HS Code 01.03 – Swine; live

HS code 0103 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Swine; live. HS Code 0103 covers all live swine, which primarily refers to domestic pigs, including piglets, feeder pigs, breeding sows, and boars. This classification is fundamental for the global pork industry, encompassing animals destined for breeding, fattening for meat production, or even for research purposes. The scope is strictly limited to *live* swine, distinguishing them from pork products, offal, or genetic material which are classified under different headings. Key sub-categories within this heading include specific breeds like Yorkshire, Duroc, and Landrace for commercial farming, as well as miniature pigs for research. For trade compliance professionals, accurate classification under 0103 is paramount due to significant animal health concerns, particularly highly contagious diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Classical Swine Fever. Importers and exporters must meticulously adhere to veterinary health certificates, stringent biosecurity protocols, and quarantine requirements to prevent disease transmission. Historically, the trade of swine has been crucial for food production across many cultures, and today, the movement of breeding stock is vital for genetic improvement and maintaining efficient pork supply chains. This heading is a critical component of Chapter 1, 'Live Animals,' establishing the primary classification for commercially significant swine species.

Yorkshire piglets for fattening, Duroc breeding boars, Landrace gilts for breeding, pot-bellied pigs as pets, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, feeder pigs, market hogs, breeding sows, breeding boars, piglets for research, miniature pigs for medical research, show pigs, farm pigs, pregnant sows, weaner pigs, finishing pigs, heritage breed pigs, domestic swine, commercial pig breeds, specialized pathogen-free piglets.

Common misclassification mistakes involve confusing live swine with their derived products or deceased counterparts. For example, classifying pork meat (0203) or edible offal of swine (0206) under 0103 is incorrect, as 0103 strictly applies to *live* animals. Another error is misclassifying swine semen or embryos, which fall under 0511 ('Animal products not elsewhere specified or included'), not 0103. While 0103 focuses on domestic swine, traders might sometimes incorrectly classify wild boars under this heading, whereas depending on their specific characteristics and purpose, they might fall under 0106 ('Other live animals'). The critical differentiator is the 'live' aspect and the specific classification of 'swine.'

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0103 in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($1.6B, 33% of world exports), the Netherlands ($764M) and Canada ($641M). World exports came to about $4.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0103 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($945M, 20% of world imports), Poland ($813M) and the United States ($633M). World imports came to about $4.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 0103 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 01 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (01) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.