Product classification
HS code for Silk waste: 5003.00
Silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste and garnetted stock).
Classification of silk waste under HS 5003.00
HS code 500300 is utilized for the classification of silk waste, which includes a variety of by-products from the silk production process. This code is situated within Chapter 50, which is dedicated to silk. The classification encompasses silk cocoons that are unsuitable for reeling, as well as yarn waste and garnetted stock. Silk waste is generally categorized into two types: waste obtained from the reeling process (such as frisons or floss silk) and waste obtained from the processing of these materials (such as noils). The classification under 500300 requires that the material has not yet been spun into yarn. Once the waste is carded or combed for spinning, it remains under this heading but is distinguished from raw silk (500200). The inclusion of garnetted stock refers to fibers obtained by tearing up rags or yarns, which are then reused. This code is essential for raw material suppliers and textile manufacturers who deal in recycled or secondary silk fibers. The Harmonized System notes for Section XI specify that waste must be in its raw or semi-processed state. If the waste has been processed to the point of being a finished textile article, it would move to a different chapter entirely. For instance, silk waste that has been carded or combed is still under 500300, but the specific subheading may vary depending on the level of processing. Understanding the distinction between 'noils' (short fibers) and 'frisons' (longer waste strands) is helpful for accurate valuation, though both typically fall under the 500300 umbrella. This code is vital for environmental reporting and circular economy tracking within the textile industry.
- Covers
- Silk noils (short fibers)
- Cocoons unsuitable for reeling
- Silk yarn waste (broken threads)
- Garnetted stock (recovered silk fibers)
- Floss silk and frisons
- Also under 5003.00
- Spun silk yarn from waste
- Silk insulation material
- Silk paper pulp
- Silk batting
Codes often confused with 5003.00
Common mistake. Silk waste is often confused with 500200 (Raw silk), which refers to high-quality silk reeled from cocoons. It is also frequently misclassified as 500500 (Silk waste yarn) if the waste has already been spun into a thread. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 500100 for waste cocoons, but 500100 is strictly for silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling.
Top exporters and importers of HS 500300 (the code used for silk waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 500300 (the code used for silk waste) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world imports. Uzbekistan 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 6.7% of its exports here ($758K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 500300, not only silk waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $37M 35% of world exports
- 2 India $33M 31% of world exports
- 3 Germany $10M 9.5% of world exports
Uzbekistan 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 6.7% of its exports here ($758K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $108M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $48M 43% of world imports
- 2 Italy $34M 31% of world imports
- 3 Germany $10M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $112M 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 codes for silk waste
Brazil splits HS 5003.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5003.00.10Silk waste, not carded or combed
- 5003.00.90Other silk waste, carded or combed
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about silk waste
What is the HS code for Silk waste?
The HS code for Silk waste is 500300 (Silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste and garnetted stock)). The HS code for silk waste, including cocoons unsuitable for reeling and yarn waste, is 500300.
How do I classify Silk waste for customs?
Silk waste is classified under HS code 500300 — Silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste and garnetted stock). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is garnetted silk stock classified as waste?
Yes, garnetted stock produced from silk rags or yarn is classified under HS code 500300 as a form of silk waste.
Which countries are the top exporters of silk waste (HS 500300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 500300 (the code used for silk waste) in UN Comtrade data were China ($37M, 35% of world exports), India ($33M) and Germany ($10M). World exports came to about $108M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Uzbekistan 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 6.7% of its exports here ($758K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of silk waste (HS 500300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 500300 (the code used for silk waste) in UN Comtrade data were China ($48M, 43% of world imports), Italy ($34M) and Germany ($10M). World imports came to about $112M, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 500300 for Silk waste 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 waste in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 500300 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for silk waste depends on the product's details: 5003.00.10 (Silk waste, not carded or combed), 5003.00.90 (Other silk waste, carded or combed).