HS 510531 Fine animal hair, carded or combed
Quick Answer: Fine animal hair, carded or combed, imported under HS 510531 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.00%, and the US at 6.8¢/kg + 5.5% (MFN). This classification specifically covers fine animal hair, such as cashmere or angora, that has undergone carding or combing processes to align the fibers. These processes prepare the hair for further manufacturing into textiles. Importers should be aware of potential specific duty rates and preferential treatment agreements that may apply, particularly in the US market where various free trade agreements can significantly alter the duty burden. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying the most current rates for each jurisdiction before shipment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5105310000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5105310000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5105310000 | 6.8¢/kg + 5.5% | 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 5105.31?
Imports of Fine animal hair, carded or combed 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 510531 cover?
This subheading covers fine animal hair, specifically that of goats (cashmere, mohair) and rabbits (angora), which has undergone the processes of carding or combing. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, carding aligns and disentangles fibers, while combing further aligns them into parallel strands, preparing them for spinning. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC database confirm that this category includes these prepared fine animal hairs, ready for further manufacturing into textiles.
What falls outside HS 510531?
The following products are excluded from HS 510531: raw, scoured, or uncarded/uncombed fine animal hair, which would fall under HS 510530. Coarser animal hairs, such as sheep's wool or horsehair, are classified under different headings within Chapter 51. Additionally, finished textile products made from this hair, such as yarns or fabrics, are classified in subsequent chapters. For instance, raw cashmere fibers are not covered, nor are spun cashmere yarns.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 510531?
A common error is misclassifying partially processed materials or confusing fine animal hair with coarser animal fibers. For example, if the hair has not undergone carding or combing, it should not be classified here. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify blended fibers if the blend is not predominantly fine animal hair prepared as described.
How should importers classify products under HS 510531?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 510531 involves verifying that the material is indeed fine animal hair, such as cashmere, mohair, or angora rabbit hair, and that it has been carded or combed. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to confirm the precise definition and any specific notes. Reviewing product specifications and processing documentation is crucial to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 510531?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of combed cashmere fibers, 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 value ($5,000 USD × 0.03 = $150.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically under HTS code 5105.31.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 510531?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 510531, 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 goods originating from the UK or EU. Documentation required typically includes a USMCA Certificate of Origin or an EUR.1 movement certificate, respectively, to claim these preferences.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 510531 (Fine animal hair, carded or combed)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 510531 can vary. For example, under the US tariff schedule, the MFN rate is 3.5% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are often available for goods originating from countries with which the importing country has trade agreements. For instance, goods from 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 may enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the country of origin to determine the applicable duty rate.
How is the duty for HS code 510531 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 510531 typically involves an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value of the goods) or a specific duty (a set amount per unit of weight or measure), or a combination of both. For example, if the US MFN rate were a hypothetical 6.8¢/kg + 5.5% ad valorem, and you imported 100 kg of fine animal hair valued at $1,000 USD: The specific duty would be 100 kg * $0.068/kg = $6.80. The ad valorem duty would be 5.5% of $1,000 = $55.00. The total duty would be $6.80 + $55.00 = $61.80. Always refer to the precise duty rate structure in the importing country's tariff schedule.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS code 510531?
To be classified under HS code 510531, the goods must be fine animal hair that has undergone the process of carding or combing. 'Fine animal hair' generally refers to the hair of animals such as sheep, goats (including cashmere and mohair), alpacas, llamas, camels, yak, rabbits (angora), and similar animals, characterized by its fineness (typically less than 18.5 microns for sheep's wool). 'Carded' refers to the process of disentangling and aligning the fibers using cards, producing a sliver or roving. 'Combed' refers to a further process that removes short fibers and arranges the longer fibers parallel, resulting in a smoother, more uniform product. The material must be in a form suitable for spinning into yarn.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 510531?
Standard import documentation for HS code 510531 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and a certificate of origin. The certificate of origin is particularly important for claiming preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the animal hair, additional documents such as health certificates or phytosanitary certificates might be required to ensure compliance with animal welfare and agricultural regulations. Importers should consult the customs authorities of the destination country for a comprehensive list.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 510531?
Several major trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 510531. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG), which may grant duty-free or reduced duty access for eligible fine animal hair. The European Union's tariff system (TARIC) also includes numerous preferential rates for goods from countries with which the EU has association or free trade agreements. Similarly, the UK Trade Tariff reflects preferences under its trade deals. Importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement to qualify for these benefits.