HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0106.12 – Mammals; live, whales, dolphins and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea); manatees and dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia); seals, sea lions and walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia)
HS code 0106.12 is the 6-digit subheading for mammals, live, whales, dolphins and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea), manatees and dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia), seals, sea lions and walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia). It is used for bottlenose dolphins, orcas (killer whales), beluga whales, california sea lions and grey seals.
What HS 0106.12 covers
This highly specialized and often controversial HS code covers the international trade of live marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, porpoises (Cetacea), manatees, dugongs (Sirenia), and seals, sea lions, walruses (Pinnipedia). The primary purpose of this trade is for public display in aquariums and marine parks, or for rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Trade is extremely restricted by international conventions such as CITES and numerous national laws due to significant conservation concerns, ethical debates surrounding captivity, and the immense logistical challenges of transporting large marine animals. Exporters are typically countries with coastal access and permits for capture, while importers are marine entertainment venues or conservation centers globally.
- Covers
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Orcas (killer whales)
- Beluga whales
- California sea lions
- Grey seals
- Manatees
- Walruses
- Examples
- SeaWorld (dolphins, orcas)
- Georgia Aquarium (beluga whales)
- Vancouver Aquarium (sea lions)
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (dolphins)
Codes often confused with 0106.12
Common mistake. This code is distinct due to its specific mention of marine mammal orders; it's unlikely to be confused with other live mammal codes unless the species is misidentified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 010612, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 010612 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 97% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $4.1M 55% of world exports
- 2 Spain $3.0M 40% of world exports
- 3 Angola $334K 4.4% of world exports
World total: $7.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $25M 97% of world imports
- 2 Dominican Republic $325K 1.2% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $232K 0.9% of world imports
World total: $26M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 0106.12
Brazil does not split HS 0106.12: its NCM code is 0106.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 01.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0106.12
What is HS code 010612?
HS code 010612 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mammals; live, whales, dolphins and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea); manatees and dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia); seals, sea lions and walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia). This highly specialized and often controversial HS code covers the international trade of live marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, porpoises (Cetacea), manatees, dugongs (Sirenia), and seals, sea lions, walruses (Pinnipedia). The primary purpose of this trade is for public display in aquariums and marine parks, or for rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Trade is extremely restricted by international conventions such as CITES and numerous national laws due to significant conservation concerns, ethical debates surrounding captivity, and the immense logistical challenges of transporting large marine animals. Exporters are typically countries with coastal access and permits for capture, while importers are marine entertainment venues or conservation centers globally.
What products fall under HS code 010612?
Bottlenose dolphins, Orcas (killer whales), Beluga whales, California sea lions, Grey seals, Manatees, Walruses
What are common misclassifications for HS code 010612?
This code is distinct due to its specific mention of marine mammal orders; it's unlikely to be confused with other live mammal codes unless the species is misidentified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 010612?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 010612 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.1M, 55% of world exports), Spain ($3.0M) and Angola ($334K). World exports came to about $7.5M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 010612?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 010612 in UN Comtrade data were China ($25M, 97% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($325K) and Saudi Arabia ($232K). World imports came to about $26M, 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.
How is HS code 010612 structured?
HS code 010612 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (01) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 010612?
In Brazil, HS code 010612 is NCM 0106.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.