HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9705.21 – Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, human specimens and parts thereof
HS code 9705.21 is the 6-digit subheading for collections and collectors' pieces, of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, human specimens and parts thereof. It is used for human skeletons, anatomical models (if original human parts), preserved organs, mummified remains (ethically sourced for collection) and osteological specimens.
What HS 9705.21 covers
This specific HS code covers collections and collectors' pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, or palaeontological interest, specifically human specimens and parts thereof. This is an extremely sensitive and ethically regulated area of trade, primarily involving scientific institutions, medical schools, and specialized collectors for research, educational displays, or forensic study. Strict international and national laws govern the acquisition, transfer, and display of such items, emphasizing ethical sourcing, informed consent, and respect for human remains. Importers and exporters are typically academic or medical institutions, requiring extensive documentation and permits to ensure compliance with bioethical standards and legal frameworks.
- Covers
- Human skeletons
- Anatomical models (if original human parts)
- Preserved organs
- Mummified remains (ethically sourced for collection)
- Osteological specimens
- Forensic anthropology collections
- Examples
- Anatomical teaching skeletons
- preserved human brains for research
- mummified heads from ancient cultures (ethically sourced and permitted)
- historical medical specimens
Codes often confused with 9705.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with 970529 (other zoological/botanical collections) if the 'human' aspect is overlooked, or 3002 (human blood/organs for medical use) if not clearly for collection/display.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 970521, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 970521 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 50% 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 Germany $11M 85% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.1M 8.3% of world exports
- 3 United States $470K 3.6% of world exports
World total: $13M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $5.9M 50% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $2.1M 18% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $701K 6.0% of world imports
World total: $12M 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 9705.21
Brazil does not split HS 9705.21: its NCM code is 9705.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 97.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9705.21
What is HS code 970521?
HS code 970521 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, human specimens and parts thereof. This specific HS code covers collections and collectors' pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, or palaeontological interest, specifically human specimens and parts thereof. This is an extremely sensitive and ethically regulated area of trade, primarily involving scientific institutions, medical schools, and specialized collectors for research, educational displays, or forensic study. Strict international and national laws govern the acquisition, transfer, and display of such items, emphasizing ethical sourcing, informed consent, and respect for human remains. Importers and exporters are typically academic or medical institutions, requiring extensive documentation and permits to ensure compliance with bioethical standards and legal frameworks.
What products fall under HS code 970521?
Human skeletons, anatomical models (if original human parts), preserved organs, mummified remains (ethically sourced for collection), osteological specimens, forensic anthropology collections
What are common misclassifications for HS code 970521?
Can be confused with 970529 (other zoological/botanical collections) if the 'human' aspect is overlooked, or 3002 (human blood/organs for medical use) if not clearly for collection/display.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 970521?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 970521 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($11M, 85% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($1.1M) and the United States ($470K). World exports came to about $13M, 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 970521?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 970521 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.9M, 50% of world imports), Switzerland ($2.1M) and the United Kingdom ($701K). World imports came to about $12M, 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 970521 structured?
HS code 970521 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (97) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 970521?
In Brazil, HS code 970521 is NCM 9705.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.