HS 510111 Greasy, including fleece-washed wool
Quick Answer: Wool, in its raw, greasy state, including fleece-washed wool, imported under HS 510111 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US with varied rates, including Free and 55.1¢/clean kg. This classification covers wool directly from sheep or lambs that has not undergone significant processing beyond washing to remove grease and dirt. Importers should note the specific US tariff rate depends on factors like clean wool content. According to CustomTariffs data, while the EU and UK offer duty-free entry, careful attention to US specific duties is crucial for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5101110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5101110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5101112000 | Free | — | ["cy kg","kg"] |
| 510111 | — | — | — |
| 5101111000 | Free | — | ["cy kg","kg"] |
| 5101114000 | Free | — | ["cy kg","kg"] |
| 5101115000 | Free | — | ["cy kg","kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 5101.11?
Imports of Greasy, including fleece-washed wool may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 13 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 510111 cover?
This subheading covers greasy wool, including fleece-washed wool, which is wool that has undergone a washing process to remove a significant portion of the grease and impurities but has not been further processed beyond this cleaning. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically excludes wool that has been carded or combed. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key characteristic is the presence of natural wool grease, often referred to as lanolin, in its raw, unpurified state after initial washing.
What falls outside HS 510111?
The following products are excluded from HS 510111: wool that has been scoured (meaning the grease and impurities have been substantially removed), carded, or combed. Also excluded are wool waste, shoddy, and carbonized wool, which are distinct categories under Chapter 51. For instance, wool that has been mechanically or chemically treated to remove lanolin to a greater extent than fleece-washing would be classified elsewhere, typically under HS 510121 (other wool, not carded or combed, degreased). Similarly, wool fibers that have been aligned for spinning, such as carded or combed wool, fall under different subheadings.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 510111?
A common error is misinterpreting the degree of cleaning. Importers may mistakenly classify wool that has been fully scoured (degreased) under this subheading, overlooking the distinction between fleece-washing and scouring. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for the interpretation of the Harmonized System, which deals with goods put up in sets, is generally not applicable here as this is a single product category. It is crucial to differentiate between wool that retains a significant amount of its natural grease and wool that has had this grease substantially removed, which would lead to classification under HS 510121.
How should importers classify products under HS 510111?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 510111 involves a careful examination of the wool's processing history and its physical characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the wool is in its greasy state, having undergone only fleece-washing. This means the natural lanolin content should be present, and the wool should not have been scoured, carded, or combed. Reviewing supplier documentation, such as processing certificates or product descriptions, is essential to confirm that the material meets the criteria of being "greasy, including fleece-washed wool" as defined by the WCO.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 510111?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of greasy merino wool, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 3.0% × $5,000 USD = $150.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 510111.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 510111?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 510111, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating wool from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. For example, originating wool from Canada would benefit from a 0% preferential rate. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin, typically a self-certified origin statement completed by the exporter, is required by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 510111 (greasy wool)?
Import duty rates for HS code 510111, which covers greasy wool (including fleece-washed wool), vary by country and trade agreement. For example, under the United States' Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the rate is 0.00%. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also often Free. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff typically lists a Free rate for this product. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Always verify if any preferential rates apply under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
How is 'greasy wool' defined for HS classification under 510111?
HS code 510111 specifically covers wool that has not been processed beyond the initial shearing and washing of the fleece. 'Greasy' refers to wool that still contains its natural grease (lanolin), dirt, and vegetable matter. 'Fleece-washed' indicates that the wool has undergone a washing process while still in the fleece form, but has not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed into yarn or felt. The key distinction is that the wool's natural state, with its inherent impurities and lanolin content, must be preserved. Any further processing, such as scouring (removing grease and dirt) or carding, would lead to classification under a different HS code.
What documentation is typically required for importing greasy wool under HS 510111?
When importing greasy wool under HS code 510111, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the wool's origin, additional documents may be necessary. These can include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under FTAs, and potentially health or sanitary certificates if required by the importing country's agricultural or animal health authorities. It is advisable for importers and customs brokers to confirm specific requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS 510111?
Several trade agreements can impact the duty rates for HS code 510111. For instance, countries that are signatories to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) may benefit from reduced tariffs. Specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between countries or blocs, such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), EFTA (European Free Trade Association) agreements, or bilateral FTAs involving the EU or UK, often provide for duty-free or reduced-duty access for wool products originating from member countries. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant FTA to qualify for these preferential rates.
How is the duty calculated for HS 510111 if a specific duty rate applies, and can you provide an example?
While many countries offer duty-free entry for HS 510111, some may apply specific duties, often based on weight. For example, if a country imposes a specific duty of 55.1 cents per clean kilogram (¢/clean kg), the calculation would be as follows: Suppose an importer brings in 10,000 kilograms of greasy wool, and laboratory analysis determines the clean yield (the weight of wool fiber after removing grease, dirt, and impurities) is 60% of the greasy weight. The clean weight would be 10,000 kg * 0.60 = 6,000 clean kg. The total duty would then be 6,000 clean kg * $0.551/clean kg = $3,306.00. This example illustrates a specific duty calculation; ad valorem duties (a percentage of the value) are calculated differently (Value × Duty Rate %). Always confirm the applicable duty basis (specific, ad valorem, or compound) and rate with the official tariff schedule.