Product classification
HS code for Breeding cattle: 0102.21
Cattle, live, pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of breeding cattle under HS 0102.21
Pure-bred breeding cattle are classified under HS code 010221. This code is part of the broader category for live bovine animals under Heading 0102. The classification specifically identifies \"Cattle\" (Bos taurus) that are certified as pure-bred breeding stock. Similar to other live animal classifications in Chapter 01, the primary factor for this HS code is the biological species and the documented pedigree of the animal. This code excludes other bovines like buffalo or yaks, which have their own specific subheadings. The classification is essential for monitoring genetic diversity in livestock and managing trade policies that favor the improvement of herds. Importers must provide valid breeding certificates to justify the use of 010221, otherwise, the animals may be relegated to general cattle categories which are often subject to higher duties or different sanitary controls. The distinction between breeding stock and commercial livestock is a fundamental principle of agricultural customs classification.
- Covers
- Pure-bred breeding cows (Bos taurus)
- Pure-bred breeding bulls
- Certified pedigree heifers
- Registered breeding calves
- Also under 0102.21
- ABS Global (breeding stock)
- Semex Alliance (genetics)
- top-tier dairy farms
- elite beef ranches
- embryo transfer programs
Codes often confused with 0102.21
Common mistake. Cattle are often misclassified under 010229, which is the code for other live cattle (non-breeding). If the animal lacks a formal pedigree, it must be classified there. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with 010231 (breeding buffalo). It is also important not to confuse the live animal with its genetic material, such as bovine semen, which is classified under 051110.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010221 (the code used for breeding cattle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010221 (the code used for breeding cattle) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 28% 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 010221, not only breeding cattle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $156M 12% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $153M 12% of world exports
- 3 France $146M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $360M 28% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $139M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $120M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 codes for breeding cattle
Brazil splits HS 0102.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0102.21.10Pure-bred breeding cattle, pregnant or with calf
- 0102.21.90Other pure-bred breeding cattle
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about breeding cattle
What is the HS code for Breeding cattle?
The HS code for Breeding cattle is 010221 (Cattle; live, pure-bred breeding animals).
How do I classify Breeding cattle for customs?
Breeding cattle is classified under HS code 010221 — Cattle; live, pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for pure-bred breeding cattle?
The international HS code for live, pure-bred breeding cattle is 010221.
Does this code include dairy cows?
Only if the dairy cow is a certified pure-bred animal intended for breeding. General dairy cattle not certified as pure-bred breeding stock fall under 010229.
Which countries are the top exporters of breeding cattle (HS 010221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010221 (the code used for breeding cattle) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($156M, 12% of world exports), the Netherlands ($153M) and France ($146M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 breeding cattle (HS 010221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010221 (the code used for breeding cattle) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($360M, 28% of world imports), Türkiye ($139M) and the Netherlands ($120M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Breeding cattle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010221 for Breeding cattle 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 cattle in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010221 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for breeding cattle depends on the product's details: 0102.21.10 (Pure-bred breeding cattle, pregnant or with calf), 0102.21.90 (Other pure-bred breeding cattle).