HS 510540 Coarse animal hair, carded or combed
Quick Answer: Coarse animal hair, carded or combed, imported under HS 510540 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.00% ad valorem, and the US at 20% ad valorem, with a Free rate also available in the US. This classification covers animal hair that has been processed through carding or combing, making it more orderly and suitable for spinning into yarn or felting. This includes materials like coarse wool, goat hair, and other animal fibers that are not fine. Importers and customs brokers should be aware of these varying duty rates across major markets. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff data, highlighting the importance of accurate classification for cost-effective trade.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5105400000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5105400000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5105400000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 510540 cover?
This subheading covers coarse animal hair, specifically hair of animals such as goats (excluding cashmere and mohair), camel, yak, rabbit (excluding angora), hare, beaver, and nutria, that has undergone the processes of carding or combing. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, carding aligns fibers into slivers, while combing further refines them into parallel strands, preparing them for spinning. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the physical preparation of these coarser animal fibers.
What falls outside HS 510540?
The following products are excluded from HS 510540: fine animal hair (such as wool, cashmere, mohair, alpaca, llama, vicuña, angora rabbit), raw or merely sorted animal hair, animal hair that has been scoured or chemically treated without carding or combing, and animal hair that has been spun into yarn or made into fabric. For instance, raw yak hair, even if sorted, would not fall under this code, nor would spun yak yarn, which is classified under heading 5106. The key distinction is the specific processing stage of carding or combing applied to coarse animal hair.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 510540?
A common error is misinterpreting "coarse animal hair" and classifying fine animal hair, such as wool or cashmere, under this subheading. Another mistake involves confusing the processing stages; hair that is merely scoured or washed, but not carded or combed, should be classified under heading 5105. Furthermore, if the hair has undergone further manufacturing processes like spinning into yarn, it must be classified in the appropriate subsequent headings (e.g., 5106 for wool yarn). Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 3 is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 510540?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 510540 involves first identifying the animal source of the hair and confirming it is considered "coarse" (e.g., yak, camel, certain goat breeds). Next, verify that the hair has undergone either carding or combing, which are specific mechanical processes to align fibers. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the explanatory notes for Chapter 51 to ensure accurate classification based on the described processing and fiber type.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 510540?
A shipment of 500 kilograms of carded yak hair, declared at a customs value of $3,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 510540. The calculation is: $3,000 USD (declared value) × 0.05 (duty rate) = $150.00 (duty amount). This rate applies if no preferential trade agreement is claimed.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 510540?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 510540, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for eligible goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The UK's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced rates or Free entry for goods from certain developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a valid Certificate of Origin is required. For GSP, a GSP Form A or a self-certified origin declaration may be necessary, depending on the specific country and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 510540 (Coarse animal hair, carded or combed)?
Import duty rates for HS code 510540 can vary significantly depending on the country of import and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 2.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates. Sources like the USITC (for the U.S.), EU TARIC (for the EU), or the UK Trade Tariff are essential references.
How is the duty for HS code 510540 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 510540 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of coarse animal hair, carded or combed, has a declared customs value of $10,000 USD and the MFN duty rate is 2.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.02 (Duty Rate) = $200.00 (Duty Amount). Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, so it's crucial to verify the duty calculation method in the importing country's tariff.
What specific criteria differentiate goods classified under HS 510540 from other animal hair classifications?
HS code 510540 specifically covers 'Coarse animal hair, carded or combed'. The key differentiator lies in the 'coarse' nature of the hair and the fact that it has undergone either carding or combing. Coarse animal hair typically refers to fibers with a diameter exceeding 30 microns, such as goat hair (excluding cashmere), camel hair, yak hair, and horsehair. Carding and combing are mechanical processes that align the fibers, preparing them for spinning. Hair that is not coarse, or hair that has not been carded or combed (e.g., raw or merely washed), would fall under different HS codes within Chapter 51.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods under HS code 510540?
While specific requirements can vary by importing country, common documentation for HS code 510540 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. For animal products, especially hair, importing countries may also require veterinary or sanitary certificates to ensure compliance with animal health regulations and prevent the introduction of diseases. Importers and customs brokers should always verify the precise documentation needs with the customs authority of the destination country.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 510540, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 510540 can be available under various free trade agreements (FTAs) or preferential trade schemes. For example, if importing into the U.S., goods originating from countries with an FTA with the U.S. (e.g., USMCA for goods from Canada or Mexico) might qualify for reduced or zero duties. Similarly, the EU has numerous FTAs, and the UK has its own set of trade agreements post-Brexit. To verify eligibility, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. This certificate is then submitted to customs authorities to claim preferential treatment. Consulting the specific text of the trade agreement and the importing country's customs regulations is crucial.