Silk

HS code 50 covers the silk industry, a highly specialized and valuable sector within the global textile trade. Silk is a natural protein fiber produced by certain insect larvae, primarily the mulberry silkworm. This delicate and luxurious material has been prized for centuries, with a long history of production and trade across Asia and the world. The silk industry plays a significant role in the economies of major producing countries, contributing to employment, exports, and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.

The production of silk involves several key steps. Silkworms are carefully reared and fed a diet of mulberry leaves. Once the worms spin their cocoons, these are harvested and boiled to extract the long, continuous silk filaments. The filaments are then processed, spun, and woven into a variety of silk fabrics and products. Skilled workers utilize traditional techniques, such as hand-reeling and hand-weaving, to create high-quality silk textiles.

The silk industry relies on several key inputs, including mulberry trees to feed the silkworms, specialized equipment for cocoon harvesting and silk processing, and skilled labor to carry out the intricate production processes. Additionally, the industry requires access to reliable transportation and logistics networks to facilitate the movement of raw materials and finished goods.

The primary outputs of the silk industry are a diverse range of silk fabrics, yarns, and finished products. These include 52 Woven Fabrics such as 5007 Woven Fabrics of Silk or of Silk Waste, 5004 Silk Yarn, and 5006 Silk Yarn and Yarn Spun from Silk Waste. The silk industry also produces specialized items like 6101 (Men's or Boys' Overcoats, Car-Coats, Capes, Cloaks, Anoraks (Including Ski-Jackets), Wind-Cheaters, Wind-Jackets and Similar Articles, Knitted or Crocheted) and 6201 (Men's or Boys' Overcoats, Car-Coats, Capes, Cloaks, Anoraks (Including Ski-Jackets), Wind-Cheaters, Wind-Jackets and Similar Articles).