Product classification
HS code for Decorative feathers: 0505.90
Animal products, skins and other parts of birds, feathers and down (not for stuffing), powder and waste of such, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation.
Classification of decorative feathers under HS 0505.90
Decorative feathers are classified under HS code 0505.90. This heading covers skins and other parts of birds with their feathers or down, feathers and parts of feathers, and down, provided they are not further worked than cleaned, disinfected, or treated for preservation. The classification is based on the raw or semi-processed state of the animal product. According to the Chapter 5 notes, feathers used for ornamentation remain in this category as long as they have not been processed into finished articles or undergone significant structural modification. If the feathers are merely cleaned to remove pathogens and dirt, they are considered raw materials for the fashion, millinery, or craft industries. The HS code 0505.90 acts as a catch-all for bird parts not intended for stuffing (which would fall under 0505.10) and not yet transformed into the manufactured goods of Chapter 67.
- Covers
- Cleaned ostrich feathers for millinery
- Peacock feathers used in floral arrangements
- Bird skins with feathers preserved for display
- Feather shafts and barbs for craft use
- Down feathers not intended for upholstery or bedding stuffing
- Also under 0505.90
- Whiting Farms (fly-tying feathers)
- various millinery suppliers
- craft stores selling decorative feathers
- taxidermy supply companies
Codes often confused with 0505.90
Common mistake. Decorative feathers are often confused with HS code 6701.00. The distinction is the degree of "working." If feathers are mounted on a wire, dyed, or assembled into a fringe or a fan, they must be classified under 6701.00 as "worked feathers." Another common error is 0505.10, which is strictly for feathers of a kind used for stuffing (like duck or goose down for jackets). If the feathers are primarily for decoration rather than insulation, 0505.90 is the correct choice. Finally, synthetic feathers made of plastic are classified in Chapter 39, not 0505.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050590 (the code used for decorative feathers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050590 (the code used for decorative feathers) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 30% 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 050590, not only decorative feathers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $54M 31% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $35M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $22M 13% of world exports
World total: $177M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$42M 30% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Indonesia $36M 26% of world imports
- 3 China $18M 13% of world imports
World total: $139M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 decorative feathers
Brazil classifies decorative feathers under NCM 0505.90.00: HS 0505.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about decorative feathers
What is the HS code for Decorative feathers?
The HS code for Decorative feathers is 050590 (Animal products; skins and other parts of birds, feathers and down (not for stuffing), powder and waste of such, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation). The HS code for raw or simply cleaned decorative feathers is 0505.90.
How do I classify Decorative feathers for customs?
Decorative feathers is classified under HS code 050590 — Animal products; skins and other parts of birds, feathers and down (not for stuffing), powder and waste of such, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are dyed feathers classified under 0505.90?
Generally, no. Once feathers are dyed or bleached for ornamental use, many customs authorities consider them "worked" and reclassify them under HS code 6701.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of decorative feathers (HS 050590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050590 (the code used for decorative feathers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($54M, 31% of world exports), the Netherlands ($35M) and China ($22M). World exports came to about $177M, 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 decorative feathers (HS 050590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050590 (the code used for decorative feathers) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $42M, 30% of world imports), Indonesia ($36M) and China ($18M). World imports came to about $139M, 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 Decorative feathers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050590 for Decorative feathers 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 decorative feathers in Brazil?
In Brazil, decorative feathers (HS 050590) is classified under NCM 0505.90.00.