Product classification
HS code for Live animals: 0106.90
Animals, live, n.e.c. in chapter 01, other than mammals, reptiles, birds and insects.
Classification of live animals under HS 0106.90
HS code 0106.90 serves as a residual classification for live animals that do not fit into the more specific categories defined earlier in Chapter 1. Chapter 1 generally covers all live animals except for fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates (which fall under Chapter 3) and microorganisms (Chapter 30). Heading 0106 includes "Other live animals," and subheading 0106.90 is the "Other" category within that heading, excluding mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. This code is used for various invertebrates and other organisms that are not specifically named elsewhere. Classification under 0106.90 requires a process of elimination: one must first verify the animal is not a horse, bovine, swine, sheep, goat, poultry, or any of the specific animals listed in 0101 through 0105, nor an insect, bird, or reptile under 0106.11 through 0106.49. This code is essential for the trade of specialized biological organisms and certain pets that do not fall under standard livestock or common pet categories.
- Covers
- Live earthworms
- Live leeches
- Live sea urchins (not for human consumption)
- Live starfish
- Other live aquatic invertebrates not in Chapter 3
- Also under 0106.90
- Petco (hermit crabs, frogs)
- various online exotic pet stores
- public aquariums
- biological supply companies
Codes often confused with 0106.90
Common mistake. HS code 0106.19 (Other mammals) is a frequent error for animals like pet hamsters or dogs. 0106.90 should only be used for animals that are not mammals, birds, reptiles, or insects. Another confusion arises with Chapter 3; live aquatic invertebrates intended for human consumption, like sea urchins or sea cucumbers, are classified in 0308, not 0106.90. It is critical to determine the end-use and biological type before applying this residual code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010690 (the code used for live animals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010690 (the code used for live animals) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% 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 010690, not only live animals.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $110M 44% of world exports
- 2 Canada $40M 16% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $21M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $253M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $82M 34% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $30M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $19M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $242M 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 live animals
Brazil classifies live animals under NCM 0106.90.00: HS 0106.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live animals
What is the HS code for Live animals?
The HS code for Live animals is 010690 (Animals; live, n.e.c. in chapter 01, other than mammals, reptiles, birds and insects). The HS code for live animals not elsewhere classified (excluding mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects) is 0106.90.
How do I classify Live animals for customs?
Live animals is classified under HS code 010690 — Animals; live, n.e.c. in chapter 01, other than mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are live insects classified here?
No, live insects are classified under subheadings 0106.41 through 0106.49.
Which countries are the top exporters of live animals (HS 010690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010690 (the code used for live animals) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($110M, 44% of world exports), Canada ($40M) and Denmark ($21M). World exports came to about $253M, 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 live animals (HS 010690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010690 (the code used for live animals) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($82M, 34% of world imports), the Netherlands ($30M) and Germany ($19M). World imports came to about $242M, 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 Live animals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010690 for Live animals 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 live animals in Brazil?
In Brazil, live animals (HS 010690) is classified under NCM 0106.90.00.