Product classification
HS code for Silk cocoons: 5001.00
Silk, silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling.
Classification of silk cocoons under HS 5001.00
Silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling are classified under HS code 5001.00. This code is situated at the very beginning of Chapter 50, which covers silk in all its forms, from raw materials to woven fabrics. The classification applies to the protective shells produced by silkworms (Bombyx mori or similar species) that have not yet been processed into yarn. To fall under this specific code, the cocoons must be in a state suitable for the reeling process, which involves unwinding the continuous silk filament. This is a raw material classification based on the biological origin and the initial stage of the textile production chain, following GRI 1.
- Covers
- Fresh silk-worm cocoons
- Dried silk-worm cocoons
- Cocoons treated with steam or hot air to prevent hatching
- Cocoons suitable for industrial reeling
- Also under 5001.00
- Mulberry silk cocoons from China
- Tussah silk cocoons from India
- Eri silk cocoons from Northeast India
- Muga silk cocoons from Assam
Codes often confused with 5001.00
Common mistake. Silk cocoons are often confused with HS code 5002.00, which is reserved for raw silk that has already been reeled from the cocoons. Another common error is misclassifying damaged or pierced cocoons under 5003.00. HS code 5003.00 covers silk waste, including cocoons that are unsuitable for reeling because the moth has emerged, breaking the continuous filament. Importers must ensure the cocoons are intact and reelable to maintain the 5001.00 classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 500100 (the code used for silk cocoons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 500100 (the code used for silk cocoons) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% 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 500100, not only silk cocoons.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $5.8M 58% of world exports
- 2 Tajikistan* ~$1.0M 10% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Kazakhstan $992K 9.8% of world exports
World total: $10M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $6.9M 49% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$5.3M 38% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Brazil $491K 3.5% of world imports
World total: $14M 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 silk cocoons
Brazil classifies silk cocoons under NCM 5001.00.00: HS 5001.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about silk cocoons
What is the HS code for Silk cocoons?
The HS code for Silk cocoons is 500100 (Silk; silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling). The HS code for silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling is 5001.00.
How do I classify Silk cocoons for customs?
Silk cocoons is classified under HS code 500100 — Silk; silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are all silk cocoons classified here?
No, only those suitable for reeling. Cocoons that are pierced, soiled, or otherwise damaged such that they cannot be reeled are classified as silk waste under HS code 5003.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of silk cocoons (HS 500100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 500100 (the code used for silk cocoons) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.8M, 58% of world exports), Tajikistan (about $1.0M) and Kazakhstan ($992K). World exports came to about $10M, 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 silk cocoons (HS 500100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 500100 (the code used for silk cocoons) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.9M, 49% of world imports), Vietnam (about $5.3M) and Brazil ($491K). World imports came to about $14M, 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 Silk cocoons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 500100 for Silk cocoons 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 silk cocoons in Brazil?
In Brazil, silk cocoons (HS 500100) is classified under NCM 5001.00.00.