Product classification
HS code for Live cattle: 0102.29
Cattle, live, other than pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of live cattle under HS 0102.29
Live cattle are classified under Chapter 1, Heading 01.02, which covers live bovine animals. The Harmonized System distinguishes between different types of bovines, such as cattle, buffalo, and yaks, to allow for specific tariff applications and health monitoring. Subheading 0102.29 is used for cattle (Bos taurus) that are not specifically imported or exported as pure-bred breeding animals. This code typically covers animals intended for slaughter, fattening, or dairy production where the animal does not possess a certified pedigree for breeding purposes. The classification depends heavily on the documentation provided by the exporter. If the animals are not accompanied by official breeding certificates recognized by the importing country's agricultural department, they must be classified under 0102.29. This code is essential for tracking the movement of commercial livestock and ensuring compliance with regional trade quotas and sanitary measures.
- Covers
- Beef cattle for slaughter
- Dairy cows (not for breeding)
- Oxen used for draft purposes
- Steers and heifers
- Calves (over 185kg or not for breeding)
- Also under 0102.29
- Cattle destined for JBS S.A. feedlots
- dairy cows for Arla Foods suppliers
- beef cattle for McDonald's supply chain
- cattle for local butcher shops
Codes often confused with 0102.29
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between 0102.29 and 0102.21. Code 0102.21 is strictly for pure-bred breeding animals. Importers often mistakenly use the breeding code for high-quality commercial cattle that lack the necessary legal certification. Additionally, live cattle are sometimes confused with 0102.39 (Other buffalo) or 0102.90 (Other bovines like yaks), though these are biologically distinct categories within the same heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010229 (the code used for live cattle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010229 (the code used for live cattle) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 21% 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 010229, not only live cattle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $2.5B 22% of world exports
- 2 Canada $1.8B 16% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $1.0B 9.1% of world exports
World total: $11.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $2.7B 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $2.1B 17% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $1.1B 8.4% of world imports
World total: $12.5B 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 cattle
Brazil splits HS 0102.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0102.29.11Non-pure-bred breeding cattle, pregnant/with calf
- 0102.29.19Other cattle for breeding, not pure-bred
- 0102.29.90Other live cattle, not for breeding
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live cattle
What is the HS code for Live cattle?
The HS code for Live cattle is 010229 (Cattle; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals). The HS code for live cattle, other than pure-bred breeding animals, is 0102.29.
How do I classify Live cattle for customs?
Live cattle is classified under HS code 010229 — Cattle; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 0102.21 and 0102.29?
0102.21 is reserved for animals certified as pure-bred breeding stock by official authorities, while 0102.29 covers all other live cattle, including those for meat and milk production.
Which countries are the top exporters of live cattle (HS 010229)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010229 (the code used for live cattle) in UN Comtrade data were France ($2.5B, 22% of world exports), Canada ($1.8B) and Brazil ($1.0B). World exports came to about $11.3B, 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 cattle (HS 010229)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010229 (the code used for live cattle) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($2.7B, 21% of world imports), the United States ($2.1B) and Türkiye ($1.1B). World imports came to about $12.5B, 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 cattle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010229 for Live cattle 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 cattle in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010229 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for live cattle depends on the product's details: 0102.29.11 (Non-pure-bred breeding cattle, pregnant/with calf), 0102.29.19 (Other cattle for breeding, not pure-bred), 0102.29.90 (Other live cattle, not for breeding).