Product classification
HS code for Silkworm cocoons: 5001.00
Silk, silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling.
Classification of silkworm cocoons under HS 5001.00
Silkworm cocoons are classified under HS code 5001.00. This is a primary raw material code within the silk chapter of the Harmonized System. It specifically covers cocoons that are suitable for reeling, which is the process of unwinding the silk filament. Because these are considered the most basic form of silk production, they are placed at the very beginning of Chapter 50. The classification applies to the cocoons in their natural state or after they have been dried to kill the pupa, provided the silk filament remains intact and reelable for the production of raw silk.
- Covers
- Mulberry silkworm cocoons
- Tussah (wild) silk cocoons
- Dried silkworm cocoons for reeling
- Fresh silkworm cocoons
- Cocoons treated with hot air
- 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. A common misclassification is HS code 5003.00, which covers silk waste. If the cocoons are damaged, perforated (where the moth has emerged), or otherwise unsuitable for reeling, they are considered waste and must be moved to 5003. Additionally, some importers mistakenly look at Chapter 5 (Products of animal origin), but Note 1 to Chapter 5 excludes silk and silk waste, mandating that all silkworm products for textile use remain in Chapter 50.
Top exporters and importers of HS 500100 (the code used for silkworm cocoons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 500100 (the code used for silkworm 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 silkworm 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 silkworm cocoons
Brazil classifies silkworm 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 silkworm cocoons
What is the HS code for Silkworm cocoons?
The HS code for Silkworm cocoons is 500100 (Silk; silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling). The HS code for silkworm cocoons suitable for reeling is 5001.00.
How do I classify Silkworm cocoons for customs?
Silkworm cocoons is classified under HS code 500100 — Silk; silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are waste cocoons classified under the same code?
No. Cocoons that cannot be reeled, such as those that are stained or broken, are classified as silk waste under HS code 5003.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of silkworm cocoons (HS 500100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 500100 (the code used for silkworm 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 silkworm cocoons (HS 500100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 500100 (the code used for silkworm 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 Silkworm cocoons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 500100 for Silkworm 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 silkworm cocoons in Brazil?
In Brazil, silkworm cocoons (HS 500100) is classified under NCM 5001.00.00.