Product classification
HS code for Breeding horses: 0101.21
Horses, live, pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of breeding horses under HS 0101.21
The classification of live animals under the Harmonized System is governed primarily by the species and the biological status of the animal. For horses, the primary heading is 0101, which covers horses, asses, mules, and hinnies. Within this heading, subheading 0101.21 is specifically reserved for "pure-bred breeding animals." To be classified under this code, the horse must meet stringent criteria established by international agricultural standards. Generally, this requires the importer to provide a certificate of pedigree or a registration document from a recognized breed association or studbook. This classification is critical because pure-bred breeding animals often benefit from lower duty rates or exemptions compared to "other" horses (0101.29) to encourage the improvement of livestock genetics. The determination is based on the animal's status at the time of import. If the documentation is missing or the animal is not registered in an official studbook, it must be classified under the residual category for other horses, regardless of its physical appearance or perceived quality. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here to ensure the product is placed in the most specific category available.
- Covers
- Pure-bred stallions for reproduction
- Registered pure-bred mares
- Young pure-bred horses intended for future breeding
- Horses with certified pedigree documentation
- Also under 0101.21
- Darley Stud (Godolphin) breeding stock
- Coolmore Stud stallions
- Olympic show jumping prospects
- elite polo pony broodmares
Codes often confused with 0101.21
Common mistake. The most frequent error is classifying breeding horses under HS code 0101.29, which is for "other" horses. This usually happens when the importer lacks the necessary pedigree certification at the time of customs clearance. Additionally, asses and mules are sometimes confused with horses but must be classified under 0101.30 or 0101.90 respectively.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010121 (the code used for breeding horses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010121 (the code used for breeding horses) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 39% 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 010121, not only breeding horses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $428M 25% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $414M 24% of world exports
- 3 United States $273M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $608M 39% of world imports
- 2 Ireland $387M 25% of world imports
- 3 France $115M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 breeding horses
Brazil classifies breeding horses under NCM 0101.21.00: HS 0101.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about breeding horses
What is the HS code for Breeding horses?
The HS code for Breeding horses is 010121 (Horses; live, pure-bred breeding animals). The HS code for live, pure-bred breeding horses is 0101.21.
How do I classify Breeding horses for customs?
Breeding horses is classified under HS code 010121 — Horses; live, pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What documentation is required for this classification?
Importers must typically provide a certificate of pedigree or registration in a recognized studbook to justify the use of code 0101.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of breeding horses (HS 010121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010121 (the code used for breeding horses) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($428M, 25% of world exports), Ireland ($414M) and the United States ($273M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 horses (HS 010121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010121 (the code used for breeding horses) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($608M, 39% of world imports), Ireland ($387M) and France ($115M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 horses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010121 for Breeding horses 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 horses in Brazil?
In Brazil, breeding horses (HS 010121) is classified under NCM 0101.21.00.