Product classification
HS code for Wool waste: 5103.20
Wool and hair, waste of wool or of fine animal hair, including yarn waste, but excluding garnetted stock and noils of wool or of fine animal hair.
Classification of wool waste under HS 5103.20
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.
- Covers
- Wool yarn waste
- Fine animal hair yarn waste
- Wool fiber waste (non-garnetted)
- Sliver waste of wool
- Roving waste of fine animal hair
- Also under 5103.20
- Recycled fiber for insulation
- Automotive sound dampening
- Felt padding
- Mattress filling
- Geo-textiles
- Low-grade blankets
Codes often confused with 5103.20
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 510320 (the code used for wool waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 510320 (the code used for wool waste) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 41% 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 510320, not only wool waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.1M 27% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.5M 19% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $663K 8.7% of world exports
World total: $7.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $2.4M 41% of world imports
- 2 United States $357K 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Lithuania $348K 5.9% of world imports
World total: $5.8M 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 waste
Brazil classifies wool waste under NCM 5103.20.00: HS 5103.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wool waste
What is the HS code for Wool waste?
The HS code for Wool waste is 510320 (Wool and hair; waste of wool or of fine animal hair, including yarn waste, but excluding garnetted stock and noils of wool or of fine animal hair). The primary HS code for wool waste (excluding noils and garnetted stock) is 5103.20.
How do I classify Wool waste for customs?
Wool waste is classified under HS code 510320 — Wool and hair; waste of wool or of fine animal hair, including yarn waste, but excluding garnetted stock and noils of wool or of fine animal hair. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of wool waste (HS 510320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 510320 (the code used for wool waste) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.1M, 27% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($1.5M) and Czechia ($663K). World exports came to about $7.6M, 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 waste (HS 510320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 510320 (the code used for wool waste) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($2.4M, 41% of world imports), the United States ($357K) and Lithuania ($348K). World imports came to about $5.8M, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 510320 for Wool waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, wool waste (HS 510320) is classified under NCM 5103.20.00.