Product classification
HS code for Stuffing feathers: 0505.10
Animal products, feathers and down used for stuffing, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation.
Classification of stuffing feathers under HS 0505.10
The classification of stuffing feathers under HS code 0505.10 is determined by the degree of processing and the intended industrial application of the material. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 0505 encompasses skins and other parts of birds with their feathers or down, as well as feathers and parts of feathers. Subheading 0505.10 is specifically reserved for feathers of a kind used for stuffing or for down. To qualify for this classification, the feathers must not have undergone processing beyond cleaning, disinfection, or treatments strictly necessary for preservation. This means the feathers are essentially in their natural state, albeit hygienic. If the feathers were to be mounted, set, or further worked for ornamental purposes, they would migrate to Chapter 67. The classification relies on the physical characteristics of the feathers—specifically their suitability for filling pillows, quilts, or apparel—and the absence of decorative working. The Harmonized System prioritizes the raw material's state; thus, bulk feathers imported for the bedding industry are typically found here. The distinction between down and feathers is also relevant, though both fall under this subheading when intended for stuffing. Importers must ensure that the feathers have not been bleached or dyed, as such processes can sometimes trigger a reclassification depending on the specific customs territory's interpretation of 'further worked.'
- Covers
- Duck down for bedding
- Goose feathers for upholstery
- Chicken feathers cleaned for pillow filling
- Bulk stuffing down for winter jackets
- Disinfected bird feathers in raw state
- Also under 0505.10
- Allied Feather & Down (as a processor/supplier)
- Downlite (bedding manufacturer)
- Pacific Coast Feather Company (bedding manufacturer)
Codes often confused with 0505.10
Common mistake. Stuffing feathers are frequently confused with HS code 6701.00, which covers skins and other parts of birds with their feathers or down, feathers, parts of feathers, down and articles thereof, which have been 'worked' beyond simple cleaning. If feathers are arranged for decoration or attached to a base, they belong in 6701. Additionally, 0505.90 is often used incorrectly; this code is for feathers not intended for stuffing, such as those used for industrial brushes or other non-filling applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050510 (the code used for stuffing feathers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050510 (the code used for stuffing feathers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 20% 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 050510, not only stuffing feathers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $806M 46% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$113M 6.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Italy $96M 5.5% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$353M 20% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $264M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $133M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 stuffing feathers
Brazil classifies stuffing feathers under NCM 0505.10.00: HS 0505.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about stuffing feathers
What is the HS code for Stuffing feathers?
The HS code for Stuffing feathers is 050510 (Animal products; feathers and down used for stuffing, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation). The HS code for stuffing feathers is 0505.10, provided they are only cleaned or treated for preservation.
How do I classify Stuffing feathers for customs?
Stuffing feathers is classified under HS code 050510 — Animal products; feathers and down used for stuffing, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are decorative feathers included in this code?
No, decorative or ornamental feathers that have been worked, dyed, or mounted are classified under HS code 6701.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of stuffing feathers (HS 050510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050510 (the code used for stuffing feathers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($806M, 46% of world exports), Taiwan (about $113M) and Italy ($96M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 stuffing feathers (HS 050510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050510 (the code used for stuffing feathers) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $353M, 20% of world imports), China ($264M) and Italy ($133M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Stuffing feathers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050510 for Stuffing feathers 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 stuffing feathers in Brazil?
In Brazil, stuffing feathers (HS 050510) is classified under NCM 0505.10.00.