Product classification
HS code for Untwisted silk: 5002.00
Silk, raw silk (not thrown).
Classification of untwisted silk under HS 5002.00
Untwisted silk, technically referred to as raw silk, is classified under HS code 5002.00 because it represents the primary state of silk filaments after they have been reeled from the cocoon but before they have undergone the 'throwing' process. In the context of the Harmonized System, 'raw silk' is defined as silk that has not been twisted or doubled to form a yarn. The filaments are held together solely by the natural gum, known as sericin, which is present in the silk as it is produced by the silkworm. This classification is strictly reserved for silk in its most basic form, typically presented in hanks or skeins of varying lengths. The absence of a 'twist' is the defining characteristic that distinguishes this heading from subsequent silk yarn headings. Even if the silk has been cleaned or degummed, as long as it has not been twisted, it remains within this classification. This code is essential for the global trade of silk as a raw commodity before it enters the textile manufacturing chain for spinning or weaving.
- Covers
- Raw silk reeled from cocoons
- Mulberry silk in untwisted hanks
- Wild silk (tussah) in raw filament form
- Untwisted silk skeins
- Raw silk filaments not yet thrown
- Also under 5002.00
Zhejiang Cathaya International Co. Ltd. raw silk, Anhui Silk Co. Ltd. raw silk, Sichuan Nanchong Silk raw silk
Codes often confused with 5002.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 5004.00, which covers silk yarn. The distinction lies entirely in the 'throwing' or twisting process; once the silk filaments are twisted together to increase strength and durability, they must be moved to 5004.00. Another common error involves HS code 5003.00, which is designated for silk waste. Silk waste includes cocoons unsuitable for reeling, pulled or garnetted rags, and noils. If the silk is not a continuous filament reeled from a cocoon, it belongs in the waste category rather than 5002.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 500200 (the code used for untwisted silk), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 500200 (the code used for untwisted silk) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 38% of world imports. Vietnam 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 19% of its imports here ($6.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 500200, not only untwisted silk.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $225M 58% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$104M 27% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Italy $42M 11% of world exports
World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $139M 38% of world imports
- 2 Romania $85M 23% of world imports
- 3 Italy $48M 13% of world imports
Vietnam 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 19% of its imports here ($6.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $368M 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 untwisted silk
Brazil classifies untwisted silk under NCM 5002.00.00: HS 5002.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about untwisted silk
What is the HS code for Untwisted silk?
The HS code for Untwisted silk is 500200 (Silk; raw silk (not thrown)). The HS code for untwisted silk, also known as raw silk (not thrown), is 5002.00.
How do I classify Untwisted silk for customs?
Untwisted silk is classified under HS code 500200 — Silk; raw silk (not thrown). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between raw silk and thrown silk?
Raw silk (5002.00) consists of filaments reeled together without any twist, while thrown silk (5004.00) has been twisted or doubled to create a yarn suitable for textile production.
Which countries are the top exporters of untwisted silk (HS 500200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 500200 (the code used for untwisted silk) in UN Comtrade data were China ($225M, 58% of world exports), Vietnam (about $104M) and Italy ($42M). World exports came to about $391M, 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 untwisted silk (HS 500200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 500200 (the code used for untwisted silk) in UN Comtrade data were India ($139M, 38% of world imports), Romania ($85M) and Italy ($48M). World imports came to about $368M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 19% of its imports here ($6.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Untwisted silk the same in all countries?
The base HS code 500200 for Untwisted silk 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 untwisted silk in Brazil?
In Brazil, untwisted silk (HS 500200) is classified under NCM 5002.00.00.