Product classification
HS code for Buffalo: 0102.39
Buffalo, live, other than pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of buffalo under HS 0102.39
Live buffalo are classified under HS code 0102.39. This classification is found within Chapter 1 of the Harmonized System, which covers all live animals. Heading 0102 is specifically dedicated to live bovine animals. The international system further categorizes bovines into three main groups: cattle (0102.2x), buffalo (0102.3x), and others (0102.90). Within the buffalo category, a distinction is made between pure-bred breeding animals and others. Subheading 0102.39 is the specific code for buffalo that are not certified as pure-bred breeding stock. This includes animals intended for labor, dairy production, or slaughter. The classification is based on the biological genus (Bubalus) and the intended use of the animal at the time of import or export. It is important to note that this code applies to domestic species; wild buffalo may sometimes be classified elsewhere depending on national customs interpretations of 'wildlife'.
- Covers
- Domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
- River buffalo
- Swamp buffalo
- Live buffalo for commercial meat production
- Non-breeding dairy buffalo
- Also under 0102.39
- Buffalo for meat markets in Vietnam
- working buffalo in rice paddies in Thailand
- commercial buffalo dairy farms in Italy
- buffalo for local farm labor
Codes often confused with 0102.39
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0102.31, which is strictly for pure-bred breeding buffalo. Importers must have official pedigree documentation to use 0102.31. Another error is confusing live animals with their meat; buffalo meat is classified under Chapter 2 (0201 or 0202). Additionally, wild buffalo are sometimes incorrectly placed in 0106.19 (other mammals) instead of 0102.39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010239 (the code used for buffalo), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010239 (the code used for buffalo) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 88% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 85% 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 010239, not only buffalo.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $54M 88% of world exports
- 2 France $2.2M 3.7% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $1.5M 2.5% of world exports
World total: $61M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $54M 85% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $4.8M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Italy $1.7M 2.6% of world imports
World total: $64M 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 buffalo
Brazil splits HS 0102.39 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0102.39.11Non-pure-bred breeding buffalo, pregnant/with calf
- 0102.39.19Other buffalo for breeding, not pure-bred
- 0102.39.90Other live buffalo, not for breeding
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about buffalo
What is the HS code for Buffalo?
The HS code for Buffalo is 010239 (Buffalo; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals). The HS code for live buffalo, other than pure-bred breeding animals, is 0102.39.
How do I classify Buffalo for customs?
Buffalo is classified under HS code 010239 — Buffalo; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include American Bison?
No, American Bison are typically classified under 0102.90 (Other live bovines) as they are distinct from the Bubalus genus covered in 0102.3x.
Which countries are the top exporters of buffalo (HS 010239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010239 (the code used for buffalo) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($54M, 88% of world exports), France ($2.2M) and Thailand ($1.5M). World exports came to about $61M, 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 buffalo (HS 010239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010239 (the code used for buffalo) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($54M, 85% of world imports), Indonesia ($4.8M) and Italy ($1.7M). World imports came to about $64M, 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 Buffalo the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010239 for 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 buffalo in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010239 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for buffalo depends on the product's details: 0102.39.11 (Non-pure-bred breeding buffalo, pregnant/with calf), 0102.39.19 (Other buffalo for breeding, not pure-bred), 0102.39.90 (Other live buffalo, not for breeding).