HS 510510 Carded wool
Quick Answer: Carded wool imported under HS 510510 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.00% ad valorem, and the US at 6.5¢/kg + 5.3% (MFN rate). This HS code specifically covers wool that has undergone a carding process, which disentangles, cleans, and aligns wool fibers into a continuous web or sliver, preparing them for spinning. Importers should note the significant duty rate differences across major markets. According to CustomTariffs, preferential rates may apply for certain trading partners in the US. Exporters and customs brokers must verify the specific origin and applicable trade agreements to ensure accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5105100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5105100000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5105100000 | 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 5105.10?
Imports of Carded 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 12 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 510510 cover?
This subheading covers carded wool, which is wool that has undergone a process of carding. Carding aligns the wool fibers into parallel strands, preparing them for spinning into yarn. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this process involves passing the wool through a carding machine with wire teeth that disentangle, clean, and arrange the fibers. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this category specifically includes wool fibers that have been mechanically processed to achieve a degree of parallelism, ready for further manufacturing.
What falls outside HS 510510?
The following products are excluded from HS 510510: raw wool (HS 5101), scoured wool (HS 5103), wool waste (HS 5103), and wool tops (HS 510520). Wool tops, while also carded, have undergone an additional combing process to remove shorter fibers and further align the longer ones into a more uniform sliver. Raw wool is unprocessed fleece, and scoured wool has been cleaned but not carded. Wool waste refers to by-products of wool processing. These distinctions are crucial for accurate tariff classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 510510?
A common error is confusing carded wool (HS 510510) with wool tops (HS 510520). General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for the interpretation of the Harmonized System emphasizes that when goods are presented in sets or composite goods, classification is determined by the essential character. In this case, wool tops have undergone a more advanced processing step (combing) than carded wool, giving them a distinct essential character for classification purposes. Importers may also mistakenly classify raw or scoured wool under this subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 510510?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 510510 involves verifying that the wool has undergone the carding process, which aligns the fibers into parallel strands. Importers and customs brokers must examine product specifications and processing details to confirm this. Consulting the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, is essential. If the wool is merely cleaned or raw, it falls under different headings.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 510510?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of carded merino wool, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.03 = $15.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Note that specific rates can vary by country and origin.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 510510?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 510510, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for qualifying goods originating from the UK or EU. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK preferences, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 510510 (Carded wool)?
Import duty rates for HS code 510510 vary significantly depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, the United States applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 6.5¢/kg + 5.3% ad valorem. Many preferential trade agreements offer duty-free access; for instance, under agreements with Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others, the duty rate is Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and current rates.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 510510 if it has a mixed rate (e.g., 6.5¢/kg + 5.3%)?
For mixed duty rates like the US MFN rate of 6.5¢/kg + 5.3% ad valorem for HS 510510, the total duty is the sum of a specific duty (per unit of weight) and an ad valorem duty (based on the value of the goods). For example, if you import 1,000 kg of carded wool valued at $5,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as follows: Specific Duty: 1,000 kg * $0.065/kg = $65.00 USD. Ad Valorem Duty: $5,000 USD * 0.053 = $265.00 USD. Total Duty: $65.00 + $265.00 = $330.00 USD. Always verify the exact currency and unit of measure for specific duties.
What are the classification criteria that distinguish carded wool (HS 510510) from other wool preparations?
HS code 510510 specifically covers 'Carded wool.' Carding is a mechanical process that disentangles, cleans, and aligns wool fibers by passing them between rollers covered with wire teeth. This process results in a continuous web or sliver of fibers, often referred to as 'rovings' or 'tops' if further processed. It is distinct from combed wool (HS 510521-510529), which undergoes a more rigorous process to produce longer, more parallel fibers, and from wool waste (HS 510310) or wool noils (HS 510320). The key differentiator is the carding process, which prepares the wool for spinning but does not achieve the high degree of parallelism and fiber length found in combed wool.
Which common trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 510510 into the United States?
The United States has several trade agreements that grant preferential duty rates, often including duty-free access, for goods classified under HS code 510510. Notable agreements include those with Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). To claim these preferential rates, importers must typically provide a valid Certificate of Origin or other documentation as required by the specific agreement, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin.
What documentation is typically required when importing carded wool (HS 510510) under a preferential trade agreement?
When importing carded wool (HS 510510) and claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, importers and customs brokers must provide specific documentation. The most common requirement is a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by the exporter or producer, which certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the trade agreement. Depending on the agreement and the importing country's customs regulations, additional documentation might include commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and potentially laboratory analysis reports to verify the wool's origin or composition. Always consult the specific requirements of the relevant trade agreement and the destination country's customs authority (e.g., U.S. Customs and Border Protection, HM Revenue & Customs) for precise details.