Product classification
HS code for Botanical specimens: 9705.21
Collections and collectors' pieces, of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, human specimens and parts thereof.
Classification of botanical specimens under HS 9705.21
Botanical specimens intended for scientific collections or display are classified under HS code 9705.21. This code is part of Chapter 97, which covers works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques. Heading 9705 is specifically designed for collections and collectors' pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, or palaeontological interest. The subheading 9705.21 was refined in the 2022 HS nomenclature updates to provide better tracking for natural science specimens. For a product to be classified here, it must meet the criteria of being a 'collectors' piece,' meaning it is valued for its rarity or scientific significance and is not intended for standard commercial use. These specimens are often preserved, dried, or mounted on herbarium sheets. The classification reflects the item's status as a scientific object rather than a commercial plant product.
- Covers
- Dried plant specimens mounted on herbarium sheets
- Preserved seeds or fruits for scientific study
- Botanical collections for museum display
- Pressed flowers for botanical research
- Plant parts preserved in resin for educational purposes
- Also under 9705.21
- 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. Botanical specimens are frequently misclassified under Chapter 06 (Live trees and other plants) or Chapter 12 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit). For example, dried plants for decorative use are classified under 0604.90, while plants used in perfumery or pharmacy fall under 1211.90. The distinction lies in the intent: 9705.21 is strictly for items of scientific or 'collectors' interest, whereas the other codes are for commercial or industrial use.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970521 (the code used for botanical specimens), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970521 (the code used for botanical specimens) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 970521, not only botanical specimens.
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 botanical specimens
Brazil classifies botanical specimens under NCM 9705.21.00: HS 9705.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about botanical specimens
What is the HS code for Botanical specimens?
The HS code for Botanical specimens is 970521 (Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, human specimens and parts thereof). The HS code for botanical specimens of scientific or collectors' interest is 9705.21.
How do I classify Botanical specimens for customs?
Botanical specimens is classified under HS code 970521 — Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, human specimens and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can live plants be classified under this code?
No, live plants are almost always classified in Chapter 06. HS code 9705.21 is reserved for preserved or dead specimens that form part of a scientific collection.
Which countries are the top exporters of botanical specimens (HS 970521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970521 (the code used for botanical specimens) 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 botanical specimens (HS 970521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970521 (the code used for botanical specimens) 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.
Is the HS code for Botanical specimens the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970521 for Botanical specimens 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 botanical specimens in Brazil?
In Brazil, botanical specimens (HS 970521) is classified under NCM 9705.21.00.