Product classification
HS code for Cattle: 0102.29
Cattle, live, other than pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of cattle under HS 0102.29
Live cattle are classified under HS code 0102.29. This code is situated within Chapter 01, which covers live animals. Heading 0102 specifically addresses live bovine animals. The subheading 0102.29 is a residual category for "other" live cattle, meaning those that are not classified as pure-bred breeding animals. Pure-bred breeding animals are specifically assigned to 0102.21. The classification 0102.29 covers a wide range of domestic bovine species used for meat production, dairy (non-breeding), or draft purposes. Classification is based on the biological genus (Bos) and the status of the animal's registration or certification as a breeding specimen. For international trade, this code is essential for applying sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, as well as determining applicable tariffs which often differ significantly between breeding stock and commercial cattle.
- Covers
- Live steers and heifers for slaughter
- Commercial dairy cows not certified for breeding
- Oxen used for draft purposes
- Calves intended for veal production
- Bulls intended for commercial beef production
- Also under 0102.29
- Cattle destined for JBS S.A. feedlots
- dairy cows for Arla Foods suppliers
- beef cattle for McDonald's supply chain
- cattle for local butcher shops
Codes often confused with 0102.29
Common mistake. A common error is the confusion between 0102.29 and 0102.21. Importers often mistakenly use 0102.29 for high-quality cattle that are intended for breeding but lack the official "pure-bred" certification required by customs authorities. Additionally, cattle may be confused with other bovines like buffalo (0102.39) or yaks (0102.90). It is also important to distinguish live animals from their meat products; once slaughtered, the classification shifts to Chapter 02 (e.g., 0201 for fresh or chilled beef).
Top exporters and importers of HS 010229 (the code used for cattle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010229 (the code used for cattle) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 21% 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 010229, not only cattle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $2.5B 22% of world exports
- 2 Canada $1.8B 16% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $1.0B 9.1% of world exports
World total: $11.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $2.7B 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $2.1B 17% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $1.1B 8.4% of world imports
World total: $12.5B 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 cattle
Brazil splits HS 0102.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0102.29.11Non-pure-bred breeding cattle, pregnant/with calf
- 0102.29.19Other cattle for breeding, not pure-bred
- 0102.29.90Other live cattle, not for breeding
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cattle
What is the HS code for Cattle?
The HS code for Cattle is 010229 (Cattle; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals). The HS code for live cattle, other than pure-bred breeding animals, is 0102.29.
How do I classify Cattle for customs?
Cattle is classified under HS code 010229 — Cattle; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 0102.29 include water buffalo?
No, water buffalo are classified separately under subheading 0102.39.
Which countries are the top exporters of cattle (HS 010229)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010229 (the code used for cattle) in UN Comtrade data were France ($2.5B, 22% of world exports), Canada ($1.8B) and Brazil ($1.0B). World exports came to about $11.3B, 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 cattle (HS 010229)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010229 (the code used for cattle) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($2.7B, 21% of world imports), the United States ($2.1B) and Türkiye ($1.1B). World imports came to about $12.5B, 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 Cattle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010229 for 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 cattle in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010229 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for cattle depends on the product's details: 0102.29.11 (Non-pure-bred breeding cattle, pregnant/with calf), 0102.29.19 (Other cattle for breeding, not pure-bred), 0102.29.90 (Other live cattle, not for breeding).