HS 510121 Degreased, not carbonised

Quick Answer: Wool, degreased but not carbonised, imported under HS 510121 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US with varying rates including Free, 70.6¢/clean kg, and 81.6¢/clean kg. This classification specifically covers wool that has undergone a degreasing process to remove natural grease and oils but has not yet been carbonised, a more intensive treatment to remove vegetable matter. Importers should note the significant duty rate differences in the US, necessitating careful consideration of the specific sub-classification and applicable clean wool weight for accurate duty calculation. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these variations is crucial for efficient trade operations.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
5101210000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
5101210000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
5101213000 Free — ["cy kg","kg"]
5101213500 Free — ["cy kg","kg"]
5101214060 — — ["cy kg","kg"]
5101216500 Free — ["kg"]
5101217000 6.5¢/kg + 5.3% Free (14 programs) ["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 5101.21?

Imports of Degreased, not carbonised 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 to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 510121 cover?

This subheading covers wool that has undergone degreasing but has not been carbonised. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 5101 pertains to "Raw wool, whether or not scoured or carbonised." Subheading 5101.21 specifically isolates wool that has had its natural grease (lanolin) removed through washing or other degreasing processes, but it has not been subjected to carbonisation, a process that removes vegetable matter by burning. This typically includes wool that is ready for further processing into textiles.

What falls outside HS 510121?

The following products are excluded from HS 510121: raw wool that has not been degreased (classified under 5101.11 or 5101.19), wool that has been carbonised (classified under 5101.30), and wool that has been carded or combed (classified under 5105). Additionally, animal hair of other species, such as goat hair (Chapter 51) or rabbit hair (Chapter 51), are not covered by this subheading, even if degreased. Waste wool or shoddy, which is recovered from textile materials, is also classified elsewhere.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 510121?

A common error is misinterpreting the term "degreased" or confusing it with "scoured." While degreasing removes natural grease, scouring can involve more intensive washing that may also remove some vegetable matter. Furthermore, importers may incorrectly classify carbonised wool under this subheading, failing to recognise that carbonisation is a distinct post-degreasing treatment. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and 3(b) of the Harmonized System is crucial to ensure accurate classification based on the essential character of the goods.

How should importers classify products under HS 510121?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 510121 involves a thorough examination of the product's processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the wool has been degreased, meaning the natural lanolin has been removed, but has not undergone carbonisation. Reviewing supplier documentation, including processing certificates and technical specifications, is essential. Cross-referencing these details with the official descriptions in the relevant national tariff schedule, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, will confirm the correct classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 510121?

A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of degreased, not carbonised sheep's wool, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.03 = $150.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 5101.21.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 510121?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 510121, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying wool originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, as specified by the importing country's customs authority.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 510130 HS 510111 HS 510119 HS 410221 HS 510211 HS 510521

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 510121, 'Degreased, not carbonised' wool, under different trade agreements?

The duty rates for HS code 510121 vary significantly depending on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. For instance:

  • United States (USITC): The Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. Under the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement, wool from Australia may enter duty-free.
  • European Union (EU TARIC): The standard duty rate is 0.00%. Preferential rates may apply under various EU trade agreements.
  • United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff): The standard import duty is Free. Preferential rates may apply under UK trade agreements.

Importers should always verify the specific rate applicable to their shipment based on the origin country and current trade agreements.

How is the duty for HS code 510121 calculated if it's not an ad valorem rate?

While many wool products have ad valorem (percentage of value) duties, some specific classifications, particularly in the US, can have specific duties based on weight. For example, if a specific duty rate of 70.6¢/clean kg were applied (hypothetically, as current rates are 0.00% MFN in the US), the calculation would be based on the net weight of the wool after accounting for moisture and impurities (clean yield).

Example: If a shipment of 100 kg of wool has a clean yield of 80 kg, and the duty rate is 70.6¢/clean kg: Duty = 80 clean kg * $0.706/clean kg = $56.48.

It is crucial to confirm the exact duty basis (ad valorem or specific) and the unit of measure from the relevant customs authority for the importing country.

What are the key classification criteria for HS code 510121?

HS code 510121 specifically covers 'Wool, degreased, not carbonised'. The key criteria are:

  1. Degreased: This means the wool has undergone a process to remove natural grease (lanolin) and dirt. This is typically achieved through scouring.
  2. Not Carbonised: Carbonisation is a process used to remove vegetable matter from wool, often by using acids. If the wool has not undergone this process, it falls under this code.

Therefore, wool that has been scoured but has not been treated to remove vegetable matter would be classified here. The WCO's Explanatory Notes to Chapter 51 provide detailed guidance on these processes.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 510121?

For importing goods classified under HS code 510121, standard customs documentation is required, which generally includes:

  • Commercial Invoice: Detailing the value, quantity, and description of the wool.
  • Packing List: Outlining the contents of each package.
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: As the transport document.
  • Certificate of Origin: Essential for claiming preferential duty rates under trade agreements.
  • Import Declaration: Submitted to customs authorities.

Depending on the importing country and specific trade agreements, additional certifications related to animal health, wool processing, or sustainability might be requested. Importers and customs brokers should consult the specific import requirements of the destination country.

Which major trade agreements commonly affect the duty rates for HS code 510121?

Several major trade agreements can significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 510121. For example:

  • USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement): May offer preferential rates for wool originating from Canada or Mexico entering the US.
  • EU Free Trade Agreements: The EU has numerous FTAs with countries worldwide (e.g., Canada, Japan, South Korea) that could provide reduced or zero duty rates for wool imports into the EU.
  • UK Trade Agreements: Post-Brexit, the UK has established trade agreements with various countries, potentially offering preferential access for wool.
  • Bilateral Agreements: Countries often have specific bilateral agreements (e.g., Australia-US FTA) that grant preferential treatment for certain goods like wool.

Importers must identify the country of origin of their wool and check if a trade agreement exists between that country and the importing country to determine eligibility for preferential duty rates.