Wool, fine or coarse animal hair… (chapter 51): which countries import it
Chapter 51 covers wool, fine and coarse animal hair, and yarns and fabrics made from them. Global imports exceed USD 8.5 billion annually. Spain's main…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 51 covers wool, fine and coarse animal hair, and yarns and fabrics made from them. Global imports exceed USD 8.5 billion annually. Spain's main outlets are EU countries and Morocco. To export successfully, you need to verify tariff classification by subheading, check preferential agreements applicable to your destination, and confirm any specific certifications required by the importer.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 51
- Sector
- Fashion and Textiles
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 2,763,385,134 |
| Italy | 1,314,974,209 |
| Germany | 488,144,421 |
| United Kingdom | 330,921,854 |
| India | 318,140,521 |
| Morocco | 286,676,063 |
| Türkiye | 285,293,692 |
| United States | 256,810,955 |
| Romania | 230,416,879 |
| South Korea | 207,075,255 |
| Japan | 203,182,730 |
| Czechia | 197,677,332 |
| France | 168,915,826 |
| Denmark | 167,128,585 |
| Hong Kong SAR China | 165,792,007 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Wool, not carded or combedHeading 5101
- Fine or coarse animal hair, not carded or combedHeading 5102
- Waste of wool or of fine or coarse animal hair, including yarn waste but excluding garnetted stockHeading 5103
- Wool, or fine or coarse animal hair; garnetted stockHeading 5104
- Wool and fine or coarse animal hair; carded or combed (including combed wool in fragments)Heading 5105
- Yarn of carded wool, not put up for retail saleHeading 5106
- Yarn of combed wool, not put up for retail saleHeading 5107
- Yarn of fine animal hair (carded or combed), not put up for retail saleHeading 5108
- Yarn of wool or of fine animal hair, put up for retail saleHeading 5109
- Yarn of coarse animal hair or of horsehair (including gimped horsehair yarn), whether or not put up for retail saleHeading 5110
- Woven fabrics of carded wool or of carded fine animal hairHeading 5111
- Woven fabrics of combed wool or of combed fine animal hairHeading 5112
- Woven fabrics of coarse animal hair or of horsehairHeading 5113
Trade fairs in this sector
- LINEAPELLE
- MICAM Milano
- MOMAD, Salón Internacional de Moda, Calzado y Accesorios
- Pitti Immagine Uomo
- Première Vision Paris
- Techtextil
- Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris
What to check before you export
Chapter 51 products enter most markets under a general tariff rate that depends on the specific tariff subheading—how the product is processed (carded or combed), its fiber type, and whether it is yarn or fabric. The same physical product can fall under different headings if it crosses different thresholds of fineness or processing.
Your starting point is to identify the exact 8-digit subheading under which your product classifies. This determines the base tariff you will face. Use the Harmonized System search at Access2Markets (https://ec.europa.eu/growth/access2markets) for the EU and your main destinations. Enter your product description and the tool will suggest the code; cross-check with your buyer's import records if possible.
Once you know the subheading, verify the tariff under each trade agreement your destination country has signed. An EU importer pays one rate; a Moroccan importer may benefit from the EU-Morocco preferential agreement and pay less; a US importer pays the Most Favored Nation rate. Access2Markets shows the applicable rate by destination.
Certification requirements vary sharply by buyer and destination. Some require fiber content certificates from an accredited lab; others demand proof of sustainable sourcing; some have no special requirement beyond a commercial invoice. Ask your buyer upfront what evidence they need and in what format. Never assume that because one buyer in a country accepted your documentation, the next will accept the same.
Common questions
Why does Chapter 51 matter if I export fabric or garments made from wool?
If your final product is a wool garment, it classifies under Chapter 62 (apparel), not Chapter 51. However, if you supply fabric or yarn to a garment maker, or if you sell raw wool or combed fibers, Chapter 51 applies to you. The chapter matters because it defines how tariffs, certifications, and quotas apply to your input material.
What's the difference between carded and combed wool in tariff terms?
The tariff code splits carded wool (fibers aligned but coarse, used for bulky yarns and felt) from combed wool (finer, longer fibers used for smooth, high-quality yarns). They have separate headings and often different duty rates. Your buyer's specification will tell you which they need; verify the code before quoting.
Which EU countries import the most Chapter 51 products?
According to UN Comtrade data from 2024, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom are the largest importers of Chapter 51 goods globally, followed by India, Morocco, and Türkiye. Spain's position in this market depends on your specific product and buyer network; use ITC Trade Map (https://www.trademap.org) to check bilateral flows from Spain to your target destination.
Do I need environmental or ethical certifications to export wool?
It depends on the buyer and the destination market. Some EU importers require animal welfare certification (such as RWS – Responsible Wool Standard) or organic status. Others have no certification requirement. Ask your buyer explicitly which certifications, if any, they require for the contract. This must be confirmed before production, not after shipment.
Where do I find the current tariff rate for my product?
Use Access2Markets (https://ec.europa.eu/growth/access2markets) to search by tariff code and destination country. Enter your 8-digit HS code and the importer's country; the tool shows the base rate, any preferential rates under trade agreements, and any temporary measures. Rates change; always check before quoting and before shipping.
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