HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0106.49 – Insects; live, other than bees
HS code 0106.49 is the 6-digit subheading for insects, live, other than bees. It is used for mealworms, crickets, black soldier fly larvae, ladybugs and praying mantises.
What HS 0106.49 covers
This HS code encompasses live insects other than bees, covering a remarkably diverse range of species traded for various purposes. This includes insects for biological pest control in agriculture, feeder insects for pets (reptiles, birds), scientific research, exotic pets, and increasingly, for human consumption (entomophagy) as a sustainable protein source. The market for these insects is expanding due to growing interest in natural pest management, sustainable food systems, and exotic animal husbandry. Importers include agricultural companies, research institutions, pet stores, and insect farms. Exporters are typically specialized insect breeders, bio-control companies, and farms dedicated to mass-rearing specific species. Strict regulations regarding species identification, disease control, and transport conditions are crucial.
- Covers
- Mealworms
- Crickets
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Ladybugs
- Praying mantises
- Stick insects
- Silkworms
- Madagascar hissing cockroaches
- Examples
- Entomo Farms (edible insects)
- Orkin (pest control, sometimes uses beneficial insects)
- local pet stores selling feeder insects
- Fluker's Cricket Farm
Codes often confused with 0106.49
Common mistake. This broad code could be confused with 010641 (live bees) if the insect is not correctly identified, or even with 010690 if the insect is mistakenly categorized as 'other live animals' due to its non-mammal/reptile/bird nature.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 010649, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 010649 in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 16% 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 Belgium $64M 21% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $63M 21% of world exports
- 3 Spain $45M 15% of world exports
World total: $308M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $43M 16% of world imports
- 2 Canada $38M 14% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $22M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $273M 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 0106.49
Brazil does not split HS 0106.49: its NCM code is 0106.49.00.
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 0106.49
What is HS code 010649?
HS code 010649 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Insects; live, other than bees. This HS code encompasses live insects other than bees, covering a remarkably diverse range of species traded for various purposes. This includes insects for biological pest control in agriculture, feeder insects for pets (reptiles, birds), scientific research, exotic pets, and increasingly, for human consumption (entomophagy) as a sustainable protein source. The market for these insects is expanding due to growing interest in natural pest management, sustainable food systems, and exotic animal husbandry. Importers include agricultural companies, research institutions, pet stores, and insect farms. Exporters are typically specialized insect breeders, bio-control companies, and farms dedicated to mass-rearing specific species. Strict regulations regarding species identification, disease control, and transport conditions are crucial.
What products fall under HS code 010649?
Mealworms, Crickets, Black soldier fly larvae, Ladybugs, Praying mantises, Stick insects, Silkworms, Madagascar hissing cockroaches
What are common misclassifications for HS code 010649?
This broad code could be confused with 010641 (live bees) if the insect is not correctly identified, or even with 010690 if the insect is mistakenly categorized as 'other live animals' due to its non-mammal/reptile/bird nature.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 010649?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 010649 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($64M, 21% of world exports), the Netherlands ($63M) and Spain ($45M). World exports came to about $308M, 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 010649?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 010649 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($43M, 16% of world imports), Canada ($38M) and Belgium ($22M). World imports came to about $273M, 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 010649 structured?
HS code 010649 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 010649?
In Brazil, HS code 010649 is NCM 0106.49.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.