Product classification
HS code for Wool tops (fragments): 5105.21
Wool, wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments.
Classification of wool tops (fragments) under HS 5105.21
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.
- Covers
- Broken wool tops
- Combed wool sliver fragments
- Short lengths of combed wool tops
- Discontinuous combed wool fibers
- Combed wool 'open' fragments
- Also under 5105.21
- Australian Merino Wool Top Fragments
- New Zealand Crossbred Wool Top Waste
- Italian Combed Wool By-products
- Chinese Wool Top Remnants
Codes often confused with 5105.21
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510521 (the code used for wool tops (fragments)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510521 (the code used for wool tops (fragments)) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 24% 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 510521, not only wool tops (fragments).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $7.2M 46% of world exports
- 2 Italy $2.2M 14% of world exports
- 3 Poland $1.9M 12% of world exports
World total: $16M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $4.5M 24% of world imports
- 2 Italy $3.8M 21% of world imports
- 3 Lithuania $1.7M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $19M 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 code for wool tops (fragments)
Brazil classifies wool tops (fragments) under NCM 5105.21.00: HS 5105.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wool tops (fragments)
What is the HS code for Wool tops (fragments)?
The HS code for Wool tops (fragments) is 510521 (Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments). The HS code for combed wool in fragments, or broken tops, is 5105.21.
How do I classify Wool tops (fragments) for customs?
Wool tops (fragments) is classified under HS code 510521 — Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of wool tops (fragments) (HS 510521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510521 (the code used for wool tops (fragments)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.2M, 46% of world exports), Italy ($2.2M) and Poland ($1.9M). World exports came to about $16M, 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 wool tops (fragments) (HS 510521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510521 (the code used for wool tops (fragments)) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($4.5M, 24% of world imports), Italy ($3.8M) and Lithuania ($1.7M). World imports came to about $19M, 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 Wool tops (fragments) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510521 for Wool tops (fragments) 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 wool tops (fragments) in Brazil?
In Brazil, wool tops (fragments) (HS 510521) is classified under NCM 5105.21.00.