HS Code for Wool waste

HS Code 5103.20 is designated for the classification of waste of wool or of fine animal hair, specifically excluding noils and garnetted stock. This classification is determined by the origin of the material and the stage of processing. Wool waste typically consists of fibers that are too short for standard spinning or are by-products of the carding and combing processes. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 51 covers wool and animal hair, and heading 5103 is subdivided to distinguish between noils (the short fibers removed during combing) and other types of waste. Subheading 5103.20 specifically captures yarn waste and other fiber waste that has not been garnetted. The classification relies on General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 6, focusing on the specific nomenclature of the subheadings. It is essential to verify that the waste has not undergone the garnetting process, which would involve tearing apart rags or yarns to recover fibers, as that would shift the classification to heading 5104. The material must be clearly identifiable as waste from the textile industry to qualify for this specific code.

Products Included

• Wool yarn waste
• Fine animal hair yarn waste
• Wool fiber waste (non-garnetted)
• Sliver waste of wool
• Roving waste of fine animal hair

Common Misclassification

Common misclassification often occurs with HS code 5103.10, which is reserved specifically for noils of wool or fine animal hair. Noils are the short fibers separated from the long fibers during the combing process, whereas 5103.20 covers other types of waste such as yarn waste. Another frequent error involves HS code 5104.00, which covers garnetted stock. Garnetted stock is produced by tearing apart rags, scrap yarns, or other textile wastes to return them to a fibrous state. If the wool waste has been processed through a garnetting machine, it must be moved from 5103 to 5104. Additionally, waste that has been carded or combed for further spinning is classified under 5105. Importers must distinguish between simple waste by-products and materials that have been re-processed into a usable fiber state.

FAQ

What is the HS code for wool waste?

The primary HS code for wool waste (excluding noils and garnetted stock) is 5103.20.

Does this include recycled rags?

No, recycled rags that have been torn apart to recover fibers are classified as garnetted stock under HS code 5104.00.