This code represents a mid-stage raw material in the textile supply chain, positioned between raw fleece and processed yarn. The classification ensures that customs authorities can track the value-added processing of natural fibers as they move from agricultural production to industrial manufacturing. Proper documentation of the scouring yield and the shorn nature of the wool is required for accurate declaration.
- Covers
- Scoured shorn sheep wool
- Degreased shorn wool (not carbonized)
- Washed shorn wool in the fleece
- Fleece-dyed scoured shorn wool
- Also under 5101.21
- Australian Merino wool
- New Zealand Strong Wool
- South African Cape Wool
- Patagonia (for sourcing)
- Zegna (for sourcing)
Codes often confused with 5101.21
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 5101.11 (greasy shorn wool) if the importer is unaware of the degree of cleaning. It is also frequently confused with 5101.29, which covers scoured wool that is not shorn (such as pulled wool). Additionally, if the wool has been treated with acid to remove burrs, it must be moved to 5101.30 for carbonized wool.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510121 (the code used for scoured shorn wool), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510121 (the code used for scoured shorn wool) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 510121, not only scoured shorn wool.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $155M 51% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $35M 12% of world exports
- 3 Uruguay $23M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $306M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $80M 27% of world imports
- 2 Lithuania $32M 11% of world imports
- 3 India $30M 10% of world imports
World total: $296M 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 scoured shorn wool
Brazil classifies scoured shorn wool under NCM 5101.21.00: HS 5101.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about scoured shorn wool
What is the HS code for Scoured shorn wool?
The HS code for Scoured shorn wool is 510121 (Wool; (not carded or combed), degreased, (not carbonised), shorn). The specific HS code for scoured (degreased) shorn wool that is not carbonized is 5101.21.
How do I classify Scoured shorn wool for customs?
Scoured shorn wool is classified under HS code 510121 — Wool; (not carded or combed), degreased, (not carbonised), shorn. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include wool that has been carded?
No, once wool has been carded or combed, it moves to heading 51.05. HS 5101 is strictly for wool that has not yet reached that stage of processing.
Which countries are the top exporters of scoured shorn wool (HS 510121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510121 (the code used for scoured shorn wool) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($155M, 51% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($35M) and Uruguay ($23M). World exports came to about $306M, 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 scoured shorn wool (HS 510121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510121 (the code used for scoured shorn wool) in UN Comtrade data were China ($80M, 27% of world imports), Lithuania ($32M) and India ($30M). World imports came to about $296M, 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 Scoured shorn wool the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510121 for Scoured shorn 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 scoured shorn wool in Brazil?
In Brazil, scoured shorn wool (HS 510121) is classified under NCM 5101.21.00.