Animal products; hair, human, unworked, whether or not washed or scoured, and waste of human hair

HS code 050100 covers the trade of unworked human hair, whether or not washed or scoured, as well as waste from human hair processing. This industry plays a vital role in the global beauty and personal care supply chain, providing essential raw materials for the production of wigs, extensions, and other hair products. The trade of human hair is a significant economic activity, with major exporters and importers across the world.

The production of unworked human hair involves the collection, sorting, and processing of hair from various sources. Hair is typically collected from salons, barbershops, and individual donors, then washed, sorted by color and quality, and packaged for export. The waste from this process is also collected and traded as a byproduct. The hair is usually exported in its raw, unprocessed state, with minimal treatment beyond washing and sorting.

The main inputs for the human hair industry are the raw hair strands collected from various sources. This requires a network of hair collectors and suppliers to gather the necessary volumes. Additionally, the industry relies on processing equipment such as washing machines, sorting tables, and packaging materials to prepare the hair for export. Transportation infrastructure and logistics services are also crucial inputs to facilitate the global trade of this commodity.

The primary output of HS code 050100 is unworked, raw human hair, which is then consumed by manufacturers of 650300 wigs and false beards, 670300 human hair, dressed, thinned, bleached or otherwise worked, and other hair products. The waste and byproducts from the hair processing industry may also be used in the production of 050690 natural sponges of animal origin, fertilizers, or other industrial applications.