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51099000
WOOL, FINE OR COARSE ANIMAL HAIR; HORSEHAIR YARN AND WOVEN FABRICYarn of wool or of fine animal hair, put up for retail sale

Other

Standard EU duty
5%
VAT
23%
Additional duties / sanctions
0 rules
Docs required
10 docs
C400Y900Y922Y084N954U045+4
Standard rates
Applies toTypeRateConditionsRegulation
ERGA OMNESThird country duty5%-R1789/03
Preferences
ERGA OMNES 0%AD 0%AL 0%BA 0%CA 0%CAMER 0%CARI 0%CH 0%CI 0%CL 0%CM 0%CO 0%DZ 0%EBA 0%EC 0%EEA 0%EG 0%EH 0%ESA 0%EUCA 0%FJ 0%FO 0%GB 0%GE 0%GH 0%GSP 4%GSP+ 0%IL 0%JO 0%JP 0%KE 0%KR 0%LB 0%LOMB 0%MA 0%MD 0%ME 0%MK 0%MX 0%NZ 0%PE 0%PG 0%PS 0%SADC EPA 0%SB 0%SG 0%SM 0%SWITZ 0%SY 0%TN 0%TR 0%UA 0%VN 0%WS 0%XC 0%XK 0%XL 0%XS 0%ZA 0%
Notes
CD605The benefit of this tariff quota is subject to the presentation of the outward processing authorisation, for the purpose of implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 32/2000, Annex II, footnote (1). This concerns goods resulting from processing work as provided for in the arrangements with Switzerland on processing traffic in textiles.
CD303The relief from or reduction of customs duties shall be subject to the specific request expressed by the declarant in box 44 "Additional information/Documents produced/Certificates and authorisations", of the Single Administrative Document (SAD)
TM904Preferences granted under the agreement between the European Union and Morocco in force from 19 July 2019.As of 3 October 2025, products originating in Western Sahara subject to controls by the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall benefit from trade preferences under the terms of the new Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and Morocco, The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to allow those products to be identified by reference to the region of origin to be included in the proof of origin and as provided for in Protocol 4.In view of the application of these measures, the origin certificates codes U179 and U180 must be declared.The country code to be entered in the origin declaration when these proofs of origin are used is “EH”.
CD727Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of an origin declaration stating the European Union origin of the goods, in the context of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
CD906The list of non-eligible locations and their postal codes is available at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/technical-arrangement_postal-codes.pdf
CD500Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of a proof of origin stating the community origin of the goods, in the context of the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation.
5

Binding Tariff Information

BTI classification examples

DEgold793/24-1

Vintage wool felt cord yarn for crafting

woolGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold083/25-1

Knitting yarn, 75% wool, 25% polyamide

woolGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold716/25-1

Knitting yarn: 75% wool, 25% polyamide

woolGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold459/23-1

Wool wick yarn on jute core

woolGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold211/25-1

Knitting yarn - wool/polyamide blend

woolGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6

BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

Classification scope and product features

CN code 510990 covers other yarn of combed wool or fine animal hair, put up for retail sale, not falling within subheading 510910. This primarily includes blended worsted yarns with wool or fine animal hair content below 85 percent but still the predominant fibre. Fine animal hair includes fibres from alpaca, llama, camel, cashmere goat, angora rabbit and mohair goat, as defined in Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011. These yarns are valued for their thermoregulatory properties, softness and aesthetic qualities. Classification requires the goods to be put up for retail sale, which distinguishes this subheading from yarn intended for industrial processing under other headings of Chapter 51.

Composition labelling and chemical safety regulations

Importing fine animal hair yarn into the EU requires full compliance with the Textile Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 regarding fibre composition labelling. The names of individual fibres such as cashmere, mohair or alpaca may only be used in accordance with definitions in Annex I. Incorrect use of a fibre name constitutes a regulatory violation subject to market surveillance sanctions. REACH Regulation restricts certain chemicals in textile articles, including azo dyes releasing aromatic amines above 30 mg/kg. Importers should require laboratory test reports from suppliers confirming chemical compliance. The GPSR Regulation (EU 2023/988) imposes a duty on importers to ensure consumer product safety, requiring risk assessment and traceability documentation throughout the supply chain.

International trade and customs procedures

Yarn classified under CN code 510990 follows standard EU customs procedures at import. The customs declaration should precisely specify fibre composition, linear weight and form of retail packaging. A certificate of origin is essential for obtaining preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements or the GSP scheme. Cashmere and alpaca yarns most commonly originate from Mongolia, Peru and China, which determines available trade preferences. Customs control may include laboratory verification of fibre composition, particularly where there are doubts about declared proportions of expensive fibres such as cashmere. Importers should retain documentation confirming the origin and composition of goods for the period required by customs regulations.

Classification of wool yarn and customs requirements CN 5109 90

Wool yarn CN 5109 90 is classified by spinning method (worsted or carded), thickness, and composition. Importing wool yarn into the EU is subject to conventional customs duty and import VAT. Pure wool and blended yarns may have different duty rates. Correct fibre composition labelling is required. Importers must ensure correct fibre composition labelling under EU Regulation 1007/2011. Current duty rates are available in the TARIC database for verification.

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes CN code 510990 from 510910?
Code 510910 covers worsted yarn containing 85 percent or more wool or fine animal hair. Code 510990 covers other worsted yarns of wool or fine animal hair for retail sale, typically blended yarns where these fibres are below 85 percent. The deciding factor is the percentage content of wool or fine animal hair in the yarn composition.
Does cashmere yarn require a special certificate?
EU customs law does not require a separate certificate for cashmere, but the name is protected under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 and may only be used for fibres from the cashmere goat. Customs authorities may order laboratory testing to verify the declared composition. Mislabelling constitutes a regulatory breach subject to enforcement action and penalties.
What chemical substance limits apply to animal hair yarn?
REACH Regulation sets a limit of 30 mg/kg for aromatic amines released from azo dyes. Formaldehyde in textiles with skin contact should not exceed 75 mg/kg. Chromium VI used in dyeing processes is restricted. PFAS substances used in finishing treatments are separately regulated. Importers should require laboratory test reports from their suppliers confirming compliance.
What is the EU duty on worsted yarn of fine animal hair CN 5109 90?
Worsted yarn of fine animal hair under CN 5109 90 is subject to conventional EU customs duty and import VAT. Check the rate in TARIC. Fibre composition labelling per EU 1007/2011 is mandatory.