Product classification
HS code for Apes: 0106.11
Mammals, live, primates.
Classification of apes under HS 0106.11
Apes are classified under HS code 0106.11, which is the specific designation for live primates. Chapter 1 of the Harmonized System covers all live animals, with the first five headings reserved for common livestock such as horses, cattle, swine, sheep, and poultry. Heading 0106 serves as a residual category for other live animals that do not fit into the primary livestock groups. Subheading 0106.11 is specifically allocated to primates, a biological order that includes all species of apes, monkeys, and prosimians. This classification is vital for international trade monitoring, particularly for species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the animal is being transported for zoological exhibition, research, or conservation purposes, as long as the animal is alive during transit.
- Covers
- Live Chimpanzees
- Live Gorillas
- Live Orangutans
- Live Gibbons
- Live Bonobos
- Live Siamangs
- Also under 0106.11
- Charles River Laboratories (research primates)
- Primate Products Inc.
- San Diego Zoo (gorillas)
- S.P.R.C. (primates for research)
Codes often confused with 0106.11
Common mistake. Apes are sometimes misclassified under the general livestock codes 0101 through 0105 by inexperienced shippers, but these codes are strictly for domesticated farm animals. Another common error is attempting to use HS code 0106.19, which is a catch-all for other mammals not elsewhere specified. However, because primates have their own specific subheading (0106.11), using the general mammal code is technically incorrect. Furthermore, if the animal is not live (e.g., a specimen for a museum), it would be classified under 9705 or 0511 rather than Chapter 1.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010611 (the code used for apes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010611 (the code used for apes) in UN Comtrade data was Cambodia, with about 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% 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 010611, not only apes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Cambodia* ~$230M 43% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$152M 28% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Mauritius $121M 22% of world exports
World total: $540M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $198M 36% of world imports
- 2 China $135M 25% of world imports
- 3 Canada $56M 10% of world imports
World total: $543M 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 code for apes
Brazil classifies apes under NCM 0106.11.00: HS 0106.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about apes
What is the HS code for Apes?
The HS code for Apes is 010611 (Mammals; live, primates). The HS code for live apes is 0106.11, which covers all live primates.
How do I classify Apes for customs?
Apes is classified under HS code 010611 — Mammals; live, primates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to monkeys as well?
Yes, HS code 0106.11 applies to all primates, including both apes and monkeys.
Which countries are the top exporters of apes (HS 010611)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010611 (the code used for apes) in UN Comtrade data were Cambodia (about $230M, 43% of world exports), Vietnam (about $152M) and Mauritius ($121M). World exports came to about $540M, 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 apes (HS 010611)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010611 (the code used for apes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($198M, 36% of world imports), China ($135M) and Canada ($56M). World imports came to about $543M, 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 Apes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010611 for Apes 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 apes in Brazil?
In Brazil, apes (HS 010611) is classified under NCM 0106.11.00.