Hair; fine animal hair, carded or combed, of kashmir (cashmere) goats

HS code 510531 covers the classification of fine animal hair, specifically that of Kashmir (cashmere) goats, which has been carded or combed. This industry plays a crucial role in the global textile and apparel supply chain, providing a highly sought-after raw material for the production of luxurious and high-quality fabrics. The demand for cashmere products has steadily increased over the years, driven by the growing consumer preference for natural, sustainable, and premium-quality fibers.

The production of carded or combed Kashmir (cashmere) goat hair involves a multi-step process. First, the fine cashmere fiber is harvested from the goats, typically through a process called 'combing' or 'de-hairing.' The harvested fiber is then cleaned, sorted, and graded based on factors such as fiber length, fineness, and color. Next, the fibers undergo carding, a mechanical process that aligns and disentangles the fibers, preparing them for the subsequent spinning and weaving stages.

The primary input for the production of carded or combed Kashmir (cashmere) goat hair is, of course, the raw cashmere fiber itself. This fiber is sourced from specialized cashmere goat farms, primarily located in regions such as Mongolia, China, and parts of Central Asia. In addition to the raw material, the industry also requires specialized machinery and equipment for the carding, combing, and processing of the fibers. Skilled labor, particularly in the sorting and grading processes, is another crucial input for this industry.

The primary output of HS code 510531 is carded or combed Kashmir (cashmere) goat hair, which is then used as a raw material for the production of high-end textiles and apparel. This output may be consumed by industries covered under other HS codes, such as 510529 (Hair; fine animal hair, carded or combed, other than of kashmir (cashmere) goats), 510539 Wool and fine or coarse animal hair; carded or combed, other, and 520100 Cotton, not carded or combed, among others, which are involved in the manufacturing of luxury fabrics, knitwear, and other premium textile products.