HS Code 6310Rags; used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials

What HS code 6310 covers

Heading 6310 is for textile waste of a set kind. It takes in rags, whether used or new. In every case the goods must be made of textile materials.

You may also see this number called the HSN code 6310. It is the same four digits. Because the heading sits in the textiles part of the Harmonized System, the material decides the match. Rags and scrap rope made of textile fibre belong here. Goods of other materials do not.

Many traders call these goods textile waste. The customs wording is more exact than that. It names rags, scrap and worn out rope items one by one, so read the wording before you pick the code.

Sorted or not sorted: 631010 vs 631090

Sorting is the only thing that separates the two codes. The goods are the same on both lines. Only the sorted state changes.

If your rags or scrap rope are sorted, use 631010. There is no split by fibre type, by price or by use in these two lines.

This is the answer to the common question about the difference between 631010 and 631090. One is sorted, the other is not.

• 631010: sorted rags and scrap rope goods
• 631090: the same goods, other than sorted

How to classify rags and scrap rope correctly

Work through the questions in order. Each one removes a wrong answer.

Step one: check the material. The goods must be textile. Step two: check the status. Step three: check whether the lot is sorted. Sorted goes to 631010. Anything else goes to 631090.

If the goods fail step one or step two, look at the neighbouring headings below. If you still cannot decide, the HS code classifier can help you narrow it down. National tariff systems add more digits after these six, so check your own country's list before you file.

6310 vs worn clothing, sacks and made-up articles

Three nearby headings cause most of the mix-ups.

A used shirt that is still a worn garment is a 6309 question, not a rags question.

A bag that is still a bag stays there. Textile made up articles not named elsewhere in the chapter, including dress patterns, go to 6307. Tarpaulins, awnings, tents and sails sit in 6306.

Rule of thumb: if the item is still a finished article with its own heading, use that heading. If it is rag or scrap rope material, use 6310.

Who imports rags: import and export data for 6310

A code tells you what a product is. It does not tell you who trades it. For that you need shipment records.

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.

You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo. Use 631010 or 631090 if you know whether the lot is sorted, or search the whole heading if you do not.