Product classification
HS code for Ambergris: 0510.00
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.
Classification of ambergris under HS 0510.00
HS code 051000 is designated for a specific group of animal products, including ambergris, primarily intended for pharmaceutical purposes. This classification is based on the biological origin of the product and its traditional or potential application in medicinal or related industries. Ambergris, a waxy substance originating from the digestive system of sperm whales, is historically valued for its fixative properties in perfumery and its use in traditional medicine. The code encompasses these raw animal secretions and glands, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or provisionally preserved, highlighting their status as primary animal-derived materials before further processing into finished pharmaceutical products.
- Covers
- Ambergris, in its raw or provisionally preserved state.
- Castoreum, a secretion from beaver castor sacs.
- Civet, a secretion from civet cats.
- Musk, derived from the musk deer.
- Cantharides, dried beetles used in traditional medicine.
- Bile, dried or not, and glands from animals, for pharmaceutical use.
- Other animal products specifically for pharmaceutical purposes, as defined by the heading.
- Also under 0510.00
- High-end perfumes (using ambergris/musk as fixatives)
- traditional Chinese medicine formulations
- pharmaceutical research compounds
- specific homeopathic remedies
Codes often confused with 0510.00
Common mistake. Common misclassification can occur with other animal products not specifically intended for pharmaceutical use, which might fall under different headings in Chapter 05, such as bones and horn-cores (0506) or other animal products not elsewhere specified (0511). Synthetic substitutes for ambergris or other listed substances, which are chemical products, would be classified under Chapters 29 or 33, depending on their chemical nature and formulation, rather than under 051000. It is crucial to verify the natural origin and the intended pharmaceutical application to ensure correct classification under this specific code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 051000 (the code used for ambergris), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 051000 (the code used for ambergris) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 34% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 051000, not only ambergris.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $176M 42% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$38M 9.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $30M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $418M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $156M 34% of world imports
- 2 Germany $84M 18% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $45M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $459M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 codes for ambergris
Brazil splits HS 0510.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0510.00.10Bovine pancreas for pharmaceutical use
- 0510.00.90Other ambergris, musk, bile and gland products
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ambergris
What is the HS code for Ambergris?
The HS code for Ambergris is 051000 (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). The HS code for ambergris is 051000. This code covers ambergris and other specified animal products, such as castoreum, civet, and musk, primarily when intended for pharmaceutical purposes, in various states of preservation.
How do I classify Ambergris for customs?
Ambergris is classified under HS code 051000 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary uses of ambergris in commerce?
Historically, ambergris has been highly prized in the perfumery industry as a fixative, enhancing the longevity and complexity of fragrances. It has also been used in traditional medicine across various cultures for its purported therapeutic properties. While its use in modern perfumery has largely shifted to synthetic alternatives due to ethical and conservation concerns, its historical significance and potential for specific applications remain relevant to its classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of ambergris (HS 051000)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 051000 (the code used for ambergris) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($176M, 42% of world exports), Russia (about $38M) and the United States ($30M). World exports came to about $418M, 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 ambergris (HS 051000)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 051000 (the code used for ambergris) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($156M, 34% of world imports), Germany ($84M) and South Korea ($45M). World imports came to about $459M, 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.
Is the HS code for Ambergris the same in all countries?
The base HS code 051000 for Ambergris is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for ambergris in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 051000 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for ambergris depends on the product's details: 0510.00.10 (Bovine pancreas for pharmaceutical use), 0510.00.90 (Other ambergris, musk, bile and gland products).