Product classification
HS code for Bone powder: 0506.90
Animal products, bones and horn-cores and powder or waste of such, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (not cut to shape), or treated with acid or degelatinised, n.e.c. in heading no. 0506.
Classification of bone powder under HS 0506.90
Bone powder is classified under HS code 0506.90 because it falls under the category of animal products specifically involving bones and horn-cores that have undergone minimal processing. This code includes bones that are unworked, defatted, or simply prepared, such as being ground into powder or treated with acid for degelatinization. The classification hinges on the fact that the material remains essentially bone in nature and has not been further manufactured into specific articles or chemical derivatives. Since bone powder is often a byproduct of the processing of animal carcasses, it is grouped with other bone waste and horn-cores that have not been cut to shape. The inclusion of \"powder\" in the heading description explicitly directs this product to 0506.90, provided it has not been mixed with other substances for use as a prepared fertilizer or animal feed, which would shift the classification to different chapters.
- Covers
- Ground bone powder
- Degelatinized bone powder
- Crushed bone waste
- Unworked bone meal
- Acid-treated bone fragments
- Also under 0506.90
- Various agricultural suppliers (for bone meal)
- bone china manufacturers (e.g., Wedgwood, Royal Doulton - as users of bone ash)
- craft suppliers for bone carving
Codes often confused with 0506.90
Common mistake. Bone powder is frequently confused with HS code 3101.00, which covers animal or vegetable fertilizers. If the bone powder has been chemically treated or mixed with other fertilizing elements, it must be moved to Chapter 31. Additionally, it is sometimes misclassified under 0511.91, which is reserved for fish waste or similar marine products. It is vital to distinguish between simple bone powder (0506.90) and bone ash (2621.90), which is the residue from the incineration of bones.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050690 (the code used for bone powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050690 (the code used for bone powder) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 050690, not only bone powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $33M 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $31M 16% of world exports
- 3 Spain $14M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $190M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $47M 22% of world imports
- 2 Japan $30M 15% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $26M 12% of world imports
World total: $209M 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 bone powder
Brazil classifies bone powder under NCM 0506.90.00: HS 0506.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bone powder
What is the HS code for Bone powder?
The HS code for Bone powder is 050690 (Animal products; bones and horn-cores and powder or waste of such, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (not cut to shape), or treated with acid or degelatinised, n.e.c. in heading no. 0506). The primary HS code for unworked or simply prepared bone powder is 0506.90.
How do I classify Bone powder for customs?
Bone powder is classified under HS code 050690 — Animal products; bones and horn-cores and powder or waste of such, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (not cut to shape), or treated with acid or degelatinised, n.e.c. in heading no. 0506. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include bone meal for animal feed?
No, if the bone powder is specifically prepared as a nutritional supplement for animal feed, it may be classified under HS code 2309.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of bone powder (HS 050690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050690 (the code used for bone powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($33M, 18% of world exports), Germany ($31M) and Spain ($14M). World exports came to about $190M, 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 bone powder (HS 050690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050690 (the code used for bone powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($47M, 22% of world imports), Japan ($30M) and Belgium ($26M). World imports came to about $209M, 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 Bone powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050690 for Bone powder 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 bone powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, bone powder (HS 050690) is classified under NCM 0506.90.00.