Product classification
HS code for Live buffalo: 0102.39
Buffalo, live, other than pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of live buffalo under HS 0102.39
HS code 010239 is designated for live buffalo that are not pure-bred breeding animals. This classification is part of Heading 0102, which covers all live bovine animals. The Harmonized System distinguishes between cattle, buffalo, and other bovines at the four-digit level, and then further differentiates by use (breeding vs. other) at the six-digit level. Buffalo classified under 010239 are typically those intended for meat production, dairy, or draft work, rather than those certified for genetic improvement programs. The term "buffalo" in this context primarily refers to the Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Proper documentation of the animal's status as "other than pure-bred" is necessary to justify the use of this code over 010231. This classification is vital for agricultural trade, as many countries have different tariff rates and sanitary requirements for buffalo compared to standard bovine cattle. Importers must provide veterinary certificates that clearly identify the species. The distinction between pure-bred and "other" is usually supported by pedigree certificates issued by official breeding associations; in the absence of such documentation, the animal must be classified under 010239.
- Covers
- Live water buffalo for meat production
- Live water buffalo for milk production (non-breeding)
- Draft buffalo used for agricultural labor
- Buffalo calves not intended for certified breeding programs
- Also under 0102.39
- Buffalo for meat markets in Vietnam
- working buffalo in rice paddies in Thailand
- commercial buffalo dairy farms in Italy
- buffalo for local farm labor
Codes often confused with 0102.39
Common mistake. A frequent mistake is classifying buffalo under 010229, which is reserved for domestic cattle (Bos taurus). While both are bovines, the HS system requires buffalo to be separated into the 01023X series. Another common error is using 010231 for all buffalo; 010231 is strictly for "pure-bred breeding animals." If the buffalo does not have official breeding papers, it must be classified under 010239.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010239 (the code used for live buffalo), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010239 (the code used for live buffalo) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 88% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 85% 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 010239, not only live buffalo.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $54M 88% of world exports
- 2 France $2.2M 3.7% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $1.5M 2.5% of world exports
World total: $61M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $54M 85% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $4.8M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Italy $1.7M 2.6% of world imports
World total: $64M 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 codes for live buffalo
Brazil splits HS 0102.39 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0102.39.11Non-pure-bred breeding buffalo, pregnant/with calf
- 0102.39.19Other buffalo for breeding, not pure-bred
- 0102.39.90Other live buffalo, not for breeding
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live buffalo
What is the HS code for Live buffalo?
The HS code for Live buffalo is 010239 (Buffalo; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals).
How do I classify Live buffalo for customs?
Live buffalo is classified under HS code 010239 — Buffalo; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for water buffalo?
Live water buffalo (not for breeding) are classified under HS code 010239.
How do I distinguish between 010231 and 010239?
010231 is only for animals with official pedigree documentation for breeding, while 010239 is for all other live buffalo.
Which countries are the top exporters of live buffalo (HS 010239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010239 (the code used for live buffalo) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($54M, 88% of world exports), France ($2.2M) and Thailand ($1.5M). World exports came to about $61M, 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 buffalo (HS 010239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010239 (the code used for live buffalo) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($54M, 85% of world imports), Indonesia ($4.8M) and Italy ($1.7M). World imports came to about $64M, 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 buffalo the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010239 for Live buffalo 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 buffalo in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010239 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for live buffalo depends on the product's details: 0102.39.11 (Non-pure-bred breeding buffalo, pregnant/with calf), 0102.39.19 (Other buffalo for breeding, not pure-bred), 0102.39.90 (Other live buffalo, not for breeding).