Flax; broken or scutched, but not spun

HS code 530121 covers flax that has been broken or scutched, but not yet spun into yarn. Flax is an important natural fiber crop, with a long history of use in the production of textiles, paper, and other products. This industry plays a crucial role in the global textile and manufacturing sectors, providing a key raw material for a wide range of downstream applications.

The production of flax under HS code 530121 involves several key steps. First, the flax plants are harvested and the fibers are separated from the woody stems through a process called retting. The retted fibers are then broken and scutched to remove the remaining woody parts, leaving behind the long, flexible flax fibers. This preparatory processing is an essential step before the flax can be spun into yarn or used in other manufacturing processes.

The main inputs required for the production of flax under HS code 530121 include the flax plants themselves, as well as specialized machinery and equipment for the retting, breaking, and scutching processes. Flax cultivation requires suitable growing conditions, including well-drained soil and a temperate climate. Additionally, labor and energy resources are necessary to carry out the various processing steps.

The primary output of HS code 530121 is the broken or scutched flax fibers, which can then be used as a raw material for the production of 530911 woven fabrics of flax, 530921 woven fabrics of flax, unbleached or bleached, and other flax-based textile products. The flax fibers may also be used in the manufacture of 530310 jute and other textile bast fibers, raw or retted, as well as in the production of paper and other non-textile applications.