Wool and hair; garnetted stock of wool or of fine or coarse animal hair

HS code 510400 covers the trade and production of wool and hair, including garnetted stock of wool or fine or coarse animal hair. This industry plays a crucial role in the global textile and apparel supply chain, providing essential raw materials for the manufacturing of a wide range of products, from high-end fashion to industrial applications. As a key component of the broader agricultural and manufacturing sectors, the wool and hair industry contributes significantly to the overall economic activity and employment in many countries around the world.

The production of wool and hair covered under HS code 510400 typically involves a series of processing steps. The raw wool or animal hair is first collected, sorted, and cleaned to remove impurities. It is then subjected to a process called 'garnetting', which involves mechanically breaking down the fibers into a uniform, fluffy material. This garnetted stock can then be further processed, such as by carding, combing, or spinning, to create yarn or other intermediate products for use in textile manufacturing.

The main inputs required for the production of wool and hair under HS code 510400 include the raw wool or animal hair, which is typically sourced from sheep, goats, camels, and other livestock. Additionally, specialized machinery and equipment, such as garnetting machines, carding machines, and spinning frames, are essential for the various processing steps. Energy sources, such as electricity or fuel, are also necessary to power the production facilities.

The primary outputs of the industry covered by HS code 510400 are the garnetted stock of wool or fine or coarse animal hair. These intermediate products are then consumed by various downstream industries, such as 510510 Wool, carded or combed, 510520 Wool tops and other combed wool, and 511000 Yarn of wool or fine animal hair, which use them as inputs for the production of a wide range of textile and apparel products.