Understanding HS Code 0501 for Human Hair Imports — A Buyer's Guide

Navigating customs classification is one of the most common friction points for international buyers importing raw human hair from India. A misclassified shipment can result in delays, additional duties, or in extreme cases, seizure at the port of entry.

This guide decodes HS Code 0501 and explains what Indian exporters and their global buyers need to understand for seamless customs clearance.

What is an HS Code?

The Harmonized System (HS) is a globally standardized nomenclature for classifying traded products, maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The first six digits are identical across all WCO member countries; individual countries may add further digits for national tariff purposes.

For human hair, the classification falls under Chapter 05 of the HS: *Hides, Skins and Other Animal Products*.

HS Code Breakdown for Human Hair

05 01 — Human hair, unworked, whether or not washed or scoured; waste of human hair.

The key Indian sub-classifications are:

HS 05010010 — Human hair, unworked (raw/unprocessed):

• ●Natural state, not dyed, bleached, curled, or otherwise processed
• ●Includes temple-donated hair, household collected hair
• ●May be washed and sorted, but not chemically treated
• ●Subject to India's FOB minimum of USD 65/kg under DGFT export policy

HS 05010020 — Human hair, worked (processed):

• ●Washed, sorted, wefted, and potentially lightly processed
• ●Covers machine-weft bundles, closures, frontals with minimal chemical treatment
• ●Finished wigs and complex constructions may fall under Chapter 67 (HS 6703, 6704)

India's DGFT Export Policy: The FOB Rule

A critical compliance requirement that every Indian raw hair exporter must navigate:

Under India's Foreign Trade Policy, the export of raw human hair (HS 05010010) is categorized as "Prohibited" with an important statutory exception:

*Exports are freely allowed if the Free-On-Board (FOB) value is at or above USD 65 per kilogram.*

This rule was introduced to prevent undervalued exports of high-quality temple hair. It means:

1. 1.Any legitimate Indian raw hair exporter must price raw bulk hair at minimum USD 65/kg FOB.
2. 2.Export documentation must reflect this pricing accurately.
3. 3.Customs authorities at Indian ports verify the FOB value before releasing the shipment.

For buyers: If a supplier quotes you raw temple hair at USD 20–30/kg FOB, this should raise a serious compliance red flag. The hair may be misclassified, undervalued on documentation, or not genuine temple hair at all.

Country-Specific Import Duties: Know Before You Ship

Import duty rates on HS 05010010 and 05010020 vary by destination:

*Always verify current rates with a licensed customs broker in your import country — tariff schedules change.*

Essential Export Documentation from India

A complete human hair export shipment from India should include:

1. 1.Commercial Invoice — with HS code, FOB value per kg, and exporter's IEC number
2. 2.Packing List — bundle count, weight per box, total gross/net weight
3. 3.Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB)
4. 4.Certificate of Origin — issued by the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) or FIEO
5. 5.Shipping Bill — filed by the exporter at Indian customs
6. 6.GST/Export Rebate Documentation — LUT (Letter of Undertaking) under GST for zero-rated exports
7. 7.Quality/Phytosanitary Certificate — where required by the destination country

How DEY GLOBAL EXPORTERS Handles Documentation

Every shipment from DEY GLOBAL EXPORTERS includes:

• ●Correctly classified HS code per product type (05010010 for raw bulk, 05010020 for wefted products)
• ●FOB pricing that fully complies with DGFT minimums
• ●IEC Registration: IEC-XXXX-XXXX
• ●GSTIN: 19XXXXX1234X1ZX (LUT registered for zero-rated exports)
• ●Pre-shipment QC report available on request
• ●All documents digitally transmitted before vessel departure

We work with established freight forwarders in Kolkata who are experienced in human hair export documentation, ensuring your shipment clears customs without delays.

*Questions about documentation or want a pro-forma invoice? [Contact our export team](/contact).*