HS Code for Wool tops (fragments)

HS code 5105.21 is designated for wool tops in fragments. This classification is part of heading 5105, which covers wool and animal hair that has been carded or combed. While standard wool tops (5105.29) are continuous slivers of combed wool, 'fragments' (also known as broken tops) are pieces of these slivers that have been broken or cut into shorter lengths during the manufacturing process or due to handling. Despite being fragmented, they retain the essential characteristics of combed wool, meaning the fibers have been aligned parallel to one another and the short fibers (noils) have been removed. This distinguishes them from carded wool (5105.10) and from wool waste (heading 5103). Fragments are often used in specialized spinning processes or for felting where a continuous strand is not required. The classification 5105.21 requires that the material is predominantly wool and has been subjected to the combing process. It is a specific technical distinction within the wool trade to separate high-value continuous tops from their fragmented by-products.

Products Included

• Broken wool tops
• Combed wool sliver fragments
• Short lengths of combed wool tops
• Discontinuous combed wool fibers
• Combed wool 'open' fragments

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification for wool top fragments is HS code 5103.10 (noils of wool). While both are by-products of the combing process, noils are the short fibers removed *during* combing, whereas fragments are pieces of the *actual* combed top. Another error is using 5105.29, which is strictly for continuous wool tops. If the shipment consists of broken pieces rather than continuous slivers, 5105.21 is the legally correct code. Additionally, if the fragments are so small they are considered waste, they may fall under 5103.20.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Wool tops (fragments)?

The HS code for combed wool in fragments, or broken tops, is 5105.21.

How do fragments differ from wool waste?

Fragments (5105.21) are pieces of combed wool where fibers are aligned. Wool waste (5103) consists of tangled fibers or noils that have not been processed into a top or have been discarded as unusable for standard spinning.