Carded wool has been opened and lightly aligned but retains a random fiber orientation suitable for woolen (short-staple) spinning systems, producing bulkier, softer yarns. Combed wool in fragments has undergone the more intensive combing process that removes short fibers and aligns longer ones, but the 'fragment' form means it lacks the continuous, uniform sliver structure of a proper wool top — making it suitable for blending or re-processing rather than direct worsted spinning.

Carded wool and combed wool in fragments fall under a different classification than wool tops and other combed wool in continuous sliver form. Wool tops — the primary input for worsted spinning — are classified separately and may carry different duty rates. Importers should verify the physical form of the shipment carefully, as the distinction between 'fragments' and continuous top affects both classification and applicable duty.