Product classification
HS code for Breeding buffalo: 0102.31
Buffalo, live, pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of breeding buffalo under HS 0102.31
Live buffalo intended for breeding purposes are classified under HS code 010231. This classification is situated within Chapter 01, which covers live animals. Heading 0102 specifically addresses live bovine animals. The sub-classification 010231 is reserved for \"pure-bred breeding animals.\" To qualify for this code, the animals must meet specific criteria established by national or international agricultural authorities, often requiring official documentation or pedigrees proving their status as pure-bred. This distinction is crucial for international trade, as breeding animals often benefit from different tariff rates or import regulations compared to animals intended for slaughter or general livestock. The classification follows GRI 1, as the heading and subheading text explicitly define the category based on the species (buffalo) and the intended use/status (pure-bred breeding). The animal must be a live specimen of the Bubalus bubalis species or other buffalo types to fit within the 01023x series.
- Covers
- Pure-bred breeding water buffalo
- Certified breeding river buffalo
- Registered pure-bred swamp buffalo
- Live breeding bovines of the buffalo sub-family
- Also under 0102.31
- Mozzarella di Bufala dairy farms
- specialized buffalo breeding centers in India
- genetic improvement programs in Southeast Asia
- high-yield dairy buffalo farms
Codes often confused with 0102.31
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is HS code 010239, which covers \"other\" buffalo that are not certified as pure-bred breeding animals (such as those for meat or labor). Another error is using 010221, which is specifically for pure-bred breeding cattle (Bos taurus), not buffalo. Accurate species identification is mandatory for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010231 (the code used for breeding buffalo), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010231 (the code used for breeding buffalo) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 99% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 76% of world imports. Mexico reports $135M of its chapter 01 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Nigeria reports $207M of its chapter 01 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 010231, not only breeding buffalo.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $112M 99% of world exports
- 2 Australia $575K 0.5% of world exports
- 3 India $152K 0.1% of world exports
Mexico reports $135M of its chapter 01 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $113M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$86M 76% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Laos* ~$27M 23% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $275K 0.2% of world imports
Nigeria reports $207M of its chapter 01 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $113M 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 breeding buffalo
Brazil splits HS 0102.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0102.31.10Pure-bred breeding buffalo, pregnant or with calf
- 0102.31.90Other pure-bred breeding buffalo
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about breeding buffalo
What is the HS code for Breeding buffalo?
The HS code for Breeding buffalo is 010231 (Buffalo; live, pure-bred breeding animals). The HS code for live, pure-bred breeding buffalo is 010231.
How do I classify Breeding buffalo for customs?
Breeding buffalo is classified under HS code 010231 — Buffalo; live, pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What documentation is needed for this HS code?
Importers typically must provide a pedigree certificate or a breeding certificate from a recognized breed association to justify the pure-bred status.
Which countries are the top exporters of breeding buffalo (HS 010231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010231 (the code used for breeding buffalo) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($112M, 99% of world exports), Australia ($575K) and India ($152K). World exports came to about $113M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $135M of its chapter 01 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of breeding buffalo (HS 010231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010231 (the code used for breeding buffalo) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $86M, 76% of world imports), Laos (about $27M) and Malaysia ($275K). World imports came to about $113M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Nigeria reports $207M of its chapter 01 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Breeding buffalo the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010231 for Breeding buffalo 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 breeding buffalo in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010231 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for breeding buffalo depends on the product's details: 0102.31.10 (Pure-bred breeding buffalo, pregnant or with calf), 0102.31.90 (Other pure-bred breeding buffalo).