HS 510820 Combed
Quick Answer: Wool or fine animal hair, combed, imported under HS 5108.20 enters the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.20%, and the US at 4% (MFN). This classification specifically covers wool or fine animal hair that has undergone the combing process. Combing is a mechanical treatment that aligns the fibers, removing shorter lengths and impurities, resulting in a more uniform and higher-quality yarn precursor. Importers and customs brokers should be aware that preferential rates may apply in the US for certain trading partners. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff data, highlighting the need for precise classification to ensure accurate duty payments and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5108200000 | — | — | — |
| 5108201000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 5108209000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5108200000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 5108201000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 5108209000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5108208000 | 4% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 510820 | — | — | — |
| 5108203000 | 4% | Free (14 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 5108204000 | 4% | 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 5108.20?
Imports of 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 510820 cover?
This subheading covers combed wool or fine animal hair, specifically prepared for spinning. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, "combed" refers to a process that aligns the fibers, removing short staples and impurities, making them suitable for high-quality yarns. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes wool and fine animal hair that has undergone this specific carding and combing process, ready for further manufacturing into textiles.
What falls outside HS 510820?
The following products are excluded from HS 510820: raw wool or fine animal hair that has not been combed, carded wool or fine animal hair (which falls under HS 510810), and waste or shoddy of wool or fine animal hair. Also excluded are yarns of wool or fine animal hair, which are classified under headings 5106 through 5109, and fabrics made from these combed fibers, which are classified in Chapters 50 through 63. For instance, uncombed wool fibers intended for felting would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 510820?
A common error is the misclassification of carded wool or fine animal hair as combed. Carding is a preliminary process that disentangles fibers, while combing further aligns them and removes shorter staples. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are classifiable by two or more headings, the classification shall be determined by the component which gives them their essential character. Importers may also mistakenly classify yarns or fabrics under this subheading, overlooking the specific nature of combed fibers prepared for spinning.
How should importers classify products under HS 510820?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 510820 involves verifying that the wool or fine animal hair has undergone the combing process, resulting in aligned fibers suitable for spinning. Importers and customs brokers should consult the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. Confirmation of the fiber preparation stage is crucial; if the material is merely carded or still in a raw state, it belongs to a different classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 510820?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of combed merino wool, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 10% of $1,500 USD = $150.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 510820.9000 (other combed wool).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 510820?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 510820, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The UK's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) scheme may offer preferential rates, often Free, for originating goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin declaration for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 510820, specifically for 'Combed' wool or fine animal hair?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 510820 (Combed wool or fine animal hair) in the United States is 3.20% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Trade Preference Programs. For example, goods originating 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 receive duty-free treatment (Free). It is crucial to verify the specific origin of the goods and the applicable FTA to determine the correct preferential rate. Always consult the latest US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most current rates.
How is the classification of 'Combed' wool or fine animal hair under HS code 510820 determined?
HS code 510820 specifically covers 'Combed' wool or fine animal hair. The key criterion for classification is that the wool or fine animal hair has undergone the process of 'combing.' Combing is a mechanical process that separates the longer fibers from the shorter ones (noils) and arranges the fibers in a parallel manner, resulting in a more uniform and higher quality product. If the wool or fine animal hair has not been combed, or if it has been carded but not combed, it would fall under a different HS code (e.g., 5106-5110 for yarns, or 5102 for raw wool/fine animal hair). Importers must ensure their product documentation clearly indicates the combing process has been performed.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 510820?
For imports under HS code 510820, standard customs documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, to claim preferential duty rates under FTAs, a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by the exporting country's competent authority or a declaration of origin from the exporter/producer is mandatory. This document must certify that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. For certain origins or specific programs, additional certifications or declarations might be necessary. Consult with your customs broker for precise requirements based on the origin and destination country.
Can you provide an example of how import duty is calculated for HS code 510820?
Certainly. Let's assume an importer is bringing 1,000 kilograms of combed wool into the United States from a country that does not have a preferential trade agreement, thus subject to the MFN rate of 3.20% ad valorem. If the declared value of the 1,000 kg of combed wool is $15,000 USD, the import duty calculation would be as follows: Duty Amount = Value × Duty Rate. Duty Amount = $15,000 USD × 3.20% = $480 USD. In this scenario, the importer would owe $480 in import duties.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 510820 into the United States?
The United States has several trade agreements that can provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 510820. Key agreements include the United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (BH), the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CL), the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CO), the United States-Israel Free Trade Area Agreement (IL), the United States-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (JO), the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KR), the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MA), the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement (OM), the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (PA), the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PE), and the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SG). To benefit from these agreements, importers must ensure the combed wool or fine animal hair originates from the respective country and meets all stipulated rules of origin, supported by a valid Certificate of Origin.