Product classification
HS code for Cattle semen: 0511.10
Animal products, bovine semen.
Classification of cattle semen under HS 0511.10
Cattle semen is classified under HS code 0511.10. This classification is found in Chapter 05, which covers products of animal origin not elsewhere specified or included. Heading 0511 is a broad category for animal products that are not fit for human consumption and are not covered by other chapters of the Harmonized System. Subheading 0511.10 is specifically dedicated to bovine semen. This product is primarily used in the agricultural sector for artificial insemination to improve livestock genetics. The classification is straightforward because of the specific subheading provided for bovine species, reflecting the high volume and economic importance of this commodity in global trade. The product is typically transported in a frozen state using liquid nitrogen containers (cryogenic flasks), but the HS code remains 0511.10 regardless of the temperature or the specific breed of the cattle from which it was collected.
- Covers
- Frozen bovine semen straws
- Fresh or chilled cattle semen
- Semen from domestic bulls (Bos taurus)
- Semen from zebu bulls (Bos indicus)
- Sexed semen for dairy or beef production
- Also under 0511.10
- ABS Global bovine semen
- Genex Cooperative dairy semen
- Select Sires beef semen
- Alta Genetics genetic products.
Codes often confused with 0511.10
Common mistake. Cattle semen is occasionally misclassified under 0511.99, which is the residual category for "other" animal products. This usually happens if the person classifying the goods is unaware of the specific 0511.10 subheading. Another potential error involves confusing the semen with animal embryos, which are classified under 0511.99 or 0511.91 depending on the species and state. It is also important not to confuse the biological product with the specialized transport containers (Chapter 73 or 96) or the insemination tools (Chapter 90).
Top exporters and importers of HS 051110 (the code used for cattle semen), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 051110 (the code used for cattle semen) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.1% 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 051110, not only cattle semen.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $256M 44% of world exports
- 2 Canada $124M 21% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $55M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $577M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $44M 8.1% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $39M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $36M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $547M 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 cattle semen
Brazil classifies cattle semen under NCM 0511.10.00: HS 0511.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cattle semen
What is the HS code for Cattle semen?
The HS code for Cattle semen is 051110 (Animal products; bovine semen). The specific HS code for bovine (cattle) semen is 0511.10.
How do I classify Cattle semen for customs?
Cattle semen is classified under HS code 051110 — Animal products; bovine semen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is there a different code for frozen vs. fresh semen?
No, both frozen and fresh bovine semen are classified under the same HS code, 0511.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of cattle semen (HS 051110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 051110 (the code used for cattle semen) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($256M, 44% of world exports), Canada ($124M) and the Netherlands ($55M). World exports came to about $577M, 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 semen (HS 051110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 051110 (the code used for cattle semen) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($44M, 8.1% of world imports), Brazil ($39M) and the United Kingdom ($36M). World imports came to about $547M, 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 semen the same in all countries?
The base HS code 051110 for Cattle semen 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 semen in Brazil?
In Brazil, cattle semen (HS 051110) is classified under NCM 0511.10.00.