Product classification
HS code for Bird skins: 0505.90
Animal products, skins and other parts of birds, feathers and down (not for stuffing), powder and waste of such, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation.
Classification of bird skins under HS 0505.90
Bird skins are classified under HS code 0505.90. This heading covers skins and other parts of birds, including feathers and down, provided they have not been further worked than cleaned, disinfected, or treated for preservation. The classification falls within Chapter 5, which encompasses products of animal origin not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 0505.90 specifically excludes feathers and down used for stuffing (which fall under 0505.10) and focuses on the skins and parts used for other purposes, such as fly-tying, ornamental use, or scientific study. To remain in this category, the skins must not be tanned, dressed, or mounted. The preservation methods allowed include salting, drying, or the use of sulfur dioxide, which prevents decay during transport without transforming the skin into a finished leather or ornamental product.
- Covers
- Dried bird skins for fly-tying (e.g., capes and saddles)
- Cleaned skins with feathers for millinery
- Bird skins preserved for museum collections (not mounted)
- Scraps and waste of bird skins
- Skins of birds with down, not for stuffing
- Also under 0505.90
- Whiting Farms (fly-tying feathers)
- various millinery suppliers
- craft stores selling decorative feathers
- taxidermy supply companies
Codes often confused with 0505.90
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 6701.00, which covers skins and other parts of birds with their feathers or down that have been worked, such as being bleached, dyed, curled, or adjusted for ornamental use. If the bird skin has been mounted (taxidermy), it is often classified under 9705.00 as a specimen of zoological interest. Another error is using 0505.10, which is strictly for feathers of a kind used for stuffing (like duck or goose down for pillows). Importers must distinguish between raw/preserved skins (0505.90) and those that have undergone significant aesthetic processing (6701.00).
Top exporters and importers of HS 050590 (the code used for bird skins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050590 (the code used for bird skins) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 30% 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 050590, not only bird skins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $54M 31% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $35M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $22M 13% of world exports
World total: $177M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$42M 30% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Indonesia $36M 26% of world imports
- 3 China $18M 13% of world imports
World total: $139M 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 bird skins
Brazil classifies bird skins under NCM 0505.90.00: HS 0505.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bird skins
What is the HS code for Bird skins?
The HS code for Bird skins is 050590 (Animal products; skins and other parts of birds, feathers and down (not for stuffing), powder and waste of such, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation). The HS code for bird skins that are cleaned or preserved but not further worked is 0505.90.
How do I classify Bird skins for customs?
Bird skins is classified under HS code 050590 — Animal products; skins and other parts of birds, feathers and down (not for stuffing), powder and waste of such, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are taxidermy birds classified here?
No, fully mounted taxidermy birds are generally classified under HS code 9705.00 as collections and collectors' pieces of zoological interest, rather than raw animal products under 0505.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of bird skins (HS 050590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050590 (the code used for bird skins) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($54M, 31% of world exports), the Netherlands ($35M) and China ($22M). World exports came to about $177M, 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 bird skins (HS 050590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050590 (the code used for bird skins) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $42M, 30% of world imports), Indonesia ($36M) and China ($18M). World imports came to about $139M, 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 Bird skins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050590 for Bird skins 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 bird skins in Brazil?
In Brazil, bird skins (HS 050590) is classified under NCM 0505.90.00.