Product classification
HS code for Fossils: 9705.22
Collections and collectors' pieces, of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, extinct or endangered species and parts thereof.
Classification of fossils under HS 9705.22
Fossils are classified under HS code 9705.22. This classification is part of Chapter 97, which is dedicated to works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques. Specifically, Heading 9705 covers collections and collectors' pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, palaeontological, ethnographic, or numismatic interest. Following the 2022 updates to the Harmonized System, new subheadings were created to better track trade in specimens of extinct or endangered species. Subheading 9705.22 is explicitly for palaeontological specimens (fossils) of extinct species. The classification is based on the scientific and historical value of the item rather than its physical material (such as stone or calcium carbonate). This ensures that items of significant scientific interest are tracked separately from commercial mineral products.
- Covers
- Dinosaur bones and skeletal remains
- Fossilized insects in amber
- Trilobites and ammonites
- Petrified wood (when of palaeontological interest)
- Fossilized plant impressions in rock
- Prehistoric shark teeth (Megalodon)
- Also under 9705.22
- Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils
- woolly mammoth ivory (pre-ban, with permits)
- specimens of extinct insects
- preserved thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) remains
- fossilized trilobites
Codes often confused with 9705.22
Common mistake. Fossils are frequently misclassified under HS code 2506 (quartz and quartzite) or other headings in Chapter 25 (salt, sulfur, earths, and stone) because they are often found embedded in or composed of mineral matter. However, Chapter 25 excludes items of scientific or collectors' interest. They may also be confused with HS code 9706.00 (antiques over 100 years old); however, 9705 is more specific for palaeontological items and takes precedence over the general antique heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970522 (the code used for fossils), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970522 (the code used for fossils) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 55% 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 970522, not only fossils.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $36M 53% of world exports
- 2 Germany $22M 33% of world exports
- 3 Canada $3.0M 4.4% of world exports
World total: $68M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Denmark $33M 55% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $6.6M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$3.5M 6.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $59M 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 fossils
Brazil classifies fossils under NCM 9705.22.00: HS 9705.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fossils
What is the HS code for Fossils?
The HS code for Fossils is 970522 (Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, extinct or endangered species and parts thereof).
How do I classify Fossils for customs?
Fossils is classified under HS code 970522 — Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, extinct or endangered species and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a dinosaur fossil?
The HS code for a dinosaur fossil is 9705.22.
Do fossils require special export permits?
Yes, many countries require cultural heritage or palaeontological permits for the export of fossils, even though the HS code 9705.22 is used for customs declaration.
Which countries are the top exporters of fossils (HS 970522)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970522 (the code used for fossils) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($36M, 53% of world exports), Germany ($22M) and Canada ($3.0M). World exports came to about $68M, 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 fossils (HS 970522)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970522 (the code used for fossils) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($33M, 55% of world imports), Belgium ($6.6M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $3.5M). World imports came to about $59M, 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 Fossils the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970522 for Fossils 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 fossils in Brazil?
In Brazil, fossils (HS 970522) is classified under NCM 9705.22.00.