About HS Code 051000
This highly specialized category includes rare and valuable animal products such as ambergris, castoreum, civet, musk, cantharides, bile (dried or not), glands, and other animal products, primarily for pharmaceutical purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen, or otherwise provisionally preserved. Many of these substances are derived from protected species, making their trade subject to stringent CITES regulations and national wildlife laws. Importers are typically pharmaceutical companies, perfumers, or traditional medicine practitioners seeking unique natural compounds. Exporters are often countries with specific animal populations or specialized collection/processing facilities. Ethical sourcing, sustainability, and legal compliance are paramount, as synthetic alternatives are increasingly sought due to conservation concerns and the high value of these natural products.
Products Under This Code
Ambergris, castoreum, civet musk, deer musk, bear bile, cantharides (dried beetles), animal glands for extracts, snake venom (provisionally preserved)
Real World Examples
High-end perfumes (using ambergris/musk as fixatives), traditional Chinese medicine formulations, pharmaceutical research compounds, specific homeopathic remedies
Common Misclassification
Can be confused with 3001 (glands/organs for organo-therapeutic uses, dried or powdered) if further processed, or 1302 (vegetable saps/extracts) if not clearly animal-derived. The key is the specific animal origin and minimal processing.
Products Classified Under 0510.00
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
France and Switzerland are notable importers for perfumery and pharmaceuticals, while countries in Asia are significant for traditional medicine, with trade often originating from specific regions where these animals are found.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 051000?
HS code 051000 covers: Animal products; ambergris, castoreum, civet, musk, cantharides, bile (dried or not) glands and other animal products, for pharmaceutical purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or otherwise provisionally preserved. This highly specialized category includes rare and valuable animal products such as ambergris, castoreum, civet, musk, cantharides, bile (dried or not), glands, and other animal products, primarily for pharmaceutical purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen, or otherwise provisionally preserved. Many of these substances are derived from protected species, making their trade subject to stringent CITES regulations and national wildlife laws. Importers are typically pharmaceutical companies, perfumers, or traditional medicine practitioners seeking unique natural compounds. Exporters are often countries with specific animal populations or specialized collection/processing facilities. Ethical sourcing, sustainability, and legal compliance are paramount, as synthetic alternatives are increasingly sought due to conservation concerns and the high value of these natural products.
What products fall under HS code 051000?
Ambergris, castoreum, civet musk, deer musk, bear bile, cantharides (dried beetles), animal glands for extracts, snake venom (provisionally preserved)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 051000?
Can be confused with 3001 (glands/organs for organo-therapeutic uses, dried or powdered) if further processed, or 1302 (vegetable saps/extracts) if not clearly animal-derived. The key is the specific animal origin and minimal processing.
How is HS code 051000 structured?
HS code 051000 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (05) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.