Product classification
HS code for Wool tops: 5105.29
Wool, wool tops and other combed wool, other than in fragments.
Classification of wool tops under HS 5105.29
Wool tops are classified under HS code 5105.29. This code falls within Chapter 51, which covers wool, fine or coarse animal hair, and horsehair yarn and woven fabric. Heading 5105 specifically addresses wool and animal hair that has been carded or combed. Wool tops are a semi-processed product of the worsted spinning system. After raw wool is scoured and carded, it undergoes a combing process to align the fibers parallel to each other and remove short fibers (noils). The resulting continuous, untwisted strand is known as a 'top.' Subheading 5105.29 is the residual category for combed wool that is not in 'fragments' (which are covered by 5105.21). This classification is critical for the textile supply chain, as wool tops represent the primary raw material for worsted yarn production. The fibers in a wool top are typically longer and more uniform than those in carded wool (5105.10), which is used for the woolen spinning system. To qualify for 5105.29, the product must be predominantly wool and must have undergone the mechanical combing process.
- Covers
- Combed wool tops in continuous slivers
- Worsted wool tops
- Dyed wool tops (not yet spun)
- Bleached wool tops
- Blended tops where wool predominates
- Also under 5105.29
- Australian Merino Wool Tops
- New Zealand Crossbred Wool Tops
- South African Mohair Tops
- Italian Worsted Wool Slivers
- Südwolle Group Wool Tops
Codes often confused with 5105.29
Common mistake. Wool tops are frequently confused with carded wool (5105.10). The distinction lies in the combing process; carded wool has fibers that are scrambled and not parallel, whereas tops are combed and aligned. Another misclassification occurs with 5105.21, which is specifically for 'fragments' or broken tops. If the sliver is continuous, it must be 5105.29. Finally, if the wool has already been twisted into yarn, it must be classified under headings 5106 through 5110, depending on the type of yarn.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510529 (the code used for wool tops), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510529 (the code used for wool tops) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 25% 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 510529, not only wool tops.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $364M 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $132M 14% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $127M 13% of world exports
World total: $944M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $239M 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $115M 12% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$97M 10.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $971M 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 codes for wool tops
Brazil splits HS 5105.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 5105.29.10Wool tops
- 5105.29.91Other combed wool, under 22.5 microns
- 5105.29.99Other combed wool, 22.5 microns or more
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wool tops
What is the HS code for Wool tops?
The HS code for Wool tops is 510529 (Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, other than in fragments). The HS code for standard, continuous combed wool tops is 5105.29.
How do I classify Wool tops for customs?
Wool tops is classified under HS code 510529 — Wool; wool tops and other combed wool, other than in fragments. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is carded wool the same as a wool top?
No, carded wool is classified under 5105.10. Wool tops have undergone an additional combing process to align fibers and are classified under 5105.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of wool tops (HS 510529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510529 (the code used for wool tops) in UN Comtrade data were China ($364M, 39% of world exports), Germany ($132M) and Czechia ($127M). World exports came to about $944M, 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 (HS 510529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510529 (the code used for wool tops) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($239M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($115M) and Vietnam (about $97M). World imports came to about $971M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510529 for Wool tops 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 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 510529 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for wool tops depends on the product's details: 5105.29.10 (Wool tops), 5105.29.91 (Other combed wool, under 22.5 microns), 5105.29.99 (Other combed wool, 22.5 microns or more).