Product classification

HS code for Horn cores: 0506.90

Animal products, bones and horn-cores and powder or waste of such, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (not cut to shape), or treated with acid or degelatinised, n.e.c. in heading no. 0506.

Classification of horn cores under HS 0506.90

Horn cores are classified under HS code 0506.90, which covers bones and horn-cores that are unworked, defatted, or simply prepared but not cut to shape. The horn core is the internal bony part of the animal's horn, distinct from the outer keratinous sheath. This classification falls under Chapter 5, which encompasses products of animal origin not elsewhere specified. The criteria for 0506.90 require that the material has not been processed into finished goods or semi-manufactured shapes. Simple preparation methods such as degelatinizing, treating with acid, or basic cleaning do not remove the product from this heading. However, if the horn core is further worked—such as being carved, polished, or turned—it would move to a different chapter entirely. This code is essential for the trade of raw materials used in the production of gelatin, glue, or traditional handicrafts where the raw skeletal structure is required.

Covers
  • Raw horn cores
  • Defatted horn cores
  • Acid-treated horn cores
  • Degelatinized horn cores
  • Waste and powder of horn cores
Also under 0506.90
  • Various agricultural suppliers (for bone meal)
  • bone china manufacturers (e.g., Wedgwood, Royal Doulton - as users of bone ash)
  • craft suppliers for bone carving

Codes often confused with 0506.90

Common mistake. Horn cores are frequently confused with the outer horn sheath, which is classified under HS code 0507.90 along with hooves and nails. While they come from the same part of the animal, the bony core (0506) is treated differently from the keratinous outer layer (0507). Additionally, if the horn core has been worked into a finished product or a recognizable part of a product, it must be classified under 9601.90 as worked animal carving material.

0507.90Animal products; tortoise-shell, whalebone and whalebone hair, horns, antlers, hooves, nails, claws and beaks, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, waste and powder of these products05.06Bones and horn-cores, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (but not cut to shape), treated with acid or degelatinised; powder and waste of these products05.07Ivory, tortoise-shell, whalebone and whalebone hair, horns, antlers, hooves, nails, claws and beaks unworked or simply prepared, not cut to shape; waste and powder of these products9601.90Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding)

Top exporters and importers of HS 050690 (the code used for horn cores), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050690 (the code used for horn cores) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 050690, not only horn cores.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $33M
  2. 2 Germany $31M
  3. 3 Spain $14M

World total: $190M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $47M
  2. 2 Japan $30M
  3. 3 Belgium $26M

World total: $209M 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 horn cores

Brazil classifies horn cores under NCM 0506.90.00: HS 0506.90 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about horn cores

What is the HS code for Horn cores?

The HS code for Horn cores is 050690 (Animal products; bones and horn-cores and powder or waste of such, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (not cut to shape), or treated with acid or degelatinised, n.e.c. in heading no. 0506). The HS code for unworked or simply prepared horn cores is 0506.90.

How do I classify Horn cores for customs?

Horn cores is classified under HS code 050690 — Animal products; bones and horn-cores and powder or waste of such, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (not cut to shape), or treated with acid or degelatinised, n.e.c. in heading no. 0506. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include carved horn items?

No, carved or worked horn items are classified under HS code 9601.90. HS code 0506.90 is strictly for raw or minimally prepared material.

Which countries are the top exporters of horn cores (HS 050690)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050690 (the code used for horn cores) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($33M, 18% of world exports), Germany ($31M) and Spain ($14M). World exports came to about $190M, 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 horn cores (HS 050690)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 050690 (the code used for horn cores) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($47M, 22% of world imports), Japan ($30M) and Belgium ($26M). World imports came to about $209M, 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 Horn cores the same in all countries?

The base HS code 050690 for Horn cores 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 horn cores in Brazil?

In Brazil, horn cores (HS 050690) is classified under NCM 0506.90.00.