U.S. imports of Flax Tow and Waste (HS 530130) totaled $528K in August 2026, imported from 8 countries.
Flax Tow and Waste imports of $528K in August 2026 ran 40% below the year-to-date monthly average of $879K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataFlax tow—the short, tangled fibers separated during hackling—along with yarn waste and garnetted stock, is classified here and serves as a lower-cost input for coarser linen yarns, nonwovens, and composite materials. Belgium and Belarus lead US import supply, followed by France, Egypt, and Lithuania; the prominence of Belarus reflects its large state-operated flax processing sector, which generates substantial tow as a byproduct of long-line fiber production. A single 10-digit line (5301300000) covers all flax tow and waste without further subdivision, simplifying classification but requiring importers to distinguish this material from hackled long-line fiber (530129) based on fiber length and form.
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6 import shipments a month
The key physical distinction is fiber length and alignment: hackled long-line flax consists of aligned, parallel fiber bundles typically exceeding 10–12 inches, while tow is composed of short, tangled fibers under approximately 6 inches. A supplier's mill certificate or fiber analysis report stating average fiber length and confirming the material is a byproduct of the hackling process (tow) rather than a finished hackled sliver is the standard supporting document for customs purposes.
Flax tow is used in coarser linen yarn spinning for canvas, rope, and industrial textiles; as a reinforcement fiber in natural-fiber composite panels for automotive interiors; and in nonwoven insulation and geotextile applications. Garnetted flax stock—mechanically shredded waste—is used in paper manufacturing and as a filler material. The relatively low value per kilogram compared to hackled fiber means freight and logistics costs are a significant factor in sourcing decisions.
Subheading 1 of 4 in heading 5301
Subheading 530130 · $528K of $589K
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 530130 — Flax Tow and Waste, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5301300000 | Flax Tow and Waste Yarn Waste and Garnetted Stock | $528K | 0.00% | 79.67% |
ImportsExports
Imports
$528KYoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $8.2M of Flax Tow and Waste.
Through August 2026 · exports 1 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Belgium and Belarus together supply 99% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
20.3% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 0.00% of imports for consumption.