Product classification
HS code for Live chickens: 0105.94
Poultry, live, fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, weighing more than 185g.
Classification of live chickens under HS 0105.94
Live chickens, specifically the species Gallus domesticus, are classified under Heading 01.05, which covers live poultry. The Harmonized System further divides these birds based on their weight to distinguish between young hatchlings and mature birds. Subheading 0105.94 is reserved for chickens weighing more than 185 grams. This weight threshold is a critical defining factor in the HS nomenclature to separate the trade of "day-old" chicks from older poultry. This code is used for broilers, layers, and breeding stock that have passed the initial growth stage. Classification under this code requires the birds to be alive; slaughtered poultry is classified under Chapter 2. The distinction is vital for veterinary authorities who must apply different quarantine and health inspection protocols for adult birds compared to hatchlings. It also assists in the collection of agricultural statistics regarding the poultry industry's output and trade balance.
- Covers
- Adult roosters and hens
- Broilers (over 185g)
- Pullets (young hens)
- Spent hens (end-of-lay)
- Breeding roosters
- Also under 0105.94
- Lohmann Brown hens
- Hy-Line Brown pullets
- Cobb 500 broilers
- Ross 308 breeding stock
- ISA Brown hens
Codes often confused with 0105.94
Common mistake. Live chickens are most commonly misclassified under 0105.11, which is the code for chicks weighing 185 grams or less. This error often occurs when shipping young birds that have recently crossed the weight threshold. Another common mistake is using 0105.99, which is the residual category for other poultry like ducks or geese. Furthermore, if the chickens are intended for immediate slaughter at the border, some may incorrectly attempt to use Chapter 2 codes (02.07), which are only for meat.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010594 (the code used for live chickens), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010594 (the code used for live chickens) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 45% 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 010594, not only live chickens.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $522M 37% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $156M 11% of world exports
- 3 France $153M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $813M 45% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $238M 13% of world imports
- 3 Poland $174M 9.7% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 chickens
Brazil classifies live chickens under NCM 0105.94.00: HS 0105.94 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live chickens
What is the HS code for Live chickens?
The HS code for Live chickens is 010594 (Poultry; live, fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, weighing more than 185g). The HS code for live chickens weighing more than 185g is 0105.94.
How do I classify Live chickens for customs?
Live chickens is classified under HS code 010594 — Poultry; live, fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, weighing more than 185g. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include roosters?
Yes, all live Gallus domesticus birds, including roosters and hens, are classified under this code if they exceed the 185g weight limit.
Which countries are the top exporters of live chickens (HS 010594)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010594 (the code used for live chickens) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($522M, 37% of world exports), Malaysia ($156M) and France ($153M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 chickens (HS 010594)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010594 (the code used for live chickens) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($813M, 45% of world imports), Belgium ($238M) and Poland ($174M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 chickens the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010594 for Live chickens 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 chickens in Brazil?
In Brazil, live chickens (HS 010594) is classified under NCM 0105.94.00.